Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00228802

Description Activated On:  9/16/2024 10:37:25 AM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

Administers Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services (BAHDS) programs and legislatively mandated laws and regulations in Region 3 (Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties). In collaboration with Bureau leadership and regional Domestic Animal Health Inspectors, supports the Bureau’s mission to protect Pennsylvania’s animal agriculture by preventing, detecting, and eradicating dangerous transmissible animal diseases (DTDs), promoting biosecurity and animal health programs, and ensuring compliance with animal health laws and regulations.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Performs inspections of regulated entities that fall under BAHDS authority through law and regulations administered by BAHDS and/or fall under a cooperative agreement maintained by BAHDS:
*This includes, but is not limited to: domestic animal dealer/haulers, dead domestic animal disposal businesses, aquaculture propagators, aquaculture dealers, pet stores, markets, poultry farms enrolled in the Pennsylvania Egg Quality Assurance Program and/or the National Poultry Improvement Program (NPIP), live bird markets, swine farms enrolled in the Swine Health Improvement Program, garbage feeding swine operations, licensed Cervidae Livestock Operators, and captive cervid premises enrolled in either the Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Monitoring Program or Herd Certification Program.
*Performs initial, periodic, and follow up inspections as appropriate. Documents findings. Initiates appropriate follow up actions for documented deficiencies.
*As applicable per inspection type, performs animal health inspections, collects samples for regulatory testing, verifies sanitation and biosecurity measures, verifies appropriate standards for disease mitigation are in place, verifies licensure, verifies record keeping requirements are met, ensures required animal identification is in place, ensures applicable permits are obtained, ensures relevant health certifications and testing requirements are met.
*Inspects PA-sponsored fairs to ensure compliance with PA regulations, including the Animal Exhibition and Sanitation Act. Inspects health of animals to verify there are no clinical signs of DTDs. Works with fair management and livestock committee members to ensure compliance with animal identification and recordkeeping requirements and to prevent spread of animal and zoonotic diseases.
*Reviews, approves, and audits (virtual and/or in person) biosecurity plans for livestock and poultry operations.

Performs investigations related to DTDs and violations of laws and regulations administered by BAHDS:
*Investigates complaints of violations of laws and regulations administered by BAHDS, including complaints of engaging in regulated activities without a license.
*Conducts epidemiological investigations to determine domestic animal exposure, disease source, risk factors, and dangerous contacts for DTDs or exposure to dangerous substances.
*Investigates domestic animals exposed to, potentially exposing a person or other domestic animal to, or suspected of having rabies. Must maintain working knowledge of Pennsylvania’s Rabies Act, relevant Quarantine Orders and policies, and national rabies guidance documents. Must be able to make decisions regarding rabies exposure, applying appropriate quarantine or observation periods, provide guidance on post-exposure management of domestic animals, and explain the laws, disease epidemiology, and response protocols to stakeholders, veterinarians, other agencies, and other health professionals. Provides guidance to the public on and helps facilitate submission of animals for rabies testing.
*Collects biological samples from domestic animals, including but not limited to tissues, blood, feces, or urine for diagnostic purposes using appropriate sample collection, handling, and storage techniques. Assures proper diagnostic sample submission requirements are met. Assists with sample submission to the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Lab System (PADLS), including transport of samples, completion of submission forms, and sample packaging with appropriate biohazard precautions.
*Imposes and enforces quarantines to restrict the use and/or movement or otherwise determine the disposition of diseased or exposed domestic animals, derivatives thereof, or contaminated equipment. Periodically checks on compliance with quarantines.
* Issues notices of violation, citations, and/or civil penalties as allowed by the Domestic Animal Law. When appropriate, this is done in consultation with Division Chief, and with input from the Department’s legal counsel when deemed appropriate by the Division Chief.
*Represents the Department in a court of law in cases of violations of laws and regulations administered by BAHDS. Gathers, prepares, and presents evidence pertaining to cases.
*Available after hours by phone (government issued or personal) for consultation with on-call veterinarian regarding potential DTD investigations or other matters of urgent nature, and available to perform investigation or response activities, as deemed appropriate by the Deputy Secretary or the Bureau Director.
*Document findings and initiates appropriate follow up actions.

Provides outreach to the agricultural community:
*Develops and maintains working relations with the agricultural community, including various industry groups, to gain cooperation, resolve complaints, promote program participation, and provide outreach education regarding disease prevention and regulations.
*Provides information regarding requirements of mandatory and voluntary programs for livestock and poultry, licensure requirements, biosecurity recommendations, and animal traceability requirements, applicable laws and regulations, and zoonotic disease concerns.
*Supports the veterinary community in the Commonwealth by providing practitioners with educational outreach, current regulatory information, and official supplies. Consults with private veterinarians on cases of suspected DTDs.
*Works collaboratively with other state and federal agencies.
*Provides education to the public and the veterinary community on rabies control, prevention, and response.
*Trains livestock and poultry producers in biosecurity.
*Assists in training Certified Poultry Technicians, Certified CWD Technician, HPAI samplers, and other certification programs administered by BAHDS. Ensures that certificate holders are adequately trained in biosecurity, sample collection techniques, and sample submission procedures relevant to each certification program.
*Assists in teaching classes for the National Veterinary Accreditation Program.
*In collaboration with PADLS, follows up on laboratory Quality Check Notices. Provides education and retraining as needed.

Assists in animal health emergency response:
*Performs assigned duties as a part of the BAHDS Incident Management Team.
*Work hours during emergency operations may change to 12-hour shifts and may include work on holidays and weekends.
*Participates in humane euthanasia and depopulation following guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association when required to control DTDs.
*Obtain training in Incident Command System (minimum 100, 200, 700, 800).

Other responsibilities:
*Supervises activities of Domestic Animal Health Inspectors (DAHIs) assigned to respective region. Assigns and prioritizes inspections, investigations, and outreach activities within the scope of DAHI job duties. Reviews work and provides feedback and consultation. Ensures DAHIs understand and apply Bureau’s regulations and policies appropriately. Provides initial and ongoing training to ensure DAHIs are equipped and empowered to perform their duties. Ensures equitable distribution of work between DAHIs. Summarizes work of regional DAHIs and reports to Division Chief. Consults Division Chief as needed to resolve any performance issues with DAHIs.
*Demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Attends continuing education seminars, local veterinary organization meetings, and livestock meetings.
*Acts as the safety representative for the region and performs related functions as needed under the direction of the agency safety coordinator.
*Implements appropriate biosecurity measures when visiting premises to prevent the spread of disease agents.
*Vaccinated with pre-exposure prophylaxis for rabies and obtains periodic rabies titer testing per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
*Demonstrates a commitment to meeting and exceeding expectations of the BADHS customer(s).
*Leverages Bureau’s “Results PA” Performance Management System and key performance indicators to drive continuous improvement and enhanced customer service.
*Utilize LEAN principles to streamline regulatory functions to better meet customer and regulated entities' needs while safeguarding animal health.
*Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions continued:
11. Work in a team during stressful situations.
12. Walk, stand, and maneuver over even and uneven surfaces.
13. May not own or house poultry on the property on which you reside while holding this job title/position.
14. Supervise and motivate direct reports effectively.
15. Maintain professionalism at all times.

Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

*In response to questions regarding regulations and laws administered by BAHDS, provide a written or verbal response, including instruction to regulated entities of actions necessary to stay within compliance. To do this, must be able to analyze an individual agricultural premises, understand animal agricultural production systems, and apply appropriate regulations.
*Utilize veterinary medical knowledge and critical thinking skills when performing investigations, inspections, emergency response, and outreach activities.
*Interprets information gathered during investigations in respective region. Determines and implements appropriate action(s).
*Appropriately prioritize tasks based on disease risk and needs of BAHDS.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

USDA National Veterinary Accreditation: Category II

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1. 
  Veterinarian
 
2.  
Class C Driver's License
 
3.  
N/A
 
4.  

 
5.  

 
6.  


Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Independently organize and schedule workload.
 2. Read, comprehend, and interpret Bureau procedures, policies, and regulations.
 3. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders.
 4. Safely handle, examine, and test domestic animals.
 5. Recognize/understand animal behavior patterns and diseases.
 6. Operate and drive a motor vehicle - which may involve adverse weather conditions.
 7. Exhibit proficient manual dexterity to perform assignments.
 8. Be free of uncontrollable hypersensitivities to plant, animal, and chemical materials.
 9. Utilize current technology, including laptops, cell phones, databases, and software.
 10. Push, pull, move, restrain and/or lift animals or objects of various sizes and weights.