Food Safety Manager                                                               #00068 & #00184 –  Central

(Environmental Manager I, Pay Band 5)

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking two Food Safety Managers for the Food Safety Program in the Office of Dairy and Foods, Division of Animal and Food Industry Services. Under the leadership of the Program Manager, the two Managers will collaborate and provide both operational and technical management and support to staff and four regional offices. Activities include implementing and directing an inspection program that protects the public from adulterated and misrepresented food products and dietary supplements while simultaneously promoting food safety and coordinating emergency response activities with respect to food products. Duties include administering all food laws and regulations; coordinating human resource activities; managing grants and ensuring federal contract compliance; evaluating current regulations and making recommendations for amendments or new legislation; working with the Program Manager to achieve objectives and strategies as outlined in the strategic plan; and overseeing inspection and emergency response activities. The Managers will have routine interaction with Virginia’s food industries, federal/state officials and law enforcement organizations, special interest groups, and the general public to communicate program services and regulatory requirements.

The selected individuals will establish and work from home offices under the guidance and direction of the Office of Dairy and Foods Program Manager. They will be required to work from the VDACS headquarters in downtown Richmond a minimum of one day per week, or as otherwise needed or approved. The home office will serve as the base point for related commuting and travel requirements; therefore, the home office location must reasonably distanced from Richmond to allow for efficient travel and productivity. This is generally determined to be approximately 2 hours allowing for some flexibility. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications.

QUALIFICATIONS: Extensive knowledge of environmental and public health principles, especially if related to food science or food safety; of financial management and prioritized allocation of resources; of the legislative processes; and of legal principles, policy and regulation development practices. Demonstrated ability and experience managing and supervising personnel, operations, and technical aspects of a complex statewide program. Exceptional oral/written communication skills; public relations and presentation skills; exceptional customer service, organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills; and proven ability to interact effectively with industry, state/federal government officials, the food industry, a diverse workforce as well as the general public. Proven ability to motivate, coach, lead and manage/supervise personnel and complex functions in a statewide program, as well as demonstrate team orientation, flexibility and desire for constant improvement. Progressively responsible experience in a food, health or environmental regulatory compliance program to include budget development, grant management, financial analysis, personnel management, and purchasing policies and procedures is needed. Computer proficiency. 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. H.S. Diploma/GED required. Prefer: Degree in food science, biology or other physical science or an equivalent combination of training and considerable relevant supervisory experience and relevant technical expertise. Knowledge of state/federal food laws and food and dietary supplement safety principles and practices and of Virginia’s legislative process. An equivalent combination of training & experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience. Salary commensurate with experience. Minimum starting at $70,000 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 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.