Title: Food Safety Specialist #00887

Hiring Range: Up to $65,725 annually. Excellent State Benefits

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Agriculture & Consumer Svcs

Location: LEESBURG

Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Food Safety Specialist #00887 - Loudoun
(Environmental Specialist I, Pay Band 4)

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a self-motivated person to become part of our Food Safety team. This position is responsible for the evaluation of food processes and the enforcement of the Virginia Food and Drink Laws and related federal and state regulations. Duties include evaluating the condition of food processing facilities relative to food safety; assisting new and existing food processing technologies and food labeling at manufacturing operations and retail food establishments; investigating complaints; conducting food borne illness investigations; collecting official samples of food and food related products; reviewing new food business proposals and assisting in the development of safe food processes; and evaluating and interpreting nutritional related claims for foods and dietary supplements. This is a re-announcement; previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

The selected individual will establish and work from a home office under the guidance and direction of a regional field office and will be required to live in or convenient to the assigned territory that includes the following zip codes in Loudoun County: 20164, 20165, 20152, 20105, 20148, 20147, 20175, 20118, 20117, 20158, 20135, 20180, 20197, 20129, and 20176.The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications. The use of a state vehicle will be provided for business use only.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of food safety practices and principles; food processing theory and practices; and of dietary supplement safety, structure function claims and labeling. Fundamental knowledge of computer applications. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment; to effectively communicate, both written and orally; to interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations; to make autonomous decisions and take appropriate actions in diverse circumstances and environments; to be self-motivated; to effectively plan and organize work activities; and to provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external clients. Additionally, the demonstrated ability to respond to emergency situations and other assigned duties during both traditional and non-traditional work periods is needed. Good visual acuity including the ability to see and identify small objects and the ability to identify and distinguish colors. Physical mobility includes, but is not limited to, walking, bending, stretching and crouching. Must also have the ability to lift light loads up to 40 lbs. Must have (or be eligible for) and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. The selected individual will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining a commission with Pocket Credentials as an official of the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and within 18 months of hire will be responsible for becoming and maintaining Standardized for Retail inspections credentials. HS Diploma/GED required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health or a related field. Experience applying food safety principles, food processing and related quality and safety controls at the government level. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

Special Instructions:

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Phone: (804) 371-8066

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.