M&P Enforcement Officer #00794

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Wytheville, VA

7d•$49,392 - $64,680•Remote

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a self-motivated Enforcement Officer for the Office of Meat and Poultry Services. After completing classroom and field training in multiple areas of the state, the selected candidate will be based in and responsible for the central part of the state. The officer will establish and work from a home office and must live in the assigned territory, which includes Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Lee, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties, including cities and towns within them. The position investigates complaints involving meat and poultry products and processing; monitors industry practices and the handling and transportation of products in commerce; conducts scheduled and unscheduled reviews of industry operations for compliance with state and federal meat and poultry laws; and supports enforcement actions. The officer also performs inspection duties involving poultry exemption, custom exemption, and processing coverage. A state vehicle is provided for business use only. Frequent overnight travel is required and may include areas outside 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 with standard professional computer software applications.
Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public to facilitate investigations.
Ability to gather, understand, and analyze pertinent data in investigations and render reasonable and rational decisions.
Ability to work independently and communicate effectively orally and in writing using proper business language and grammar.
High standards of ethical conduct; initiative, effort, attention to detail, and commitment to complete assignments efficiently with minimal supervision; ability to follow policies, cooperate with others, and align behavior with agency goals.
Must have or be eligible for and maintain a valid driver's license, with a driving record reflecting responsibility for highway safety.
Ability to meet travel and physical demands, including frequent overnight travel, considerable physical activity, temperature variations, long-distance driving, lifting, walking on slippery floors and around hazardous equipment in operation, and distinguishing subtle color changes.
Must meet requirements for USDA/FSIS federal enforcement certification during the first 12 months of employment.
High school diploma or GED required.
Must live in the assigned territory.
Must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

A combination of related education, training, and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of animal science, agriculture, food science/microbiology, or a related field.
Experience conducting investigations.

Responsibilities

Investigate complaints related to meat and poultry products and processing.
Maintain surveillance of industry practices and the handling and transportation of products in commerce.
Conduct scheduled and unscheduled reviews of industry operations to ensure compliance with state and federal meat and poultry laws.
Collect testimony and evidence.
Assist Commonwealth Attorneys with preparing case files, obtaining warrants and subpoenas, and testifying in court cases.
Prepare comprehensive reports and maintain accurate records of regional compliance activities.
Perform inspection duties involving poultry exemption, custom exemption, and processing coverage.
Complete classroom and field training in multiple areas of the state.
Establish and work from a home office while living in the assigned territory.
Travel frequently overnight, including potentially to areas outside the assigned territory.