TDA - Inspector for Biosecurity Enforcement/Road S

About the role

Perform entry-level inspection work for the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Biosecurity Enforcement and Road Stations program. Train on and become proficient in accurately conducting road station, destination, and market blitz agricultural inspections administered by TDA to contribute to the enforcement of agriculture laws and regulations for consumer protection in the State of Texas. Train on looking for agricultural products that are not in compliance with state and federal plant quarantine regulations; agricultural products that have not been inspected; agricultural pests; plants carry diseases; unsafe food products; and biological threats. Work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Inspector Is may have limited or no experience and spend the majority of their time performing simple to routine work following standard procedures. Employees may also occasionally assist others in performing work of greater complexity.

Responsibilities

• Train on and become proficient in accurately conducting road station, destination, and market blitz agricultural inspections administered by TDA, which may include some or all of the following areas:
  • inspect agricultural shipments at road station inspection locations for pests and diseases, enforce quarantine requirements
  • conduct destination and market blitz inspections at nurseries and other locations receiving potentially threatening quarantine host articles or species
  • inspect produce, nursery plants, trees, shrubs and other agricultural products for disease and insects
  • collect biological samples, when required
  • collect and remit fees to include licensing and late fees
  • issue stop-sales, notices of seizure, findings reports, enforcement actions and collect samples
• Note that Inspections may be conducted of vehicles, commercial trailers, agricultural products, agricultural commodities, and soil and plants at fixed road station sites.
• Complete accurate, detailed reports related to inspections, travel vouchers, and mileage reports; complete various daily, weekly, and end-of-month reports; and prepare a variety of required correspondence.
• Become proficient in operating and maintaining inspection station equipment, including mobile data collection devices and surveillance systems.
• May respond to potential pest or disease alerts following incident response protocols throughout the state, which constitutes on-call status or when activated by the Administrator for Biosecurity Enforcement and Road Stations, Deputy Director, or Chief of Staff to prevent and mitigate further infestation. Examples include the threat of The New world Screwworm and other Agroterrorism attacks.
• Train on and become proficient in the use of Performing Inspections, Enforcement and Recruitment (PIER), Bringing Resource Integration and Data Together for Greater Efficiency (BRIDGE) and business intelligence reports.
• Represent the agency in a positive manner when dealing with constituents.
• Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
• Work experience conducting inspections of pests, crops, soil, food products, animals, or related area.
• This position is primarily located in Seguin, TX at a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Road Station.
  • Primary work locations will cover central Texas (surrounding the Seguin area).
  • Required to work and travel across the state to work at mobile biosecurity enforcement locations, as needed. TDA may provide motor pool transportation for business needs only.
  • Required to work shifts outside of normal business hours including night and weekend shifts and being on-call. Hours may vary based on the needs of the agency.
• Valid Texas drivers license and an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, codes, standards, and regulations related to the area of responsibility; the principles and methods of field inspection and quality control; and business practices in regulated occupations and industries.
• Skill in conducting inspections; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in determining proper courses of action; in using instruments or tools necessary to perform inspections; in using applicable computer programs and databases; and in maintaining records and written reports.
• Ability to prepare reports, gather and analyze data; plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Working Conditions

Requires working outdoors and exposure to extremes in temperatures (including high-low temperature changes and variable climatic conditions such as rain, fog, dust, fumes, gases, and odors). The noise level is moderate.