Food Safety Specialist (Hampton/Newport News Territory)

Title: Food Safety Specialist

Hiring Range: $42,000 - $55,000 annually

Agency: Agriculture & Consumer Svcs

Location: Hampton/Newport News

Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Food Safety Specialist #00309 – Hampton/Newport News
(Environmental Specialist I, Pay Band 4)

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 Laws 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. This position is being re-announced; previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

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 in the cities of Hampton and Newport News. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications. The use of a state vehicle will be provided for business use only.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of food safety practices and principles; food processing theory and practices; and 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; to effectively communicate, both written and orally; to interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations; to make autonomous decisions and take appropriate actions in diverse circumstances and environments; to be self-motivated; to effectively plan and organize work activities; and to provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external clients. Additionally, the demonstrated ability to respond to emergency situations and other assigned duties during both traditional and non-traditional work periods is needed. Good visual acuity and the ability to walk, bend, stretch, crouch and lift light loads up to 40 lbs is needed. 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. 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health or a related field. Related experience and knowledge of pertinent food laws and regulations also preferred. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

Special Instructions: 

RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS account to check the status of your application for this position.

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check and complete and submit a Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) which will be entered into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization. If the selected individual is a military veteran, they must also submit a copy of their DD214 form.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Phone: (804) 371-8066

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.