Manufactured Food Shellfish Compliance Specialist.

We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership.

The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

Position Overview

This position is located within the Manufactured Food Program of the Food Safety Division of the GDA.

The Manufactured Food Program is responsible for protecting consumers' health by ensuring that food in Georgia is prepared in a clean environment and honestly presented.

• The Manufactured Foods Section employs specialists, who conduct random, unannounced inspections of food manufacturing facilities and warehouse distribution facilities, including processing plants, wholesale bakeries, bottled water, drink processors, wholesale seafood facilities, and certified molluscan shellfish dealers.
• The manufactured food compliance specialists collect food samples during inspections, and they review sanitation practices and product labels.
• All manufactured food compliance specialists must complete advanced training in various specialized processing operations.

Each position is assigned a specific territory in which they are required to reside.

This position is assigned to the following counties.

Applicant must reside in one of these counties or be willing to relocate :

• GLYNN
• CAMDEN
• MCINTOSH

Essential Functions :

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following :

Shellfish Certification Specialist :

• Inspects, investigates and certifies shellfish dealers’ compliance with applicable health and sanitation laws and regulations.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in seafood and molluscan shellfish as it pertains to the Manufactured Food Program. Performs Shellfish Inspections as assigned;

Maintains a working knowledge of current policies, laws, regulations, and guidance documents. Works closely with the GA Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division in a unified effort to regulate the molluscan shellfish industry in Georgia.

Conducts onsite visits of the shellfish growing areas with the GA Department of Natural Resources as needed.Generateswritten documentation, and communications and gathers evidence to support compliance for shellfish or other firms when required;

Coordinates with the Compliance Manager and State SSOs.Works with management and / or SSOs concerning any follow-up for seafood / shellfish inspection deficiencies.

Conducts investigations with the GA Department of Public Health and other agencies inspecting molluscan shellfish and other food commodities as it is being delivered, stored, and handled.

Manufactured Food Processing Specialist :

Inspects and investigates food manufacturing establishments for compliance with applicable health and sanitation laws and regulations.

Performs State / FDA Contract Inspections, HACCP Inspections, and other specialized inspections as assigned in a manner to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and Model Ordinance (MO) requirements.

Maintains a working knowledge of current policies, laws, regulations, and guidance documents. Collects food samples, environmental swabs, and water samples as necessary, and transports samples to laboratories for analysis within the prescribed methods and timeframe.

Follow and educate while you regulate approach and provide guidance and knowledge to industry and other personnel regarding health and food sanitation, rules and regulations, and their enforcement.

Maintains working relationships with the food industry and related entities, including federal, state, and local agencies;

and attends training sessions, meetings, conferences, and trade association meetings.Prepares and completes agency, state, and federal forms as required.

Maintains all State-issued equipment properly.

Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands :

• Constant standing / walking
• Climbing of stairs in high ranges
• Exposure to weather / elements
• Exposure to a broad range of temperatures
• Typing and repetitive movements
• Exposure to sunlight
• Long travel days
• Lifting of equipment up to, and possibly over, thirty (30) lbs.
• Flexibility to meet the needs of the Department for emergencies, outbreaks, and responses that may occur outside working hours (nights, weekends).

Preferred Education and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree or higher; in agronomy, animal science, biology, chemistry, or a related area from an accredited college or university.
• Experience conducting FDA contract cGMP & HACCP inspections.
• Familiar with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
• Familiar with the National Shellfish Program and Model Ordinance.
• Work experience relevant to seafood.
• Working knowledge of Windows computer operating system and applications.
• Working knowledge of Digital Health Department (DHD) / Tyler Technologies Environmental Health (TTEH) software
• Experience working with the food industry, shellfish, and fixed or mobile wholesale / retail seafood facilities.

NOTE : The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

Via Team Georgia Careers

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and / or interview status cannot be provided.

Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified

Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university OR Associate's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND One year of related experience OR High school diploma or GED AND Two years of related experience.

Note : Some positions may require a valid driver's license.