This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Animal Health Program Coordinator
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is specialized technical, administrative and supervisory work in the coordination of a statewide animal health program for the Department of Agriculture.
An employee in this class is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the inspection and enforcement activities of an animal health program administered by the Division of Animal Health. Work includes providing training, technical assistance and functional supervision to program staff involved in conducting field inspections, investigations and/or animal testing. Work also includes developing program guidelines and operating procedures, reviewing applications and determining eligibility for certification an/or licensure, interpreting and explaining state and federal statutes and regulations, and responding to inquiries from program participants, industry associations and the general public. Technical assistance and general supervision are provided by the State Veterinarian or other designated superior; however, the employee exercises independence and initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities within established guidelines.
Coordinates and implements the inspection, certification and compliance activities of the statewide meat inspection program governing the operation of slaughter and processing plants.
Coordinates and implements the livestock quality assurance program providing educational training and information on food safety and quality assurance for livestock producers, small meat processors, veterinarians, markets, livestock transporters and schools.
Coordinates and implements the inspection, licensure and enforcement activities of the statewide animal care program governing the operation of commercial breeders, pet shops, kennels, animal shelters and related facilities.
Coordinates and implements the inspection, certification and enforcement activities of the statewide poultry and ratite health program governing the operation of hatcheries and breeding flocks, as well as, the interstate and international export of poultry and hatching eggs.
Provides initial orientation and on-going technical assistance to program staff; develops and conducts program-specific training related to facility inspection, animal testing and enforcement procedures.
Evaluates the work of program staff for quantity, quality, methods and adherence to policies and procedures; periodically observes staff in the performance of program duties.
Works with diagnostic laboratories to implement testing procedures; determines and certifies the disease status of flocks and hatcheries.
Provides administrative and technical program support and advice to the Division Director, or designated superior on problems encountered by program staff; makes recommendations on statutes, regulations, policies and procedures for improved program services.
Investigates complaints of facilities suspected of operating without a license, raising contaminated animals or providing inadequate animal care.
Serves as Missouri's Contact Representative for the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) and as the chairperson of the state's Poultry Health Advisory Council.
Reviews and endorses applications for NPIP participation and for interstate and international export permits.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Four years as an Animal Health Officer with the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
OR
Four years of technical or professional regulatory or enforcement experience in the animal care, livestock, meat inspection or poultry industry; and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in animal science or closely related areas. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for deficiencies in the required education.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Considerable knowledge of the nature and objectives of a statewide animal health program.
Considerable knowledge of applicable state and federal animal health statutes, regulations, enforcement standards, animal testing and inspection procedures.
Considerable knowledge of animal health inspection and investigation techniques.
Considerable knowledge of the principles of serology, bacteriology, biotechnology, epidemiology and other science disciplines as they apply to disease control programs.
Considerable knowledge of the principles of effective management, supervision and training.
Ability to plan and coordinate the activities of staff engaged in program implementation.
Ability to train and evaluate program staff in inspection/testing methods and investigative techniques.
Ability to analyze data and make recommendations for improved program services.
Ability to communicate, interpret and enforce animal health statutes, rules, regulations and policies.
Ability to communicate effectively and to prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to travel extensively in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, government agencies, industry associations and the general public.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits