TAHC - Livestock Inspector, Laredo

TAHC - Livestock Inspector, Laredo

Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is seeking a Livestock Inspector to conduct inspections at livestock markets, feedlots, slaughter plants, flea markets, farms, ranches, and other locations where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered. The position requires regular fieldwork, vehicle use, and participation in emergency management activities.

• Performs inspections at livestock markets, feedlots, slaughter plants, flea markets, farms and ranches, and at other locations where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered.
• Collects samples for testing from cattle, swine, equine, exotics, sheep, goats, and poultry.
• Enforces quarantines and other livestock disease control measures, including livestock shipment activities.
• Performs periodic public education contacts with community media resources and organizations.
• Participates in emergency management activities and responses to disease outbreaks as assigned.
• Maintains accurate and detailed work activity records.
• Drives extensively on a daily basis, using personal or agency vehicle.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Inspector II: Graduation from standard senior high school or GED (+). Must have general experience working with livestock.
• Inspector III: Must have at least one (1) year of livestock experience working as a TAHC Livestock Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician.
• Inspector IV: Must have at least three (3) years of livestock experience working as a TAHC Livestock Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician.
• Inspector V: Must have at least five (5) years of livestock experience working as a TAHC Livestock Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician.

Note:

This is a career ladder position. Unless a previous TAHC Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician, newly hired inspectors will come in at the Inspector II classification and pay.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with livestock producers, market owners/operators, local area emergency management coordinators, coworkers, and others involved in animal agriculture; keeping detailed written records; operating a laptop computer, hand‑held data collection device, global positioning system (GPS), and other equipment; effective oral and written communication skills; legible handwriting. Ability to follow oral and written instructions; to safely handle livestock;

to acquire knowledge of the laws and regulations governing livestock markets, brucellosis, and other regulatory programs and to apply regulations to work activities; travel extensively (some overnight) and to work occasional overtime as required. Regular days off fluctuate depending upon workload.

Must have arm, hand, shoulder and back strength and dexterity to be able to handle and restrain livestock, including cattle, horses, swine, small ruminants, exotic forms of livestock, and poultry. Must be able to lift and maneuver equipment such as chutes, portable pens, spraying equipment, trailers, and instruments weighing up to 50 pounds used for restraining and testing large animals. Must also be able to lift 50 pounds overhead to fill corn feeders.

Cholinesterase testing may be required monthly. Inspectors will be required to be fit tested with a respirator. Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and safe driving record. Employment of selected candidate is contingent upon the receipt of an acceptable criminal background check and an acceptable moving violation record from the Texas Department of Public Safety. At time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. will be confirmed using E‑Verify. All males who are age 18 through 25 and required to register with the Selective Service must present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.

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