Ag. Investigator Sr. - Organics

Description

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment through promotion, education and regulation."
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Investigator, Sr. for the Organic program in the Agricultural Inspections division located in Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and Boise.

Example of Duties

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct inspections, both announced and unannounced, of certified organic crop, livestock and processing operations. 
• Conduct investigations of certified organic operations in the event complaints are filed.
• Inspections and investigations involve considerable report writing, documenting statements, photographing, collecting evidence, and compiling case data.
• All reports must be prepared in a timely manner and accurate to withstand legal scrutiny.
• Evaluate organic crop, livestock, and processing organic system plans for compliance with the National Organic Program standards. 
• Evaluate materials and labels to determine compliance with organic standards.
• Participate in the development of program documents and procedures.
• Extended workdays, overnight stays, and extensive travel between various work sites is required.
• Communicate comfortably and effectively both verbally and in writing with a large number of diverse clients.
• Must be comfortable with having difficult conversations and conveying complex and sometimes unfavorable information.
• A cell phone with an Idaho area code, furnished by the employee, is required for this position and is eligible for reimbursement under the Cell Phone Reimbursement policy.

Minimum Qualifications

This qualification is a mandatory requirement.

• Experience writing narrative reports.
• Typically gained by two (2) years experience writing evaluative activity reports, technical papers, or regulatory correspondence related to agriculture or science. Additional experience and increasing complexity of reports written may increase your score

Specialty Qualifications: These qualifications are mandatory requirements.

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• A valid DL must be presented on your first day of employment.
• Good knowledge of the rules and laws governing agriculture or organic standards.
• This is typically gained through a completion of a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, food science, agribusiness, animal or plant production, animal science or related field; OR four years' experience in production agriculture, as a field consultant, crop advisor, or similar position in an agricultural field; OR some combination of experience or education in the listed areas.
• Good knowledge of agriculture or food processing.
• This is typically gained through a completion of a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, food science, agribusiness, animal or plant production, animal science or related field; OR four years' experience in production agriculture, as a field consultant, crop advisor, or similar position in an agricultural field OR some combination of experience or education in the listed areas.
• Some knowledge of computer operations and word processing software.
• Typically gained by (3) months of experience performing word processing functions including saving, retrieving, printing, formatting, deleting, and moving word processing files OR course work equivalent to three (3) credits or a one (1) semester course in computer operations and word processing which required performing word processing functions to include saving, retrieving, printing, formatting, deleting, and moving word processing files.

Supplemental Information

Desirable Qualifications: These qualifications are not required; however, if you have the related background, it may increase your score.

• Experience working on several different projects with multiple deadlines all at one time.
• Certificate of completion, with the Independent Organic Inspectors Association, for trainings in crop, crop inputs, livestock, livestock inputs, handling, or handling inputs.
• Experience conducting organic inspections or equivalent inspection work.
• Experience or understanding of conducting account reconciliation, animal feed ration calculations, formulation calculations, and/or product recalls. 
• Knowledge of critical control points by the completion of HACCP, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), or food safety training relating to food, processing, or agriculture.
• Knowledge or experience in sampling practices or procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

 BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION

We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit. 

 Benefits

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

*Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.

EEO/ADA/Veteran's Preference

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture! 

If you have questions,
please contact us at:
[email protected] or at (208) 332-8520