Job Specification Details

Supervisory, administrative, technical and regulatory compliance work at a professional level for the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets involving the administration of a regulatory program to evaluate both the physical plant and operating systems of milk processing plants, dairy manufacturing facilities and dairy farms. The work is directed at ensuring the safest possible processing environment in order to protect public health. Supervision is exercised over a staff of dairy farm and plant inspectors and specialists. Work is performed under the general direction of the Division Director/State Veterinarian and in coordination with other sections of the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Division of the Agency.

Plans, develops and directs a comprehensive, multi-faceted dairy regulatory program. Assigns and reviews the work of the inspectors and specialists in the dairy division. Ensures enforcement of federal and state regulations pertaining to farm and milk plant sanitation through examination of inspection and laboratory analysis reports. Coordinates to ensure proper licensing of technicians who perform dairy acceptance tests. Ensures statewide standards of quality for dairy products and production methods. Administers the Milk Quality Enforcement Program and ensures that the program is operated in a manner consistent with program goals. Assists the division director and deputy secretary in the implementation of programs to promote quality of dairy products and the protection of consumer health. Administers a program for licensing all milk handlers doing business within Vermont. Organizes and attends various industry educational meetings. Administers dairy policy development programs by representing Vermont on various councils and commissions locally, regionally and nationally. Drafts legislation and testifies before legislative committees. Provides oversight of the Dairy section budget. Coordinates the response to complaints from industry personnel and consumers. May provide technical assistance to dairy industry on product labeling. May assist milk producers and handlers to correct specific problem areas and to access export markets. May serve as the executive officer for the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council. May assume the duties and responsibilities of the director in her absence. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting, but some field work is required. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. An incumbent may encounter disgruntled industry constituents and/or strong differences of opinion which must be dealt with in a constructive manner. May be required to perform inspections of regulated facilities. Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Considerable knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to farm and/or dairy plant sanitation.

Considerable knowledge of processes and procedures used in the production and/or processing of milk and related milk products.

Considerable knowledge of, or ability to learn, laboratory analyses and field testing methods employed to ensure the quality and wholesomeness of dairy food products and production.

Considerable knowledge of herd health and milking management practices.

Considerable knowledge of, or ability to learn, personnel supervisory principles and practices.

Working knowledge of on-site inspections of dairy facilities and products.

Ability to review technical inspection reports for thoroughness and accuracy.

Ability to communicate informatively both orally and in writing.

Ability to work well with the public.

Ability to effectively resolve conflict.

Ability to develop and implement educational and technical programs in support of the dairy industry.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work independently with little supervision.

Bachelor's degree or higher in dairy science, food science, biology, or a closely related field AND (4) years or more of experience as a governmental dairy or other food safety program regulator, dairy plant production control supervisor, or an owner, operator, or manager of a commercial dairy farm.

OR

Two (2) years of full-time college coursework or an associate's degree in dairy science, food science, biology, or a closely related field AND six (6) years or more of experience as a governmental dairy or other food safety program regulator, a dairy plant production control supervisor, or an owner, operator or manager of a commercial dairy farm.

Preference will be given to applicants who have at least one year of personnel supervisory experience.

Applicants may be required to obtain a license to weigh and sample milk during the first six months of employment.