Animal Health and Dairy Inspector

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

MDAR:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.

Position Description:

MDAR is accepting applications and resumes for the position of Animal Health Inspector.

The Animal Health Inspector will be responsible for inspections of facilities housing animal businesses, and the animals held therein. Inspector will generate reports based on inspections and follow up with both the facility and the Division to ensure necessary corrective measures are adhered to. Facilities will include dairy farms, pet shops and other locations where livestock or other domestic animals are kept.

Inspectors split time between fulfilling duties of a dairy farm inspector and an animal health inspector.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

Dairy Farm Inspections:

• Inspection of licensed dairy farms, discovery and reporting of unlicensed facilities
• Inspect premises for appropriate management practices with respect to cleanliness and sanitation, including biosecurity
• Inspect animals for signs of illness, infectious or contagious disease, or other infirmity or injury
• Inspect equipment used in the process of milking animals for sanitary conditions and adequate functionality
• Report findings on official forms to be filed with the Division, reviewable by the FDA
• Collect samples for testing to ensure compliance with standards set forth in statutes and regulations
• Transport samples to lab for testing and communicate with Division to ensure test results fall within acceptable range
• Follow up with farmers when violations are found to regain compliance
• Recommend and assist in completion of enforcement actions when compliance is not met

Animal Health Inspections:

• Inspection of stables, barns, farms, pet shops, animal shelters, animal rescue organizations and any other facility housing domestic animals or livestock
• Inspect premises of any facilities where livestock or other domestic animals are kept for appropriate management practices
• Inspect animals for signs of illness, contagious or infectious disease, or other infirmity or injury
• Restrain and collect samples from livestock and poultry species for diagnostic testing
• Write comprehensive reports of findings to be filed with the Division
• Follow up with animal owners when violations are found to regain compliance
• Recommend and assist in completion of enforcement actions when compliance is not met

In the course of all duties:

• Inspector will self-schedule routine visits within a territory and remain available for response to complaints or emergency situations
• Inspector will use professional judgment in determining appropriate circumstances that require assistance from municipal, state or federal officials, veterinary or technical professionals, or humane agencies
• Inspector will attend meetings and hearings relative to regulated community
• Inspector will be responsible for maintaining state vehicle, including appropriate record keeping and scheduled repairs
• Inspector will travel and inspect licensees and other settings, including retail stores, barns, and farm fields in all weather conditions.

Qualifications Required at Hire:

• Knowledge of the care and handling of domestic livestock animals
• Knowledge of the care and handling of other domestic animals such as dogs and cats
• Knowledge of the appropriate management practices associated with the keeping of livestock or other domestic animals
• Knowledge of the appropriate feeds and associated nutritional values thereof to be supplied to different species
• Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with appropriate biosecurity for various domestic species
• Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with appropriate cleaning and disinfection of facilities
• Skill in the communication of rules, regulations and statutes
• Skill in the communication of concerns of noncompliance
• Ability to lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to handle, position and restrain live animals of small and large animal species
• Ability to gain understanding from regulated community through verbal communications
• Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents
• Ability to utilize investigative techniques to obtain, verify or clarify information
• Ability to accurately record information provided orally
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to prepare general reports
• Ability to deal tactfully with others
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others
• Ability to exercise sound judgment
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information
• Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to adapt to varied work situations 

Qualification Acquired on the Job:

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, standards and guidelines governing the keeping, sale or farming of domestic animals
• Knowledge of the adequate standards of sheltering different domestic species
• Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with containment, suppression and eradication of infectious disease
• Knowledge of the domestic animal import requirements
• Skill in the handling, positioning and restraining of live animals of small and large animal species  
• Skill in the collecting of appropriate samples for required testing
• Ability to recognize deficiencies in management practices that lead to undesirable outcomes 

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical experience in pesticide regulation, control of pests, dissemination of technical guidance relative to the proper use of pesticides, environmental protection, management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. 

I. An Associate's degree with a major in agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, chemistry, biology, environmental or sanitary engineering or related fields from a recognized college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience*. 

II. A Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, chemistry, biology, environmental or sanitary engineering or related fields may be substituted for the required experience*.

 *Education towards such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. 

Special Requirements:   

1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License. 

2. Based on assignment, eligibility for appointment as a special police officer under the provisions of Chapter 147 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

 

 

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

 

 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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