AMVETS Jobs

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resourcesis to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers. In carrying out this mission MDAR is committed to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. MDARsAgricultural Food Safety Divisionseeks applicants for the position of Animal Feed/Pet Food Inspector (Food and Drug Inspector II). This position is responsible for supporting the registration of applicants covered under M.G.L. Chapter 128, Sec. 51, through 63 and for the conduct of regulatory compliance assessments, inspections, and technical assistance support for facilities that manufacture, store and/or offer for sale commercial animal feed and pet food in the Commonwealth. The position will also support the update and maintenance of authorities; recommend and draft compliance and enforcement actions; develop draft program level SOPs (standard operating procedures); respond to complaints; conduct investigations and develop and support annual sampling plans. The position will also provide technical assistance and education to facilities, municipal health boards and the public regarding program level requirements and compliance with applicable state and federal regulatory requirements. * A cover letter must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition. * * The position will also support additional regulatory and operational responsibilities of the Division including the conduct of produce safety inspections covered under M.G.L. Chapter 128 Sec. 124 and through administrative regulations 330 CMR 34:00 Produce Safety and Market Access; Commonwealth Quality audits for fresh produce; on-farm technical assistance and other duties in support of divisional programs, services, policies and procedures. The position will be based at the MDAR Southeastern Regional Office, Lakeville, Ma. And will support statewide work as assigned. The position includes eligibility for a hybrid work schedule. *_Duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:_* * * * * * Conduct routine, for-cause, and follow-up inspections in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and divisional policies and procedures for animal feed/pet food; respond to industry and consumer complaints; develop inspection reports and other compliance assessment activities. Conduct pre-inspection activities including the review of previous inspection reports, registration information, compliance history and staff interview with team members and operational management. The position is responsible for level 1 enforcement and compliance activities across a broad range of regulated stakeholders, including industrial level feed manufacturers to small scale one-person pet food operations.* * * Investigate both human/animal food-borne illness related to the handling and consumption of animal feed/pet food in the Commonwealth.* * * Write detailed inspection/summary reports describing operational processes, food safety (HAACP-HARP C) procedures and policies, management practices, equipment type and use, record keeping and logs, and regulatory observations/violations observed during inspections.* * * Develop and support annual sampling plans for registered products under program level sampling procedures and policies and support lab collection and chain of custody protocols.* * * Recommend, prepare, and execute enforcement actions to ensure registered applicants are in conformance with applicable state and federal laws and prepare documents, reports and other documentation as required to support enforcement and compliance policies and procedures.* * * Advise management and legal staff on regulatory matters and prepare documentation to support courtroom testimony.* * * Provide comments and input on operational policies on procedures at both the program and divisional level.* * * Represent the Department at public meetings, hearings, industry events and other venues that support education and outreach for the regulated community.* * * Provide technical assistance, both on-site and virtually, and respond to inquiries utilizing an “educate before and while we regulate” approach. * Review, analyze and integrate technical papers, guidance document and other applicable materials into program level operations. * * *Establish and maintain a high degree of competency/expertise in all applicable animal feed/pet food laws and regulations through attendance at training sessions and conferences, participation in staff meetings, discussing regulatory changes/updates with staff and through active and participatory membership at the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) to keep up with issues and developments in the national space for animal feed/pet food.* * * Conduct routine, for-cause, and follow-up inspections in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and divisional policies and procedures for produce in the commonwealth as assigned, on farms who grow, store, and sell fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other produce facilities, to determine compliance with applicable state and federal law.* * * Support investigations, conduct environmental assessments and support sampling during foodborne illness response/investigations, and respond to consumer complaints and emergencies related to fresh produce in the Commonwealth.* * * Perform administrative duties such as data entry, correspondence development, mailings, project plans and time management and milestone tracking within specified timeframes.* * * Perform other duties as assigned to support the Division’s mission.* First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the manufacturing, processing or distribution of food, food products and/or drugs, the major duties of which involved the inspection of food, food products and/or drugs, or in regulatory or law enforcement work involving the inspection of food, food products and/or drugs, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in food science, pharmacy or pharmacology may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. _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. Job: Compliance and Certification* *Organization: Department of Agricultural Resources *Title: *Animal Feed/Pet Food Inspector Location: Massachusetts-Lakeville - 30 Riverside Drive Requisition ID: 240004RX