Website Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Meat and Poultry Inspector-Hourly (Days/Evenings/Nights) #W0023 – Augusta County
(Environmental Specialist I, Pay Band 4)
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Meat and Poultry Inspector with the Office of Meat and Poultry Services. This position is assigned to Augusta County and surrounding areas and the successful candidate will be required to live in or convenient to that territory. Responsibilities include providing consumer protection through enforcement of a comprehensive system of inspection laws and regulations designed to provide and maintain a safe, unadulterated, wholesome, and accurately labeled meat and poultry supply. Duties include conducting ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections; verification of the food safety systems in assigned meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities; enforcement of the Humane Handling Act; collection of official samples; and completion of inspection reports.
This position requires daily travel to various facilities and may involve occasional overtime. The work schedule for this position includes weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts and could require statewide travel depending on business needs; it does not involve a regular set schedule or work hours.
A state car may be available to the selected individual for business use only; otherwise, mileage driven while performing official duties in a personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the prevailing allowable rate. This position involves considerable physical activity.
QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of the meat and poultry slaughter and processing operations is needed as well as the ability to interpret, assure and enforce compliance with regulations by analyzing and assessing findings to perform logical, supportable conclusions. This often requires independently applying basic scientific principles, including mathematical or statistical functions, while working without direct supervision. Must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills including the ability to accurately prepare technical reports as well as display excellent customer service skills. Computer proficiency is needed along with experience using standard business office software applications. Ability to recognize animal characteristics and behavior; humane handling of animals and identify abnormal conditions while conducting inspection procedures. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to distinguish colors, as well as to meet the requirements for federal compliance certification within the first twelve months of employment. HS Diploma/GED required. Prefer: Degree in animal and poultry science, food science, food microbiology/chemistry along with enforcement and interpretation of government regulations is preferred. A working knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles as applied to the meat industry is also preferred along with meat/poultry processing work experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience. Hiring pay range: $20.19 – $26.44 per hour.
This is an hourly positions limited to 1500 hours per year beginning each May and does not include state benefits. Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
To be considered for this position, you must apply online at https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/ by 11:59 PM EST/EDT on January 6, 2023. For more information or assistance, you may contact the Human Resources Office, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219; Telephone: (804) 371-8066; TDD/TTY: VA Relay 711 or 800-828-1120; E-mail hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov. VDACS is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse workforce.
To apply for this job please visit virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com.