DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Address:  

Salary: 21.50 - 21.50 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: 

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is recruiting for a Meat and Poultry (MPI) Compliance Officer for our Animal Services Division. The work location is in the capital mall area but requires traveling statewide to provide compliance enforcement.

The position reports to the MPI Program manager and will work independently 85% of the time. The position will conduct investigations of alleged or apparent violations of the rules and regulations of MPI program, while maintaining information held in confidence. Conduct inquiries of consumer/industry complaints by interviewing consumers or industry persons and review industry record keeping. May take product samples for analysis and submit to the state or federal laboratories. Prevent non-compliant meat and poultry products from entering into the human food chain. Makes decisions and directs the disposition of potentially hazardous foods, often with values of tens of thousands of dollars including their destruction for use as human food. Conducts solo and/or joint facility reviews with the Federal Compliance staff; conduct training and educational presentations to other governmental bodies such as the County and State Health departments; Assist the Federal Compliance officer (if requested) with complex investigations, meat recalls and product sampling; especially when there is a potential public health risk or when there is a situation which requires confidential assistance and discretion. The position requires the incumbent maintain a database of all licensed meat and poultry businesses. If requested you will participate in the Palo Verde Nuclear Emergency Response drills. You will be required to drive a state vehicle and other duties as assigned.

Verify compliance with meat and poultry regulations. Investigate consume complaints. Prevent non-compliant meat and poultry products from entering into the human food chain.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Knowledge of the rules, regulations and statutes established for the Meat and Poultry Inspections Service.
Knowledge of the meat and poultry industries.
Knowledge of the Federal Meat and Poultry Inspection rules and regulations.
Knowledge of investigative and interviewing techniques.

SKILLS IN:
Skill in interviewing and conducting inquiries or investigations and in dealing with public or media.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in interpersonal relationships as applied to interaction with agency officials and individuals associated with the agency.
Skill in interpretation of policies and statutes as they relate to the regulated industries.
Skill in time management.
Skill in the operation of a computer and camera.
Skill in the utilization of the use of independent decision making.

ABILITY TO:
The ability to physically and organoleptically examine meat and poultry products. Work independently and within a team environment. Write clear and concise investigation reports.

Bilingual (English and Spanish). Five or more years of meat and poultry slaughterhouse/processing inspection. Satisfactory completion of the USDA Meat Slaughterhouse and Processing Schools. Completion of USDA Basic and Advanced courses including Surveillance, Investigation, Evidence Methodology (SIEM) Training.
Licenses/Certifications:
Valid Arizona Driver's License
Completion of all USDA/ADA mandated courses.

Requires possession of and the ability to retain a current Arizona driver’s license. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving record and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.44%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at mmeek@azda.gov for assistance.