Agriculture Inspector 1 or 2 - Companion Animal & Equine 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 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:

Applicants must reside in one of these counties or be willing to relocate.

·        Cherokee

·        Forsyth

The Companion Animal and Equine – Field Inspector Section enforces laws and regulations about companion animals and equine.

1.      This section licenses pet dealers, animal shelters, kennels, stables, and bird dealers.

2.      Inspectors in this section are responsible for enforcing the Animal Protection Act and Humane Care of Equines Act.

3.      Inspectors inspect equine sales, abuse complaints, stables, and events as well as licensed and unlicensed facilities.

Responsibilities include:

Under general supervision, performs routine inspections and comprehensive investigations to determine compliance with applicable state law.

1.      Writes technical reports and other correspondence.

2.      Guides the regulated community and public.

3.      Inspects and investigates complaints and/or suspected violations.

4.      Inspects various facilities and/or equipment for accuracy, sanitation, and compliance.

5.      Collects and/or assists with the collection of various samples.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to write reports according to guidelines.
  • Ability to use area-specific computer software.
  • Ability to write accurate compliance documentation.
• Ability to develop a case or regulatory action
  • Ability to document and develop a case.
  • Ability to maintain the chain of custody for all evidence collected.
  • Ability to testify in legal proceedings.
• Ability to establish relationships
  • Ability to establish relationships with state and federal agencies.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and the general public.
  • Ability to deal with controversial matters tactfully.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service to the public and others.
• Other responsibilities
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be able to operate a State-issued vehicle legally.
  • Must have a working knowledge of Windows computer operating systems and applications.

Other duties as assigned.

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 – High school diploma/ GED and one (1) year of experience in the area of assignment; or two (2) years of college, which included 12 semester hours or 20 quarter hours in chemistry or life sciences

Agriculture Inspector 2 – High school diploma/ GED and two (2) years of experience in the area of assignment; or two (2) years of college, which included 12 semester or 20 quarter hours in chemistry or life sciences and one (1) year of experience in a directly related area;  or two (2) years of experience required at the lower level Agriculture Inspector 1 (RCT040) or position equivalent.

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:

1.      Three years of experience in horse training, breeding, or equine facility management and/or at least one year of experience in a pet industry-related field (i.e., veterinary clinic/hospital, boarding/breeding kennel, animal shelter, or pet store).

2.      Experience or familiarity with laws and regulations about companion animals, equine, and/or animal health.

3.      Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field; and/or

4.      Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

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

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.

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 the large volume of submissions received by this office, 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 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 *