Agricultural Inspector

Summary Statement

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is currently seeking to hire an Agricultural Inspector. 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 and performs basic laboratory operations.

• Conduct field inspections of livestock, poultry and pet animals for the presence of disease; provide advice on proper sanitation, animal husbandry, and other techniques of disease prevention.
• Inspect and test multiple commodities such as fertilizers, soil conditioners, feeds, pet foods, liming materials, frozen desserts, seeds, and grain for quality and safety; verify proper dating and labeling of commodity packages and containers.
• Enforce federal and state laws, rules and regulations by investigating and reporting cases of non-compliance.
• Make recommendations for resolution of violations and work with the proper authority to determine corrective action; provide training and guidance in the area of inspection to improve and ensure future compliance.
• Attend auctions to assess health conditions of animals, issue health certificates, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, and/or conduct inspections of plant/facility equipment to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Inspect and monitor ownership of dangerous exotic pets and issue permits to owners that meet applicable requirements.
• Collect and prepare samples such as blood, feces, milk, swabs, fertilizers, feeds, frozen desserts, seeds, grain or air samples for laboratory testing and analysis; determine the most appropriate sampling technique.
• Log, track and follow up on quarantined animals or abnormal agricultural commodities findings.
• Conduct emergency testing and follow up in the event of a disease outbreak or other significant issue.
• Utilize computers to prepare reports and maintain records.
• Develop and maintain documentation and records of inspections.
• Cooperate with federal agencies, official state organizations and agencies, and other State representatives on matters related to agricultural inspection.
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with plant personnel, farmers, and facility management.

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Six months experience in inspecting live and deceased animals for the presence of disease.
• Six months experience in interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Six months experience in record keeping.
• Six months experience in math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, or decimals.
• Knowledge of operating specialized equipment to collect samples from livestock, poultry, or pet animals such as swabs, or syringes for taking blood samples.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

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 hire's Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

All 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.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The 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.