Dairy Inspection Agriculture Program Specialist

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 31551
Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location:Watertown, SDSalary: $29.23/hr
Pay Grade: J
Closing Date: 06/19/2025

Make a Difference:
The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is to protect and preserve South Dakota's agriculture, environment, and natural resources. The successful applicant will be a member of the Livestock Services Program in DANR. The dedicated staff of professionals in the Livestock Services Program work hard to create and sustain a vision for South Dakota that is prosperous and diverse with clean air, clean water, and healthy families. We are seeking individuals with a strong desire to learn and an interest in building a career.

What You Will Do:
As the Dairy Inspection Agriculture Program Specialist , you will play an important role inspecting dairy farms and dairy processing plants to ensure uninterrupted interstate shipment of milk and milk products produced in the state. The position ensures the safety and quality of milk and milk products produced and sold in South Dakota by:

• inspecting and recommending necessary sanitary or structural improvements at dairy farms;
• collecting, packing, and delivering samples to state laboratories for analysis;
• conducting on-site compliance surveys, investigations, or inspections of dairy farms;
• conducting on-site compliance surveys, investigations, or inspections of dairy processing plants. This requires an intricate understanding of pasteurization and other dairy processing plant equipment and the science behind these processes. This may involve the disassembly of this equipment to facilitate inspections; and
• reviewing equipment plans and conducting on-site reviews of construction and installation at dairy processing plants and dairy farms.

Benefits of Working for DANR:
The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package which includes options for health, vision, and dental insurance in addition to one of the strongest retirement systems in the nation.

South Dakota state government understands the importance of having a work/life balance and this position includes paid vacation leave, sick leave, and family leave. You will work a 40-hour week which leaves plenty of time to enjoy all that South Dakota has to offer.

We offer training and development opportunities to build your skills and knowledge. It is not just a job; it is an opportunity to build a career.

The position requires a valid driver's license, statewide travel approximately 75-80 % of the time, and occasional overnight travel. Travel may be during inclement weather. Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., five days per week. Fieldwork may require flexing the work schedule to include longer workdays, weekends, and holidays. Fieldwork can occur in a wide range of weather conditions and may occasionally require the lifting of up to 70 pounds, climbing ladders on milk tanks and trucks, disassembling and inspecting dairy equipment, and working around corrosive compounds at dairies and dairy processing plants. Office work will be conducted in a routine office setting. Fieldwork occurs in both indoor and outdoor settings. The position requires frequent contact with the general public and the regulated community. This is a full-time position with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For more information on the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Our ideal candidate is someone that desires to learn, has strong attention to detail, has good interpersonal and customer service skills, and is seeking a career opportunity in public service. Applicants with education or experience related to Dairy Manufacturing or Dairy Production are preferred.

Knowledge of:

• dairy science, dairy manufacturing, and dairy processing, including computerized control systems;
• sampling procedures and practices as they relate to dairy products;
• laws and regulations pertaining to the dairy industry and the sale of dairy products;
• standard testing and inspection techniques.

Ability to:

• communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing;
• set goals and work independently or in a team setting to achieve them;
• make appropriate decisions by applying standards and available information to specific situations;
• maintain complete and accurate records;
• provide technical assistance to managers, staff, industry and the public;
• provide customer service to the general public;
• use basic computer applications;
• set goals and work independently to achieve them;
• work cooperatively with coworkers and treat others with respect;
• work with regulated entities to gain compliance in a customer friendly manner.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1OU
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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