Animal Industry Inspector - Southwest Iowa

Job Description

The approximately 345 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) are responsible for a wide range of programs that affect the quality of life of every Iowan. Both Iowans living on the farm and those in our towns and cities are impacted almost daily by the work of the Department.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is currently seeking a motivated individual to fill the role of Central Iowa Animal Industry Inspector. As an integral part of the Animal Industry Division, this individual plays a crucial role in supporting the health and welfare of companion animals and livestock living in Iowa by ensuring IDALS licensed establishments are operating in compliance with Iowa Code and Rules. This position leads inspection and regulation of IDALS licensed establishments and individuals. It includes frequent field work, interaction with internal and external stakeholders, performing inspections, investigating complaints, and completing reports.

The Southwest Iowa Animal Industry Inspector territory consists of Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Madison, Warren, Marion, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Freemont, Page, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne Counties. Employee will be required to reside in Southwest Iowa; however consideration may be given to qualified applicants residing in contiguous counties. Candidate chosen must maintain a valid driver’s license for daily travel to work sites. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday 8AM-4:30PM with occasional evenings and weekends. Some overnight stays may be required. Response deployments lasting multiple days/nights may be required in the event of a Foreign Animal Disease outbreak or other emergency.

The preferred candidate will possess a background in the companion animal industry, livestock industry, regulatory work and/or agriculture, with relevant experience and/or education in animal health, agriculture, or related areas. The candidate will demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills and will be able to work independently and establish strong professional relationships with industry representatives and colleagues alike.

Click here for more information: https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau

Applicants are encouraged to include the following in their application:

• Prior experience with companion animals and/or livestock
• Prior inspection and/or investigation experience
• Prior experience with Iowa Code and Administrative Rules
• Prior regulatory experience
  
  

Job Responsibilities

Animal Welfare Licensing & Inspection Programs-Duties (50%):

• Licensing and regulation of commercial establishments as required under Iowa Code Chapter 162 and Rules 67 (i.e. Commercial Breeders, Commercial Kennels, Animal Shelters, Rescues, Dealers, Pet Shops, etc.).
• Monitor territory for facilities that fail to renew, are out of business, or are operating without a license.
• Ensure commercial establishments maintain compliance through required inspections. Educate and inform licensees of areas of non-compliance and verify corrective actions have been taken to return to compliance by performing reinspections as required.
• Complete reports of inspection and re-inspection findings.
  
  

Animal Industry Licensing & Inspection Programs-Duties (30%):

• Licensing and regulation of licensees as required under Iowa Code Chapters 163-172D and Iowa Code Chapter 197 (i.e. Livestock Dealers, Livestock Markets, Hog Buying Stations, Chick Dealers, etc.). Collaborate with USDA officials to complete required yearly inspections.
• Monitor territory for facilities that fail to renew, are g out of business, or are operating without a license.
• Ensure commercial establishments maintain compliance through required inspections. Educate and inform licensees of areas of non-compliance and verify corrective actions have been taken to return to compliance through reinspections as required.
• Complete reports of inspection and re-inspection findings.
• Perform inspections of registered mares, stallions and foals as required under Iowa Code Chapter 99D and Rules 62.
  
  

Investigations (5%):

• Perform investigations in response to complaints against licensed facilities, unlicensed facilities, improper dead animal disposal and cruelty/neglect.
• Perform investigations in response to animal health and movement violations.
• Complete reports of investigation findings.
  
  

Disease Eradication Programs (5%):

• Perform duties involved in disease eradication programs (inspections, assistance to district veterinarians, performing tracebacks, and completion of required forms).
  
  

Office and Miscellaneous (10%):

• Maintain communications via e-mail and cell phone.
• Provide inspection reports to Animal Industry Division office staff and licensees.
• Complete and submit required reports accurately and in a timely manner, including investigation reports, vehicle reports, expense reports, weekly itineraries, time sheets, etc.
• Iowa State Fair - Assist with animal check in(s), staff veterinary office and assist District Veterinarians for the duration of the fair.
• Public Speaking/Public Relations as necessary.
• Training/Cross Training
• Assist in training new inspectors.
• Participate in ongoing training.
• Participate in cross-training.
• Attend and testify in administrative and district court proceedings when necessary.
• Attend meetings and trainings when required.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Applicants may and are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to their application. Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process.

Benefits

Why Join IDALS? As an employee of IDALS, you’ll be part of a team that values public service, offeringcompetitive pay and a robust benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive family medical insurance options starting as low as $205 per month, with single coverage available from $61 per month.
• Free single dental insurance and affordable family coverage at $46 per month.
• Complimentary life insurance ($20,000 basic coverage) with voluntary supplemental options and no-cost long-term disability insurance.
• A secure retirement with IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) and a deferred compensation plan with a state match of up to $75 per month.
• Generous paid leave benefits, including nine holidays, plus sick, vacation, military, and jury duty leave.
  
  

For more details on the benefits available as a State of Iowa employee, click here.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from high school or G.E.D. and two years of experience in an auction market, sale barn, livestock production and/or feeding, or a livestock regulatory program;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of course work at an accredited college or university with at least six semester hours of course work in animal science, animal husbandry, animal industry, livestock management or a closely related area for one year of the required experience with a maximum of two years;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of work experience as a livestock inspector for each year of the required education to a maximum of four years.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas