Animal Health/Dairy Inspector

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources' (MDAR) mission is to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions - Agricultural Conservation & Technical Assistance, Agricultural Markets, Animal Health, and Crop and Pest Services - MDAR strives to support, regulate and enhance the rich diversity of the Commonwealth's agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture's role in energy conservation and production.  The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is to help keep the Massachusetts food supply safe and secure, and to work to keep Massachusetts agriculture economically and environmentally sound.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition. 

The Division of Animal Health is seeking an Animal Health/Dairy Inspector.  The Inspector will be responsible for inspections of facilities housing animal businesses, and the animals held therein.  The Inspector will generate reports based on inspections and follow up with both the facility and the Division to ensure necessary corrective measures are adhered to.  Facilities will include dairy farms, pet shops, and other locations where livestock or other domestic animals are kept. 

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Inspector will split time between fulfilling duties of a dairy farm inspector and an animal health inspector.

 Dairy Farm Inspections

Inspection of licensed dairy farms, discovery and reporting of unlicensed facilities

Inspect premises for appropriate management practices with respect to cleanliness and sanitation, including biosecurity

Inspect animals for signs of illness, infectious or contagious disease, or other infirmity or injury

Inspect equipment used in the process of milking animals for sanitary conditions and adequate functionality

Report findings on official forms to be filed with the Division, reviewable by the FDA

Collect samples for testing to ensure compliance with standards set forth in statutes and regulations

Transport samples to lab for testing and communicate with Division to ensure test results fall within acceptable range

Follow up with farmers when violations are found to regain compliance

Recommend and assist in completion of enforcement actions when compliance is not met

Animal Health Inspections

Inspection of stables, barns, farms, pet shops, animal shelters, animal rescue organizations and any other facility housing domestic animals or livestock

Inspect premises of any facilities where livestock or other domestic animals are kept for appropriate management practices

Inspect animals for signs of illness, contagious or infectious disease, or other infirmity or injury

Restrain and collect samples from livestock and poultry species for diagnostic testing

Write comprehensive reports of findings to be filed with the Division

Follow up with animal owners when violations are found to regain compliance

Recommend and assist in completion of enforcement actions when compliance is not met

In the course of all duties

Inspector will self schedule routine visits within a territory and remain available for response to complaints or emergency situations

Inspector will use professional judgment in determining appropriate circumstances that require assistance from municipal, state or federal officials, veterinary or technical professionals, or humane agencies

Inspector will attend meetings and hearings relative to regulated community

Inspector will be responsible for maintaining state vehicle, including appropriate record keeping and scheduled repairs

Inspector will travel and inspect licensees and other settings, including retail stores, barns, and farm fields in all weather conditions

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE 

Knowledge of the care and handling of domestic livestock animals

Knowledge of the care and handling of other domestic animals such as dogs and cats

Knowledge of the appropriate management practices associated with the keeping of livestock or other domestic animals

Knowledge of the appropriate feeds and associated nutritional values thereof to be supplied to different species

Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with appropriate biosecurity for various domestic species

Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with appropriate cleaning and disinfection of facilities

Skill in the communication of rules, regulations and statutes

Skill in the communication of concerns of noncompliance

Ability to lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs.

Ability to handle, position and restrain live animals of small and large animal species

Ability to gain understanding from regulated community through verbal communications

Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents

Ability to utilize investigative techniques to obtain, verify or clarify information

Ability to accurately record information provided orally

Ability to communicate clearly in writing

Ability to maintain accurate records

Ability to prepare general reports

Ability to deal tactfully with others

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others

Ability to exercise sound judgment

Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information

Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations

Ability to work independently

Ability to adapt to varied work situations

 QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON THE JOB

Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, standards and guidelines governing the keeping , sale or farming of domestic animals

Knowledge of the adequate standards of sheltering different domestic species

Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with containment, suppression and eradication of infectious disease

Knowledge  of the domestic animal import requirements

Skill in the handling, positioning and restraining of live animals of small and large animal species

Skill in the collecting of appropriate samples for required testing

Ability to recognize deficiencies in management practices that lead to undesirable outcomes

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical experience in pesticide regulation, control of pests, dissemination of technical guidance relative to the proper use of pesticides, environmental protection, management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. 
I. An Associate's degree with a major in agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, chemistry, biology, environmental or sanitary engineering or related fields from a recognized college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience*. 
II. A Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, chemistry, biology, environmental or sanitary engineering or related fields may be substituted for the required experience*.
 *Education towards such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. 
Special Requirements:   
1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License. 
2. Based on assignment, eligibility for appointment as a special police officer under the provisions of Chapter 147 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.