06/19/2003 51110

DOMESTIC ANIMAL HEALTH INSPECTOR

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the investigation of animal disease and the enforcement of state animal health laws and regulations.

An employee in this job is responsible for enforcing Commonwealth laws, rules, and regulations associated with regulatory programs and investigating violations. Work includes collecting samples for diagnostic purposes, inspection and compliance duties, and promoting standards to eliminate diseases found in economically important domestic animals. Work involves handling animals, including the use of physical and chemical restraints, collecting tissue specimens for laboratory examination, and inspecting establishments where animals are housed, sold, or rendered to ensure compliance with standards of cleanliness, quarantine restriction, licensing requirements and other animal disease control measures. Work also involves evaluating animals for indemnification of industry losses as the result of regulatory actions. Work is performed with considerable independence and in cooperation with other state and federal agencies in an assigned geographical area. Work is reviewed by Veterinary Medical Field Officers through conferences, reports, and the observations of completed work.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Inspects and reviews operations where domestic animals are housed, sold, transported, or rendered to ensure compliance with licensing, health certification and identification laws and regulations.

Appraises domestic animals for payment of indemnity.

Issues quarantine notices and permits to move quarantined animals.

Monitors administrative procedures involved with the health certification of domestic animals.

Collects various domestic animal wastes, secretions or parts/tissues necessary for disease testing and sends or delivers them to the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System.

Investigates and collects evidence of violation of state and/or federal animal health laws and regulations to initiate enforcement and compliance action.

Testifies at legal proceedings as a representative of the Department.

Monitors the euthanasia of diseased or disease exposed domestic animals and animals involved in truck accidents.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the production, keeping, transportation, marketing and processing of domestic animals.

Knowledge of domestic animal breeds, value, care and housing.

Knowledge of domestic animal biosecurity measures.

Ability to learn investigatory techniques and proper law enforcement procedures.

Ability to handle and restrain animals for regulatory purposes.

Ability to collect information through observations and inspections.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the industry and public.

Ability to complete written reports and express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Graduation from an approved Veterinary Medical Technology Training program and two (2) years of experience in the raising or handling of animals used for a variety of commercial purposes including food animals and farm animals;

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A bachelor’s degree in Biology, Animal Science, Dairy Science, Poultry Science, or a closely related area with at least 16 credits in animal science;

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An equivalent combination of training and experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Current certification as a Poultry Technician or the ability to gain certification during the probationary period.

Possession of a valid class C driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.