Food Safety Specialist #00429

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Hanover, VA

10d • $47,722 - $62,493 • Remote

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a self-motivated person to become part of our Food Safety team. This position is responsible for the evaluation of food processes and the enforcement of the Virginia Food and Drink Law and related federal and state regulations. Duties include evaluating the condition of food processing facilities relative to food safety; assisting new and existing food processing technologies and food labeling at manufacturing operations and retail food establishments; investigating complaints; conducting food borne illness investigations; collecting official samples of food and food related products; reviewing new food business proposals and assisting in the development of safe food processes; and evaluating and interpreting nutritional related claims for foods and dietary supplements.
The selected individual will establish and work from a home office under the guidance and direction of a regional field office and will be required to live in or convenient to the assigned territory. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications. The work territory includes the counties of Fluvanna, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico (zip codes 23059, 23060), and Powhatan. A state vehicle will be provided for business use only and must remain parked within the assigned territory.

Requirements

• Knowledge of food safety practices and principles
• Knowledge of food processing theory and practice
• Knowledge of dietary supplement safety, structure function claims and labeling
• Fundamental knowledge of computer applications
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to effectively communicate, both written and orally
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations
• Ability to make autonomous decisions and to take appropriate actions in diverse circumstances and environments
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external clients
• Ability to effectively respond to emergency situations and other assigned duties during both traditional and non-traditional work periods
• Ability to be self motivated
• Ability to effectively plan and organize work activities
• Appropriate visual acuity including the ability to see and identify small objects and the ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Physical mobility including, but not limited to walking, bending, stretching and crouching
• Ability to lift light loads up to 40 lbs
• Ability to attend mandatory meetings, trainings, etc.
• Ability to travel (day and overnight to possibly include weekends) as requested/needed
• Must have (or be eligible for) and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety
• HS Diploma/GED required

Nice To Haves

• A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of food science, biology, chemistry, environmental health or a related field
• Experience applying food safety principles, food processing and related quality and safety controls at the government level

Responsibilities

• Evaluating the condition of food processing facilities relative to food safety
• Assisting new and existing food processing technologies and food labeling at manufacturing operations and retail food establishments
• Investigating complaints
• Conducting food borne illness investigations
• Collecting official samples of food and food related products
• Reviewing new food business proposals
• Assisting in the development of safe food processes
• Evaluating and interpreting nutritional related claims for foods and dietary supplements

What This Job Offers

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