Agriculture Inspector 1 - Livestock and Poultry Field Inspector

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, both 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.

Applicant must reside in the following Counties or be willing to relocate:

·         GILMER

·         CHEROKEE

·         FANNIN

·         MURRAY

·         PICKENS

***Note: The chosen candidate must reside in or relocate.

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 performing other activities for the GDA Livestock and Poultry Program.

Please note:

·         The selected applicant must reside in a listed county, a surrounding county, or be willing to relocate.

·         Employment is contingent upon completion of the USDA Livestock Grading certification within the first six months.

·         Work schedule may include some weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

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

·         Identifies clinical signs of livestock disease at markets/farms to ensure disease containment, 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 them to the laboratory for identification and analysis.

·         Respond to animal emergencies.

·         Issues quarantines, 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

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

1.      Knowledge of safe working procedures with livestock and poultry.

2.      Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the livestock industry.

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

4.      Ability to maintain detailed records and prepare activities, and monitor reports.

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

6.      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.

7.      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.

Physical Demands:

Sitting and/or riding for extended periods of time, working with and around large livestock (including large animals), handling of livestock (as needed), lifting of up to 20lbs or more.

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/

Please note: Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to phone/email inquiries regarding application status. Only candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted.

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.

Please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615 if you need accommodation.

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