Agricultural Inspector

Recruitment #031219-MGAI01-650100

Summary Statement

This position is responsible to protect 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, responding to reports of illness, and appropriate communication. The incumbent will practice 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

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. 
     
  • Enforces laws, rules and regulations applicable to biosecurity, agroterroism, and animal disease by investigating and reporting cases of non-compliance. 
     
  • Makes recommendations for resolution of violations. Works with the proper authority to determine corrective action. 
     
  • Attends auctions to assess health conditions of animals, issue health certificates, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.  
     
  • Inspects and monitors the ownership of dangerous exotic pets and issues permits to owners that meet applicable requirements. 
     
  • Collects specimens from animals such as blood, feces, milk, swabs, or air samples for laboratory testing and analysis. Determines the most appropriate sampling technique.  
     
  • Logs, tracks and follows up on quarantined animals.  
     
  • Conducts emergency testing and follow-up in the event of a disease out-break. 
     
  • Develops and maintains documentation and records of inspections. 

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Agricultural Inspector
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

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

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

Once 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 www.delawarestatejobs.com.

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.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.