We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership. 

·       The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

·       The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

This position is assigned to the following counties:

·       BANKS

·       BARROW

·       DAWSON

·       FANNIN

·       FORSYTH

·       GWINNETT

·       HALL

·       JACKSON

·       LUMPKIN

·       UNION

The selected candidate must currently reside in the listed counties or be willing to relocate to be considered for this position.

Position Overview

The Agriculture Inspector position is located within the Livestock and Poultry Program of the Animal Industry Division. This position is responsible for monitoring, inspecting, investigating, collecting samples, and other activities for the GDA Livestock and Poultry Program.

DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES

Under direct supervision, learns to inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment and facilities, and fish and logging operations to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.

·       Assists with the collection of samples of petroleum products, pests, or suspected diseased animals and routes to the laboratory for identification and analysis.

·       Assists with inspection of horticultural products or livestock to detect harmful disease, infestation, or growth rate.

·       Assists with inspection of livestock to determine the effectiveness of medication and feeding programs.

·       Learned to advise farmers and growers of development programs or new equipment and techniques to aid in quality production, applying agricultural knowledge.

·       Learned to examine, weigh, and measure commodities, such as poultry, eggs, meat, and seafood to certify wholesomeness, grade, and weight.

·       Learns to inspect facilities and equipment for accuracy, sanitation, and compliance with regulations.

·       Learns to write reports of findings and recommendations and advises petroleum vendors, farmers, growers, or processors of corrective action to be taken.

Job Summary:

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

·       Performs inspections at livestock markets, flea markets, farms, and other locations where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered.

·       Identifies livestock at markets/farms to ensure disease prevention and compliance with regulations.

·       Respond to animal health complaints and ensure compliance.

·       Monitors animal exhibitions/activities for disease detection.

·       Collects samples for testing from cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry and routes to the laboratory for identification and analysis.

·       Respond to animal emergencies.

·       Issues quarantines, and permits, and prepares and submits reports.

·       Maintains accurate and detailed work activity records.

·       Records all inspections, findings, observations, and field actions on the official database and in compliance with established directives.

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

·       Requires shift work and off days may not necessarily be Saturday and Sunday.

Physical Demands:

·       Exposure to outdoor elements for extended periods.

·       Exposure to intense smells and temperatures.

·       Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. at times.

Please be advised that the selected candidate may be hired at any level, depending on the candidate’s documented education and experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Agriculture Inspector 1 – $37,000.00

Vocational or technical degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, pest control, entomology, or a closely related field from an accredited college; or completion of a high school diploma or GED and one year of experience in assignment; or two years of college which included 12 semester/20 quarter hours in chemistry or life sciences.

Agriculture Inspector 2 – $ 40,000.00

Vocational or technical degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, pest control, entomology, or a closely related field from an accredited college; or completion of a high school diploma or GED and one year of experience in assignment; or two years of college which included 12 semester/20 quarter hours in chemistry or life sciences.

Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:   Preference will be given to applicants, who, in addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• • Completion of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, biological sciences, or a directly related field OR Ownership or management experience in an agricultural or horticultural business. 
  • Knowledge of animal industry and livestock.
  • Experience working with livestock.
  • Working knowledge of Windows computer operating system and applications.

·       Ability to perform inspection activities according to appropriate established regulations, directives, and procedures.

·       Knowledge of safe working procedures with livestock and poultry.

·       Knowledge of laws/regulations governing the livestock industry and inspections and how to apply regulations to work activities.

·       Ability to perform inspections/investigations, follow proper procedures, and issue quarantines on infected and exposed livestock and poultry.

·       Ability to maintain detailed records and prepare activity and monitoring reports.

·       Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and make decisions.

·       Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with livestock producers, market owners/operators, local area emergency management coordinators, co-workers, and others involved in animal agriculture.

·       Ability to acquire skills in operating a laptop computer, hand-held data collection device, global positioning system (GPS), and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.

PLEASE NOTE:  Employment is contingent upon completion of the USDA Livestock Grading certification within the first six (6) months of employment.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates.  The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

·       Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *