Meat and Poultry Inspector                                                                                 #01422 – Scott 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 the Scott County area 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; verifications of the food safety system 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 daily travel to assigned facilities and may involve occasional overtime. This position also involves considerable physical activity. A state car will be assigned to the selected individual for business use only.

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. Selected candidate must also 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. The ability to recognize animal characteristics and behavior; humane handling of animals and identify abnormal conditions while conducting inspection procedures. The selected applicant must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Candidate 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, agriculture, food science, food microbiology/chemistry or a related field 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 salary range: $42,000 – $55,000 annually. Excellent 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 November 21, 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 workforce.