Compliance Investigator

Inspector V

Job Description:

Inspector V

• Compliance Investigator

This position is posted for the San Antonio area and ALL surrounding counties; the headquarters assignment can be changed at any time to accommodate the mission and goals of the Meat Safety Assurance Unit. Position may be required to work in any area of the state on short notice.

Under the direct supervision of the MSA Compliance Circuit Manager, performs highly advanced and/or specialized investigative work. Work involves planning, coordinating, and conducting investigations to determine compliance with the Texas Meat and Poultry Inspection Act (TMPIA), related statutes, rules & regulations, and the preparation of reports and correspondence dealing with the results. Provides consultative and technical services to the public and industries served. Investigations, reviews, and other consumer protection verification activities are conducted in all establishments and businesses located throughout the State of Texas that handle meat and/or poultry products. Performs various additional meat inspection related duties to support the mission of the Meat Safety Assurance Program. Performs other duties as assigned which include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Works under minimal direction with a high degree of latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.

(60%) Conducts complex investigations of reported and/or suspected violations of Texas Health and Safety Code (HSC) Chapter 433 - Texas Meat and Poultry Inspection Act (TMPIA) and the associated rules, regulations, and other related statutes. Prepares technical reports and other documentation using word processing, spreadsheet software, and web-based applications. Collects evidence and samples in accordance with the established procedures and methods of securing evidence. Conducts extensive investigations of complaints filed by the general public and industry to determine compliance with TMPIA. Identifies, contacts, and interviews potential witnesses. Takes written and/or oral statements from witnesses, complainants, and alleged violators. Collects and prepares samples of meat food products for routine laboratory analysis and for use as evidence in legal cases, as necessary. May conduct exit briefings on preliminary findings,

(35%) Routinely prepares a Report of Investigation (ROI) for each violation documented in an accurate, concise, and thorough manner capable of use in all phases of the legal process. Evaluates compliance, corrective action(s), and/or appropriate disposition at firms related to violations noted during previous investigations by conducting follow-up reviews. May participate in Compliance Review Committee (CRC) presentations. Testifies at hearings or before courts of jurisdiction in matters relating to agency responsibility. Educates and provides outreach to the general public, associated governmental agencies, and other stakeholders through meetings, presentations, correspondence, and day-to-day contacts, on the requirements of relevant laws and regulations. Promotes voluntary compliance and enforcement of such laws and regulations. Provides support to all other Meat Safety Assurance (MSA) circuits and staff related to achieving program objectives. Performs various tasks in official establishments supporting program's compliance and enforcement efforts.

(5%) Performs various additional meat inspection related duties to support the mission of the Meat Safety Assurance Program. Identifies and appropriately refers observations of non-meat safety public health concern to the appropriate regulatory authority. Performs other duties as assigned including, but not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, and directives related to various types of meat and poultry operations and products.

• Thorough knowledge of all phases of livestock slaughter operations and meat/poultry processing and fabrication procedures in inspected establishments and in various retail operations.

• Thorough knowledge of the basic operation principles of the regulated industry

• Thorough knowledge of Sanitation Performance Standards (SPS), principals and application of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), principals and application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems, and Pathogen Reduction and Control.

• Thorough knowledge of microbiological and economic sampling procedures of meat and poultry products and slaughter and/or processing environments.

• Knowledge of responsibilities of agencies with overlapping authority.

• Knowledge of the basic operation principles of the meat and poultry distribution and supply chain.

• Skill in verbal and written communication

• Skill in problem solving, conducting inspections/investigations, and making appropriate, supportable decisions.

• Skill in the use of a personal computer.

• Skill in organizing, preparing, and presenting information in both verbal and written form.

• Skill in communicating professionally, effectively, and persuasively with a wide variety of personalities under occasionally extreme circumstances (e.g. anger, frustration, etc.)

• Ability to identify sanitation deficiencies and potential disease conditions/abnormalities of livestock.

• Ability to communicate effectively, tactfully, and intelligently with program staff, regulated industry, trade associations, and the public.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret correspondence, technical data, reports, and regulations and to determine necessary action.

• Ability to independently analyze new situations and respond with sound technical judgment.

• Ability to deal with people in a tactful manner and to explain proper interpretation of technical requirements pertaining to rules and regulations.

• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships, and to express ideas tactfully, clearly and concisely.

• Ability to prepare accurate, concise reports and business correspondence.

• Ability to work well with others and interact with professionals at all levels of government and industry.

• Ability to function as a team leader and/or as a member of a team.

• Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.

• Ability to use computer word processing programs, spreadsheets, on-line computer training, web-based applications, and electronic mail programs.

• Ability to move up to 50 pounds during investigations.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Required Training: Satisfactory completion of an Inspection Methods class, or equivalent training in humane livestock slaughter and meat and poultry Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), Sanitation Performance Standards (SPS), Pathogen Reduction

Must possess a valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver's license or equivalent license from another state Initial Selection Criteria:

The following (5) criteria are REQUIRED; the hiring supervisor cannot consider any applicant that does not meet all (5) of the required criteria for this position:

1.Minimum three years of regulatory public health experience in a state and/or federal meat, poultry or other food inspection program since January 1, 2000

2.Experience reviewing and analyzing data and preparing written reports

3.Experience organizing, preparing and presenting information in both verbal and written format

4.Experience with the use of computers, word processing software, spreadsheet software, and electronic communication programs

5.Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent.

In addition to the 5 required criteria, the following 2 criteria are GENERALLY PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED; the hiring supervisor may consider any applicant that does not meet any or all of the following generally preferred criteria for this position and may give preference to an applicant that meets one or more of the generally preferred criteria. 1. Graduation with a degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment, or 2. Graduation with a degree from an accredited graduate and/or post-graduate school or university in a field relevant to the assignment.

Additional Information:

Additional Information:

• THIS INSPECTOR V

• Compliance Investigator (CI) position is posted for the San Antonio area and ALL surrounding counties; the territory and headquarters assignment can be changed at any time to accommodate the mission and goals of the Meat Safety Assurance Section. Position MAY be home-based within assigned territory or headquartered at a regional DSHS Office at the discretion of the MSA Compliance Circuit Manager.

• Continued employment with Meat Safety Assurance (MSA) is contingent upon the employee passing background checks conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and being issued a LincPass for access to USDA systems.

• The selected candidate will be required to attend and successfully complete EIAO and USDA/DSHS approved surveillance, investigations, & enforcement methods (SIEM) training, upon first opportunity, as a condition of continued employment in this position.

• Position may be required to work in any area of the state on short notice. 60% travel is required. May require working other than usual hours (8am-5pm M-F) including evenings, weekends and holidays. Outside work in inclement weather may be required.

• Employee must provide own transportation and will be reimbursed in accordance with State and agency requirements. Safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and applicants must have a valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver's license or an equivalent license from another state; applicants selected for interview are responsible for providing a copy of the driver's license prior to the interview. The hiring manager will verify the license with the driver's license issuing agency and will conduct a driving records check through the applicable Department of Public Safety or equivalent.

• Selected candidate must be able to pass an approved color vision test prior to employment.

PLEASE NOTE: THE POSTED SALARY RANGE IS THE FULL RANGE FOR THIS POSITION. AGENCY SALARY POLICY, BUDGET AND CANDIDATE'S QUIALIFICATIONS WILL DICTATE FINAL SALARY OFFER. TYPICALLY, SALARY OFFERS ARE AT OR NEAR THE MIDPOINT OF THE RANGE, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS OR OTHER FACTORS.

• Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68R, 35M, 06, 6033, 2A7X2, AM, 35M. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
• HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form

• Click here to download the I-9 form.

• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

MOS Code:

68R, 35M, 06, 6033, 2A7X2, AM, 35M

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form

• Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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