COORDINATOR/DAIRY PROGRAM INSPECTOR - EMPHASIS on DAIRY PRODUCTION

West Virginia Department of Agriculture

Job Title:              Coordinator/Dairy Program Inspector – Emphasis on Dairy Production
Division:               Agriculture Business Development/Regulatory and Environmental Development
Headquarters:    Guthrie Agriculture Center, Charleston, WV 
Reports To:         Assistant Director Business Development Planning 
Supervisory
Responsibility:   None
FLSA Status:      Non- Exempt

This position is contingent on grant funding, it is expected, but not assured, that funding will continue. In the event of funding loss this position may be terminated.

Nature of Work:
The Planning Coordinator acts as a local WVDA liaison, coordinator, and facilitator for agriculture projects and agribusinesses to support economic and business development efforts, while addressing food insecurities and building resiliency in local communities. This position would specifically focus on the dairy and related industries. In addition, this position will assist with planning, regulation, and coordination of milk inspection and sanitation program. This employee will work directly with the Dairy Coordinator, Inspection Staff, and Support Staff in all matters concerning the Grade A Milk program, WV Exempt Milk Program, or other milk programs within the state.

Examples of Work:

• Facilitate activities related to strategic planning, marketing, industry, product and brand development of agriculture products in regional territories.
• Develop and foster local relationships with entities such as universities, state, federal, private and profit/non-profit partners.
• Maintains strict client confidentiality associated with the work product in accordance with professional business development principles and techniques.
• Assist with, coordinate, and/or facilitate opportunities with partners for producers to develop agricultural-based business plans for financial, marketing and risk management, etc.
• Provide producers with tools and guides for various business development resources.
• Host and/or provide collaborative partner assistance for local outreach activities including but not limited to new market development, funding opportunities, learning opportunities (i.e., new industry exploration, market exploration, GHP, GAPs, FSMA, on farm readiness, etc.) in order to assist interested parties into agribusinesses and established scale up operations in moving product through domestic and international markets.
• Assist and facilitate agribusinesses with product label approvals, information/resources for required permitting, certifications, inspections and evaluation of business for scalability for local, regional, national and international market opportunities.
• Coordinate and facilitate partnerships to connect agribusinesses with resources to ensure statewide food security by fostering new and expanded agribusiness development for resilient communities.
• Works with Dairy Program Manager for the statewide program for antibiotic and bacteriological sampling of raw and finished milk products in WV.
• This position conducts inspections in the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s exempt milk sanitation program on a statewide basis.
• Works with the Dairy Program Manager with the enforcement program, including permit issuance to dairy farms, milk truck inspections, milk haulers, cheese plants, and milk distributors.
• Maintains records for raw and finished milk sample reports.
• Conduct the state bulk milk hauler and sampler evaluation and inspections.
• Conducts inspections and equipment tests at milk pasteurization plants and cheese plants.
• Maintains uniformity of interpretation and enforcement of laws and regulations in the dairy inspection program.
• Explains both verbally and in writing, state food laws to persons involved in the production, processing, handling, and sales of dairy products.
• Coordinate efforts with Dairy Program Manager to obtain legal documents for initiating legal action against violators of the state rules, regulations, and laws governing the dairy industry.
• Prepares and submits reports.
• Conducts and attends meetings of business, government, and industry in relation to dairy topics.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance on matters to the commissioner, directors, supervisors, regulatory officers, contract personnel, industry, federal, state and local officials and the general public.
• Provides technical assistance to retailers, producers, and distributors.
• Responds to consumer complaints.
• Attends state and national meetings and training seminars.
• Serves on WVDA and division committees as assigned or requested by administrators
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Sitting, standing, driving and/or walking for extended periods, using a computer and other office equipment, working extended hours as needed, and overnight travel as required. Must be able to lift/carry 50 pounds. Some work may require being outdoors in extreme weather including heat, cold, rain, and snow. Approximately 80% of work time is spent in travel throughout WV.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the dairy industry.
• Advanced knowledge of computers and software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint to retrieve and utilize information and resources from multiple sources to complete assignments.
• Advanced ability to work collaboratively with remote technologies (i.e. cloud services, CRM, etc.).
• Skilled in performing calculations required for business planning including an understanding of balancing revenue and expenses.
• Advanced attention to detail to maintain records of resources, client/producer files, and project records according to prescribed format.
• Ability to take direction and work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent skills in developing and maintaining courteous, professional relationships with internal team members, superiors, subordinates and external clients, including small business owners, regardless of profession, and the general public.
• Ability to tour producer businesses, including on-farm site visits.
• Proficient in economic development activities including business and/or production planning, and project development and management.
• Advanced written skills to compose correspondence, reports, etc. and excellent oral communications skills, including public speaking.
• Excellent project management skills to handle multiple projects and meet established deadlines.
• Compose correspondence dealing with routine inquiries regarding the services or procedures of the Department.
• Ability to collaborate to plan, schedule, and organize local activities independently or with partners.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in economics, agriculture, agribusiness, food sciences/technology, agriculture finance, business administration, marketing or related field.

Experience: Two years of demonstrated success in economic and/or business development. Additional experience in agribusiness development or agribusiness marketing; small farmer agribusiness capacity development; knowledge of the agribusiness sector in West Virginia; or a strong background in private sector business administration and management preferred. Experience in the dairy industry can be replaced for education on a year-to-year basis.

Substitution: A combination of education and experience comparable in depth to the above education and experience requirements that demonstrates a seasoned business background sufficient to perform required duties.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

                              This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.
                                                    West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.