Agricultural Inspector (#MGAI01)
$38,770.00 Yearly Min / $48,463.00 Yearly Mid / $58,156.00 Yearly Max

Agricultural Inspector Supervisor (#MGAI02)
$46,714.00 Yearly Min / $58,393.00 Yearly Mid / $70,072.00 Yearly Max

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Conducts field inspections of livestock, poultry and pet animals for the presence of disease; provides advice on proper sanitation, animal husbandry, and other techniques of disease prevention OR conducts inspection and testing of multiple commodities such as fertilizers, soil conditioners, feeds, pet foods, liming materials, frozen desserts, seeds and grain for quality and safety; and verifies proper dating and labeling of commodity packages and containers.
   
• Enforces federal and state laws, rules and regulations by investigating and reporting cases of non-compliance.
   
• Makes recommendations for resolution of violations. Works with the proper authority to determine corrective action; provides training and guidance in area of inspection to make improvements and ensure future compliance.
   
• Attends auctions to assess health conditions of animals, issue health certificates, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations AND/OR conducts inspections of plant/facility equipment to ensure compliance and accuracy.
   
• May inspect and monitor the ownership of dangerous exotic pets and issues permits to owners that meet applicable requirements.
   
• Collects and prepares samples such as blood, feces, milk, swabs, fertilizers, feeds, frozen desserts, seeds, grain or air samples for laboratory testing and analysis. Determines the most appropriate sampling technique. 
   
• Logs, tracks and follows up on quarantined animals or abnormal agricultural commodities findings. 
   
• Conducts emergency testing and follow-up in the event of a disease out-break or other significant issue.
   
• Utilizes computers to prepare reports and maintain records.
   
• Develops and maintains documentation and records of inspections.
   
• Cooperates with federal agencies, official state organizations and agencies, and other State representatives on matters related to agricultural inspection.
   
• Develops and maintains a good working relationship with plant personnel, farmers, and facility management. 

Agricultural Inspector

This is the full performance level of agricultural inspection work.

• Reports to a technical supervisor and receives formal and/or on the job training in the technical standards and inspection techniques.
• Performs the full range of Essential Functions.
• Detains products not in compliance and/or issues Stop Sale or Withdrawal from Distribution orders which has significant financial impact on industry management and producers.
• Conducts inspection of multiple agricultural commodities.
• Independently conducts complex and routine inspections and sampling activities statewide.
• Receives supervisory direction on resolving or determining corrective action for complex or controversial violations.
• May assist the State Veterinarian in post-mortem examinations.
• Contacts include farmers, animal owners, store managers, livestock dealers, local and state authorities, and the public for the purpose of resolving cases of violation and responding to questions regarding compliance with state and federal regulations.

Agricultural Inspector Supervisor

This is the supervisory level of agricultural inspection work responsible for overseeing a statewide agricultural inspection program. 

• Reports to an administrative supervisor.
• Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit full time positions per the Merit Rules.  The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, recommending hire/fire and discipline.
• Ensures proper inspection, sampling and enforcement of laws, rules and regulations for livestock, poultry and animals.
• Makes final determinations on complex or controversial inspection findings.
• Ensures proper procedures are followed by laboratory testing staff.
• Prepares and submits grant proposals for review and approval; monitors and evaluates grant expenditures; prepares required documents and reports.
• Assists the State Veterinarian in post-mortem examinations.
• Represents the State Veterinarian at various meetings.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of recognizing and preventing animal diseases or abnormal agricultural commodities inspection findings.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics such as percentages and ratio calculations.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to assigned agricultural inspection area.
• Knowledge of basic animal anatomy, animal behavior, husbandry and handling or understanding of agricultural commodities.
• Skill in the methods and techniques of inspecting and sampling procedures.
• Skill in operating specialized equipment required to conduct inspections and collect samples.
• Skill in preparing reports, record keeping and applying procedures.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in an emergency situation and conduct sound investigations or inspections.
• Ability to apply applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to acquire certifications as required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state agencies, local and state authorities, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Agricultural Inspector Supervisor requires:

• Knowledge of overseeing and evaluating program effectiveness, ensuring program goals and objectives are met.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Knowledge of post-mortem preparation of animals.
• Knowledge of preparing grant proposals and maintaining expenditures.
• Skill in evaluating the effectiveness of the inspection program and any new or revised inspection regulations.
• Skill in enforcing federal and state laws and regulations regarding the movement of farm animals, poultry or pets.
• Ability to assess information and determine a course of action.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Agricultural Inspector
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

Agricultural Inspector - Animals and Livestock:

1. Six months experience in inspecting live and deceased animals for the presence of disease.
2. Six months experience in interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
3. Six months experience in record keeping.
4. Six months experience in math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, or decimals.
5. Knowledge of operating specialized equipment to collect samples from livestock, poultry, or pet animals such as swabs, or syringes for taking blood samples.
6. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Agricultural Inspector- Agricultural Commodities:

1. Six months experience in inspecting agricultural commodities.
2. Six months experience in interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
3. Six months experience in record keeping.
4. Six months experience in math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, or decimals.
5. Knowledge of operating specialized equipment to collect samples from agricultural commodities.
6. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).