TDA – Produce Safety Field Outreach Specialist (Central Texas) (58779) ( 00034020 )

Organization : DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Primary Location : Texas-Various Counties

Work Locations : Various Counties Various Counties Various Counties 78711

Job : Business and Financial Operations

Employee Status : Regular

Schedule : Full-time

Standard Hours Per Week : 40.00

Travel : Yes, 75 % of the Time

State Job Code : 1572

Salary Admin Plan : B

Grade : 19

Salary (Pay Basis) : 4,300.00 – 4,300.00 (Monthly)

Number of Openings : 1

Overtime Status : Non-exempt

Job Posting : Jun 23, 2023, 9:14:26 AM

Closing Date: Jul 11, 2023, 11:59:00 PM

Description

PRODUCE SAFETY FIELD OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Salary Information: $4,300.00/MO.– B19

State Classification: Program Specialist III – 1572

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Posting Number:23-58779-2R

Location: Central Texas – To be Managed by Staff in Austin (HQ): Anderson, Angelina, Bastrop, Bell, Bosque, Brazos, Brown, Burleson, Burnet, Cherokee, Coleman, Comanche, Concho, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Henderson, Hill, Houston, Kimble, Lampasas, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Llano, Madison, Mason, McCulloch, McLennan, Menard, Milam, Mills, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Panola, Robertson, Runnels, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Saba, Schleicher, Shelby, Sutton, Travis, Trinity or Williamson.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WITmust completethesupplementalquestions tobeconsideredfor the position.Tocompletethesupplementalquestions,gotoCAPPSRecruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Office of Produce Safety within the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Trade and Business Development division works closely with FDA through a cooperative agreement to encourage safe production of fresh fruits and vegetables. TDA also works to promote the understanding and compliance with the requirements of FDA’s “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption” (commonly referred to as the Produce Safety Rule).

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Produce Safety Field Outreach Specialist will perform complex consultative services and technical assistance work. You will develop and coordinate the regional outreach and educational efforts of TDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Program. You will serve as one of the primary regional information sources for the program for Texas producers, packers, shippers and retailers, as well as work directly with Texas agricultural producers to develop a Texas Produce Safety Program. You will work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Evaluate farm site information/data and work with agricultural industry partners to develop a farm inventory of producers to determine if growers meet federal/state requirements and are impacted by the Produce Safety Rule (PSR).

Draft reports documenting potential produce safety issues, evaluating required elements of a grower’s food safety programs and establishing improvement plans as needed.

Implement a cohesive education plan for the program while coordinating with contracted entities to research, identify and develop innovative strategies to expand awareness about the Produce Safety Rule within the selected region.

Assist FSMA- PSR Director and Produce Safety Outreach Coordinator with providing information to maintain a TDA FSMA/PSR website with relevant educational materials, upcoming educational events and links to industry resources.

Work with staff to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of FSMA/PSR outreach and education initiatives.

Disseminate policy and program information to stakeholders within selected region using multiple communication channels, such as email campaigns, social media outlets and website content; and determine the most effective and consistent communication with the public.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree (One year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).

One (1) year work experience in conducting outreach activities, coordinating stakeholder relations and/or creating educational campaigns and communications.

Experience making presentations to groups.

Masters degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Agriculture Communications or related may substitute for required experience.

PREFERRED

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Agricultural Communications.

Completion of the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training course and the Produce Safety Alliance Train the Trainer Course, preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of agriculture and production practices, Food Safety Modernization Act and the Produce Safety Rule, including .

Skill in the use of critical thinking; project management; effective verbal and written communication, human relations, organizational and presentation skills; providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to self-motivate, as well as work in a cooperative decision-making environment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and the general public, including diverse groups of people; accurately interpret and translate division programs; adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner; organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment; communicate effectively; work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; and exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

ENVIRONMENTAL/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

This position will work in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. Must maintain a phone line and high-speed internet at all times (This is a non-reimbursable expense). May involve travel (up to 80%* in the assigned area), occasionally overnight.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

• Retirement Plan

• Paid Group Health & Basic Life Insurance for employees

• Paid Holidays

• Paid Vacation Leave

• Paid Sick Leave

• Longevity Pay

• Dental

• Vision

• Dependent Optional Life Insurance

• Voluntary AD&D Insurance

• Dependent Health & Life Insurance

• Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Agriculture is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Onlycandidatesselectedforaskillsexercise/interviewwillbecontacted.Askillsexercisemaybeconductedforinterview purposes.

Duetothehighvolumeofapplications,wedonotaccepttelephonecalls.Ifyousubmittedyourapplicationthrough

theCAPPSCareerCenter,youmayalsocheckthestatusofyourapplicationbyaccessingyourprofileandselectingMyJobpage and selecting My Submissions.

• A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Equal Employment Opportunity: The Texas Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, gender, national origin, age sexual orientation, veteran’s status or protected activity. TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7454.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Veterans and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Program Management MOS Codes.