Food Safety Specialist                                                                                       #01414 – Fauquier County

(Environmental Specialist I, Pay Band 4)

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 Laws and related federal and state regulations. Duties include evaluating the condition of food processing facilities relative to food safety and food defense; 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. This is a re-announcement; previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

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 cities/counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, and Loudoun (20105, 20117, 20118, 20129, 20135, 20158, 20175, 20180 and 20197). The use of a state vehicle will be provided for business use only.

QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of food safety practices and principles; food processing theory and practices; and dietary supplement safety including structure function claims and labeling. Possess proficient computers skills and standard office applications. Exceptional customer service skills; a verifiable ability to communicate effectively (oral and written); work well with the public under stressful situations as well as the ability to interpret and apply laws & regulations and to independently plan, organize and execute job duties including investigating complaints. The ability to assume extensive responsibility, exhibit initiative and reliability, and work independently and in a team environment; to make autonomous decisions and to take appropriate actions in diverse circumstances and environments; to respond to emergency situations and other assigned duties during both traditional and non-traditional work periods; and to effectively plan and organize work activities. Additionally, good visual acuity and the ability to walk, bend, stretch, crouch and lift light loads up to 40 lbs is 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. Prefer: Degree in 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 and working knowledge of HACCP (especially as pertaining to seafood) and Virginia Food Laws also preferred. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience. Hiring Salary Range: $42,000 – $65,725 annually. Excellent State Benefits.

The 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 September 14, 2022. 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 work force.