We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership.

·The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

·The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

Overview:

Agriculture is a critical industry that provides food and other essential products to people around the world.

However, this industry is not immune to the risks and challenges that come with operating in any sector, including natural disasters, crime, and other emergencies.

This is where law enforcement and emergency management play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the agricultural industry.

Position Description:

An Agriculture Law Enforcement Investigator plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with laws and regulations related to agriculture, animal welfare, and food safety. This position will work closely with other government agencies, law enforcement, and agriculture stakeholders to investigate and enforce relevant laws and regulations at Georgia Farmers Markets, predominantly the Atlanta Farmers Market. The investigator will be responsible for identifying and addressing potential violations, collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and participating in legal proceedings related to violations at farmers' markets.

Key Responsibilities:

1.Enforcement of Regulations:

·Ensure that vendors and participants comply with local and state regulations. This can include verifying proper licenses, and permits, and adherence to health and safety standards.

2.Maintaining Order and Safety:

·Officers are responsible for maintaining a safe and orderly environment within the market. This might involve managing crowd control, patrol, responding to disputes, or addressing safety concerns.

3.Investigation and Evidence Collection:

·Conduct thorough investigations into suspected violations of state laws or regulations.

·Collect and analyze evidence, which may include documents, physical samples, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies, to build strong cases for prosecution.

·Employ various investigative techniques such as surveillance, undercover operations, and data analysis to uncover illegal activities and gather evidence.

4.Stakeholder Engagement:

·Collaborate with government agencies, law enforcement entities, and agriculture organizations to exchange information, coordinate enforcement efforts, and share best practices.

·Establish and maintain strong relationships with farmers and other stakeholders to promote compliance and gather intelligence on potential violations.

5.Legal Proceedings:

·Prepare detailed investigative reports, including findings, evidence, and recommendations for legal actions.

·Present evidence and testify in court proceedings, administrative hearings, or other legal forums to support prosecution efforts.

·Assist legal professionals in the preparation of legal documents, including search warrants, subpoenas, and arrest warrants.

6.Education Outreach:

·Provide training and educational programs to agricultural stakeholders, law enforcement personnel, and community members regarding agriculture laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

·Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as criminal justice, agriculture, environmental science, or a related discipline or 3 years of relevant law enforcement investigative experience.

·Experience in law enforcement including investigations or regulatory compliance.

·GA POST certified Peace Officer in good standing.

·Possess a valid Georgia Driver’s License.

·Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect, interpret, and present complex information effectively.

·Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships and conducting interviews with diverse stakeholders.

·Ability to work independently, manage multiple cases simultaneously, and prioritize tasks effectively.

·Familiarity with investigative techniques, evidence collection, and courtroom procedures.

·Knowledge of relevant technology and tools for data analysis, surveillance, and evidence documentation.

·Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors, occasionally in challenging and remote environments.

·Ability to travel overnight, statewide, and regionally as dictated by the business needs of the agency.

The selected candidate will be required to pass a background investigation as a condition of employment. Items that may be examined in a background check include but are not limited to credit records, criminal records, education records, past employers, military records, state licensing/certification records, and driving records.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers:

·Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *