Title: Meat and Poultry Inspector-Hourly (Days/Evenings/Nights/Statewide) #W0023

Hiring Range: $20.19 - $26.44 per hour

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Agriculture & Consumer Svcs

Location: August/Richmond/Albemarle/Waynesboro

Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Meat and Poultry Inspector-Hourly (Days/Evenings/Nights/Statewide)
#W0023 – Augusta/Richmond/Albemarle/Waynesboro
(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. While the territory for this position is statewide, for convenience, the selected candidate must reside along the I-64 corridor between Richmond and Staunton (Augusta County). 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 statewide travel. It does not involve a regular set schedule or work hours so the selected applicant must have the flexibility to meet this requirement.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of the meat and poultry slaughter and processing operations is recommended. The ability to interpret, assure and enforce compliance with regulations by analyzing and assessing findings to perform logical, supportable conclusions is needed and 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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.

Special Instructions:

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Phone: (804) 371-8066

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.