Livestock Inspector - NW Iowa, State of Iowa

The Animal Industry Bureau seeks to fill the position of Livestock Inspector in Northwest. The official domicile will be determined at the time of hire but will be expected to live in Northwest Iowa (Lyon, Osceola, Buchanan, Emmet, Kossuth, Sioux, O’Brien, Clay, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Humboldt Counties). The Livestock Inspector is expected to live within their territory.

As an employee of IDALS you are a State of Iowa employee and eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $187.00 per month, single as low as $56.00 per month
• Dental insurance is $35.00 for single and $90.00 per month for family coverage
• $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long term disability insurance at no cost
• Exceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan
• In addition to IPERS a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
• Paid leave includes – 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave

Graduation from high school or G.E.D. and two years of experience in an auction market, sale barn, livestock production and/or feeding, or a livestock regulatory program;

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of course work at an accredited college or university with at least six semester hours of course work in animal science, animal husbandry, animal industry, livestock management or a closely related area for one year of the required experience with a maximum of two years;

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of work experience as a livestock inspector for each year of the required education to a maximum of four years.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. 

Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas

Apply online at https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/state-employment

Applicants are encouraged to include the following in their application:

• Prior experience with livestock and companion animals
• Prior inspection and/or investigation experience
• Prior experience with Iowa Code and Administrative Rules
• Prior regulatory experience
• Applicants may attach a cover letter and resume to their application. Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process.

Job Responsibilities:
Animal Welfare Licensing & Inspection Programs-Duties:

• Licensing and regulation of establishments/facilities/animals required under Iowa Code Chapter 162 and Rules 67.  Complete the required inspections and re-inspections.
• Monitor licensees in territory for failure to renew, out of business, operating without a license.
• Ensure establishments maintain compliance through required inspections. Bring establishments back into compliance.

Animal Industry Licensing & Inspection Programs-Duties:

• Licensing and regulation of establishments/facilities/animals required under Iowa Code Chapters 163-172D (subtitled Animal Industry) and Iowa Code Chapter 197. Complete the required inspections in a calendar year.
• Licensing and regulation of establishments/facilities/animals under Iowa Code Chapter 99D and Rules 62 and 67. Complete all inspections and registrations of Iowa foaled horses.
• Monitor licensees in territory for failure to renew, out of business, operating without a license.
• Ensure establishments maintain compliance through required inspections. Bring establishments back into compliance.

Investigations:

• Perform investigations in response to complaints against licensed facilities, unlicensed facilities, improper dead animal disposal, and cruelty/neglect.
• Perform investigations in response to animal health violations, and animal movement violations.
• Create written and electronic report of investigation findings.
• Perform re-inspection(s) as needed to ensure compliance. Complete report of re-inspection findings.

Disease Eradication Programs:

• Perform duties involved in disease eradication programs (inspections, assist district veterinarians, perform tracebacks, and complete required forms).

Office and Miscellaneous:

• Maintain communications via e-mail and cell phone (check at minimum 2x per day and respond daily during business work week).
• Transfer inspections/reports electronically via e-mail to office, also to establishments if they prefer e-mail vs hard copy.
• Time sheets - expected to be completed when due.
• Complete required reports accurately and completely when due including car report, expense reports, weekly contract report, etc.
• State Fair - Assist with animal check in(s) and assist District Veterinarians.
• Public Speaking/Public Relations as necessary.
• Training/Cross Training
  1. Assist in training new inspectors.
  2. Participate in ongoing training.
  3. Participate in cross-training.
• Contested case hearings - participate, supply information/documentation in all contested case hearings for cases directly involved in. 
• Be available for consultations via phone and e-mail as needed.
• Attend field staff meetings when required.
• Other duties as assigned.