Food Safety Specialist #00098

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Danville, VA

5d • Remote

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a
self-motivated person to become part of our Food Safety team. This position is
responsible for the evaluation of food processes and the enforcement of the
Virginia Food and Drink Law and related federal and state regulations. Duties
include evaluating the condition of food processing facilities relative to food
safety; assisting new and existing food processing technologies and food
labeling at manufacturing operations and retail food establishments;
investigating complaints; conducting food borne illness investigations;
collecting official samples of food and food related products; reviewing new
food business proposals and assisting in the development of safe food processes;
and evaluating and interpreting nutritional related claims for foods and dietary
supplements.

The selected individual will establish and work from a home office under the
guidance and direction of a regional field office and will be required to live
in or convenient to the assigned territory. The home office must have reliable
access to a network for mobile communications. The work territory includes the
cities/counties of Campbell, Charlotte, Danville, Halifax, and Pittsylvania. A
state vehicle will be provided for business use only and must remain parked
within the assigned territory.

Requirements

• Knowledge of food safety practices and principles
• Knowledge of food processing theory and practices
• Knowledge of dietary supplement safety, structure function claims and labeling
• Fundamental knowledge of computer applications
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both written and orally
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to make autonomous decisions and take appropriate actions in diverse circumstances and environments
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and organize work activities
• Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external clients
• Demonstrated ability to respond to emergency situations and other assigned duties during both traditional and non-traditional work periods
• Good visual acuity including the ability to see and identify small objects and the ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Physical mobility includes, but is not limited to, walking, bending, stretching and crouching
• Ability to lift light loads up to 40 lbs
• Must have (or be eligible for) and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety
• This position will be required to travel (day and overnight trips) both throughout and outside of the Commonwealth to attend meetings and/or complete training as required or requested
• The selected individual will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining a commissioner with Pocket Credentials as an official of the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and within 18 months of hire will be responsible for becoming and maintaining Standardized for Retail inspections credentials
• HS Diploma/GED required

Nice To Haves

• A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of food science, biology, chemistry, environmental health or a related field
• Experience applying food safety principles, food processing and related quality and safety controls at the government level

Responsibilities

• Evaluating the condition of food processing facilities relative to food safety
• Assisting new and existing food processing technologies and food labeling at manufacturing operations and retail food establishments
• Investigating complaints
• Conducting food borne illness investigations
• Collecting official samples of food and food related products
• Reviewing new food business proposals and assisting in the development of safe food processes
• Evaluating and interpreting nutritional related claims for foods and dietary supplements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED