Agricultural Inspector

Summary Statement

The Department of Agriculture is hiring a Livestock Health Inspector. The inspector will protect the health of livestock and poultry in Delaware through enforcement of our 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.

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.

• 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.
• Enforces federal and state laws, rules and regulations by investigating and reporting cases of non-compliance.
• 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.
• 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.
• May inspect and monitor the ownership of dangerous exotic pets and issues permits to owners that meet applicable requirements.
• 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.
• Logs, tracks and follows up on quarantined animals or abnormal agricultural commodities findings.
• Conducts emergency testing and follow-up in the event of a disease out-break or other significant issue.
• Utilizes computers to prepare reports and maintain records.
• Develops and maintains documentation and records of inspections.
• Cooperates with federal agencies, official state organizations and agencies, and other State representatives on matters related to agricultural inspection.
• Develops and maintains a good working relationship with plant personnel, farmers, and facility management.

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. 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.

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