Title: Livestock Inspector #00986

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $56,650 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

**This is a reannouncement and previous applicants do not need to reapply.**

Job Duties

The Office of Veterinary Services for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is recruiting a poultry and livestock Agriculture Inspector for the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia region. This position assists in the control and eradication of Virginia livestock and poultry diseases and monitors livestock and poultry movement. Responsibilities include assisting with administration of poultry and animal health programs such as livestock market assignments; monitoring and auditing poultry pre-movement; avian influenza testing; inspecting and monitoring poultry flocks and labs including the live bird market system; surveillance and pre-movement testing of poultry; and enforcing laws and regulations pertaining to the health of livestock and poultry. The selected individual will be home-based within the region and work under the guidance and direction of the Harrisonburg Regional Office. The use of a state car will be provided for business use only. This position requires daily travel as well as the possibility of long work hours, occasional overnight travel, holiday and/or weekend duties which may be unplanned due to unforeseen situations. This position requires the incumbent to have an annual seasonal human influenza vaccination, annual respirator fit-testing, and possible respirator use in the event of an animal disease incident.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of farm animal management and production practices and strategies, animal behavior and diseases in addition to humane practices and related regulatory disease programs and an understanding of animal health laws and regulations. The demonstrated ability to competently, safely and comfortably work in and among livestock and poultry in confinement and restraint type situation; interpret, communicate and apply animal health laws and regulations; follow instructions for field actions aimed at the monitoring, detections, identification and control of animal diseases and animal disease outbreaks with prompt submission of reports; work independently; and make sound decisions independently in stressful situations. Familiarity with livestock electronic identification equipment. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work as a team member and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with state/local officials and the general public and to generate electronic and paper reports. Proficiency using MS Office Suite, email and internet. Current/recent experience working with livestock and equines in confined environments as well as experience in dealing with the public, specifically in the commercial poultry and livestock agriculture industry. This position is physically demanding and requires the ability to work in all types of climatic conditions; around fumes, odors and chemicals; the ability to lift 50 pounds; and work with poultry and livestock in confined environments. Must be willing to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 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.

Additional Considerations

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities to include animal/poultry science, agriculture or a related field may substitute for the education and experience requirements.

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.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.

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

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.