Agriculture And Consumer Protect Spec Internal Agency

Agriculture And Consumer Protection Specialist

The primary duties and responsibilities of an Agriculture and Consumer Protection (ACP) Specialist are to enforce the provisions of state and federal law regarding animal disease control for the protection of Florida's agricultural industry and public safety. Additional duties include emergency preparedness [Emergency Support Function (ESF)-17] and assuring the quality of agricultural products prior to their entrance into the marketing channels.

In accomplishing these duties, the employee must cooperate fully with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) personnel and others engaged in related activities. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate, model and reinforce the department's fundamental values of professionalism, commitment, integrity, innovation and excellence in all interactions with coworkers and the public.

The duties of the ACP Specialist include the same duties as that of the ACP Inspector with additional responsibilities as an emergency support technician. The following duties and responsibilities are assigned to this position.

Conducts animal disease program activities related to the inspection, control and testing of livestock, poultry and other animals to detect animal diseases and ectoparasites that may pose a threat to the state agricultural economy or impact public health.

Duties include:

general animal health inspections, premises inspections, investigating complaints related to animal disease in livestock and poultry, documenting findings and actions taken on appropriate forms, collecting samples, promoting animal official identification, issuing and releasing quarantines, educating animal owners about biosecurity, assisting veterinary medical officers (VMO) with inspections and testing, collecting and packaging samples, formulation of test charts, and sample submission to an approved laboratory.

The incumbent ensures quality and marketability of Florida's livestock, inspects herd health plans and investigates animal disease complaints. The incumbent works independently and proceeds on own initiative and judgement within guidelines established by the supervisor. Properly uses livestock equipment and performs routine maintenance. Performs all duties associated with inspection of livestock for sale at livestock markets including inspection of permits, Official Certificate of Veterinarian Inspections, other movement documents and verifies animal identification device.

Enforces department's rules and regulations regarding animal disease and animal movement. Ensures compliance with department's rules and regulations regarding garbage feeding to swine including permitting, inspections and quarantines. Serves as district ESF-17 liaison. Conducts program activities related to emergency preparedness, response and recovery which may include: coordinated activities with ESF-17 officials of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). Organizes individual county ESF-17 meetings to include county emergency management leadership, local extension personnel, local USDA officials, county vector control personnel, and other applicable agencies (for all counties in the district).

At least twice yearly, contacts each county emergency director and staff or, as needed, if county personnel changes occur. Provides summary reports for these meetings. Completes Incident Command System (ICS) training to prescribed levels (at a minimum ICS
100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800). Organize and promote ICS training for district personnel, ensuring new employees receive training as soon as possible. Attends and participates in division emergency exercises or training event. Responds to an emergency mobilization within 12 hours and for a 14-day deployment to staff the division's incident management team. Provides ESF-17 presentations for the district at local meetings, fairs, or other local venues as requested.

Maintains a working knowledge of all division-related emergency plans. Maintains all district inventory and emergency equipment records. Ensures the routine maintenance of all district and emergency response equipment to keep in good working order and ready for deployment. Ensures foreign animal disease response supplies are stocked at adequate levels. Updates State Agriculture Response Team (SART) website with county information or other data as required.

Prepares and submits required forms in written electronic format for daily activity. Maintains proper care of department's vehicle and personally assigned equipment. Provides on-the-job training for new personnel. Serves as back-up for the district's animal disease ACP Specialist. Participates in workshops and training to learn livestock and poultry disease eradication programs. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Computer skills
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather…