Title: MPS Program Analyst #00240

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $57,733 to $80,000 annually

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a candidate for the position of Meat and Poultry Program Analyst with the Office of Meat and Poultry Services (OMPS). Duties include retrieving and analyzing data and developing guidance and providing OMPS management direction based on existing or emerging trends and patterns. Maintain OMPS policies and information sites. Ensure OMPS meets the requirements for "equal to" status developed by Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). Maintain and update the OMPS Limited English Procedure. Supervision of the Enforcement Investigations and Analysis Officer (EIAO) to ensure all Food Safety Assessments (FSA) are conducted annually, outreach inquirers are responded to in a timely manner, on-site visits are scheduled and performed in existing inspected facilities, new and existing custom exempt, and poultry exempt facilities. Verify EIAO reviews, FSAs and provides Hazardous Communication safety training. Responsible for maintaining the state sampling program to meet program requirements. Ensure VDACS/Contract laboratories maintain appropriate credentials. Audit and approve labels for inspected facilities. Coordinate and provide assistance to the OMPS recall committee. Provide outreach assistance, when needed, to clients, other agencies, through calls and emails. Acts as liaison between Federal State Audit Staff. This position will be home based with statewide responsibilities requiring occasional travel with overnight stays. The selected applicant should live convenient to a VDACS Regional Office in either Richmond, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, Wytheville or Roanoke.

Minimum Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of meat and poultry inspection and of the meat and poultry processing industry. Knowledge of custom and poultry exempt regulations is needed. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures and to evaluate and report information and data. Must be self-motivated, capable of working independently, have good organizational skills, and must be capable of exercising sound judgement and have effective oral and written communication skills. Computer proficiency to include standard office applications such as MS Office. Ability to provide excellent customer service and to interact professionally with clients to provide requested information and outreach opportunities. Current or recent experience in a related meat and poultry inspection (slaughter and processing) program providing similar responsibilities is needed.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The selected applicant must have or be able to obtain and retain a LincPass to access federal information systems, as well as a valid driver’s license with a responsible driving record.

Additional Considerations

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience. Related work experience in the field of agriculture and/or the enforcement and interpretation of government regulations. 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.

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.