Summary Statement

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is currently seeking two Casual Seasonal Livestock Health Inspectors. This position is responsible for protecting the health of livestock and poultry of the State through enforcement of animal health statute and regulations. Protection of animal health is accomplished through animal inspections for disease and responding to reports of illness. Must have excellent communication skills and be comfortable with handling and basic husbandry for all agricultural animal species. This position also serves as the traceability coordinator for Delaware, conducts hatchery inspections, and performs basic laboratory operations.\r\n\r\n

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.\r\n\r\n Conducts field inspections of livestock, poultry and pet animals for the presence of disease; provides advice on proper sanitation, animal husbandry, and other techniques of disease prevention OR conducts inspection and testing of multiple commodities such as fertilizers, soil conditioners, feeds, pet foods, liming materials, frozen desserts, seeds and grain for quality and safety; and verifies proper dating and labeling of commodity packages and containers.\r\n Enforces federal and state laws, rules and regulations by investigating and reporting cases of non-compliance. \r\n Makes recommendations for resolution of violations. Works with the proper authority to determine corrective action; provides training and guidance in area of inspection to make improvements and ensure future compliance. \r\n Attends auctions to assess health conditions of animals, issue health certificates, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations AND/OR conducts inspections of plant/facility equipment to ensure compliance and accuracy.\r\n May inspect and monitor the ownership of dangerous exotic pets and issues permits to owners that meet applicable requirements. \r\n Collects and prepares samples such as blood, feces, milk, swabs, fertilizers, feeds, frozen desserts, seeds, grain or air samples for laboratory testing and analysis. Determines the most appropriate sampling technique. \r\n Logs, tracks and follows up on quarantined animals or abnormal agricultural commodities findings. \r\n Conducts emergency testing and follow-up in the event of a disease out-break or other significant issue. \r\n Utilizes computers to prepare reports and maintain records.\r\n Develops and maintains documentation and records of inspections. \r\n Cooperates with federal agencies, official state organizations and agencies, and other State representatives on matters related to agricultural inspection.\r\n Develops and maintains a good working relationship with plant personnel, farmers, and facility management. \r\n\r\n

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Agricultural Inspector \r\nApplicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:\r\nAgricultural Inspector - Animals and Livestock:\r\n\r\n Six months experience in inspecting live and deceased animals for the presence of disease. \r\n Six months experience in interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures. \r\n Six months experience in record keeping. \r\n Six months experience in math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, or decimals. \r\n Knowledge of operating specialized equipment to collect samples from livestock, poultry, or pet animals such as swabs, or syringes for taking blood samples. \r\n Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving). \r\n\r\n

Additional Posting Information

This is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.\r\n

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.\r\n\r\nAll new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.\r\n

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.\r\n\r\nOnce you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.\r\n

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. \r\nIndividuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. \r\nIf you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.\r\nThe State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. \r\n