FSMA Agriculture Investigator, Sr.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Investigator, Senior for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) program in the Boise office. 

Example of Duties

• Conduct produce safety inspections.

• Conduct hemp inspections.

• Assist in Hops Lab and/or pulling Hops samples as needed.

• Conduct complaint-based investigations which involve collecting evidence, compiling case data, and photographing evidence.

• Prepare inspections and investigative report files including report writing, documenting statements and findings, and compiling case data.

• Conduct On-Farm Readiness Reviews.

• Communicate with customers in an effective and professional manner.

• Fulfill responsibilities of an ISDA employee as outlined in the department’s Risk Management/Safety Policy.

• Be proficient in understanding and communicating the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Produce Safety rules, laws and regulations.

• Be proficient in understanding and communicating the States hemp plan, Idaho's Rules Governing Hemp, and the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Final Hemp Rule.

• Assist in providing educational outreach, presentations and guidance to farmers on the Produce Safety Rule and Hemp.

• Assist in the development and dissemination of outreach and educational materials.

• Assist in preparing for and teaching Produce Safety Alliance Training classes throughout Idaho.

• Complete and become certified in required training for Produce Safety, Hemp, and Hops.

• Assist in maintaining the Idaho farm inventory databases.

• Conduct education and information dissemination processes for stakeholders, constituents, support industries and the general public.

• Attend monthly FDA, Cooperative Agreement, National State Department of Agriculture (NASDA) grant meeting webinars, and USDA regulatory partner meetings when appropriate.

• 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.

• Responsible for ensuring all financial transactions related to your position are processed timely, accurately, and in accordance with ISDA policies and procedures.

• Maintain and submit appropriate documentation to Fiscal to support the purpose of and to validate all transactions, obtain required approvals, and seek prior advice and approval for non-routine transactions that are not easily defined within the ISDA’s policies and procedures.

• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

This qualification is a mandatory requirement.

• Experience writing narrative reports.
• Within six months of hire, become USDA-certified to sample Hemp.

Specialty Areas: These qualifications are mandatory requirements.

• This position requires a valid driver's license.
• Becoming commissioned/credentialed with a produce category by FDA is a requirement of this job and failure to obtain and maintain such credentialing may result in termination. Within 12 months of hire, you must be willing to become commissioned/credentialed with a produce category by FDA which includes, but is not limited to, passing FDA's mandatory background check and maintaining the commission/credential.

Supplemental Information

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

• Some work experience inspecting facilities and enforcing ordinances, rules and statutes.
• Some experience with investigative procedures including developing evidence, establishing relationships, interviewing, crafting investigative reports and/or written statements, determining responsibilities, and conflicts of interest.
• Experience creating and conducting educational presentations.
• Good knowledge of agriculture and on-farm practices and their impact on human health and food safety.
• Good knowledge of the rules, laws, and statutes governing agricultural and food safety standards. 

Temporary appointments from this announcement, serving at least one thousand forty (1,040) hours of continuous service, may be hired as an entrance probationary employee without further examination for the same classification and location as announced. 

Candidates who reach the final hiring stage will be required to participate in a criminal background check. Having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate applicants from consideration but may be considered as part of the hiring process.

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.*

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

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 accommodation 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!