M&P Enforcement Officer #00418

DHRM • Harrisonburg, VA

3d • Remote

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified self-motivated individual to serve as an Enforcement Officer for the Office of Meat and Poultry Services. Following completion of classroom & field training in multiple areas of the state, the selected candidate will be based in & responsible for the central part of the state. Duties include but are not limited to: investigating complaints related to meat and poultry products and processing; maintaining surveillance of industry practices and the handling and transportation of products in commerce; conducting unscheduled and scheduled reviews of industry operations to ensure compliance with state/federal meat & poultry laws; collecting testimony and evidence; assisting Commonwealth Attorneys in preparing case files, obtaining warrants and subpoenas, and testifying in court cases; preparing comprehensive reports; and maintaining accurate records of regional compliance activities. The Enforcement Officer will also be responsible for performing inspection duties to include poultry exemption, custom exemption, and processing coverage. The selected candidate will establish and work from a home office and be require to live in the assigned territory that covers the counties (including the cities and towns within) of Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Buckingham, Craig, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Greene, Highland, Montgomery, Nelson, Page, Prince Edward, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, and Shenandoah. The use of a state vehicle is provided for business use only and frequent overnight travel is required and may include areas outside of the assigned territory.

Requirements

• Significant knowledge of the meat industry including products, processing, regulations and enforcement of applicable laws.
• Knowledge of, or experience, in poultry exempt slaughter and processing operations, and facilities operating under custom exemption.
• Proficiency using standard professional computer software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply laws/regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public in order to facilitate investigations.
• Demonstrated ability to gather, understand and analyze pertinent data in investigations and render reasonable and rational decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and present a polite and professional image to all clients including communicating effectively both orally and in writing using proper business language and grammar.
• Must display high standards of ethical conduct; refrain from dishonest behavior; display a high level of initiative, effort, attention to detail and commitment by completing assignments efficiently with minimal supervision; follow policies; cooperate with others and align behavior with the goals of the agency.
• Must have (or be eligible for) & maintain a valid driver’s license & have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety.
• Must be able to meet travel and physical demands to include frequent overnight travel and considerable physical activity to include the ability to withstand temperature variations, drive great distances, lift, walk in areas with slippery floors and hazardous equipment in operation, and be able to distinguish subtle color changes.
• Must be able to meet the requirements for USDA/FSIS federal enforcement certification during the first 12 months of employment.
• H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Nice To Haves

• A combination of related education, training and experience indicating of the proceeding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of animal science, agriculture, and food science/microbiology or related field along with experience conducting investigations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigating complaints related to meat and poultry products and processing.
• Maintaining surveillance of industry practices and the handling and transportation of products in commerce.
• Conducting unscheduled and scheduled reviews of industry operations to ensure compliance with state/federal meat & poultry laws.
• Collecting testimony and evidence.
• Assisting Commonwealth Attorneys in preparing case files, obtaining warrants and subpoenas, and testifying in court cases.
• Preparing comprehensive reports.
• Maintaining accurate records of regional compliance activities.
• Performing inspection duties to include poultry exemption, custom exemption, and processing coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED