Michael Swimm

DESCRIPTION: This is investigative and protective services work in coordinating and evaluating agriculture-related inspection activities in order to allocate resources and ensure conformance to established processes and procedures. Duties involve observing inspection activities, analyzing inspection findings, reporting deficiencies and non-conformance, and developing and delivering training programs for inspectors and to issue FDA certifications. Responsibilities also include assisting industry members in developing quality manuals which define inspection processes to be used and record-keeping standards to be maintained. Supervision may be exercised over staff. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

... Observes work of inspectors in order to evaluate effectiveness and compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and departmental goals and objectives.

... Observes and evaluates inspection programs and processes, including reviewing records (financial and otherwise) and record-keeping procedures in order to identify systemic deficiencies.

... Develops and coordinates training programs and curricula as well as demonstrations for inspectors and industry members in order to provide information concerning current issues, rules, regulations, standards, and policies; promote industry-wide uniformity and compliance; and to issue and/or renew inspector certifications.

... Discusses and evaluates training requirements with workers, supervisors, and managers in order to identify and determine needs and to ensure a well-trained staff.

... Writes reports on services performed in order to document work activities and provide information.

... Reviews and comments on inspector reports in order to provide input, correct errors, identify deficiencies, and approve for record keeping and/or contract submission.

... Negotiates terms and conditions related to contracts and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU’s) in order to ensure compliance with State and Federal policies and procedures.

... Provides budget information relating to resources and training in order to assist with annual training budget.

... Answers questions regarding program services and requirements in order to provide information.

... Plans, schedules, and assigns inspectors’ workloads in order to ensure services are provided in a timely and efficient manner and to meet contract deliverables.

... Analyzes operational inspection data in order to develop rates and negotiate terms and service deliverables for contracts and MOU’s.

... Confers with and advises inspectors in order to exchange information; interpret program laws, rules, policies, and procedures; identify work related problems; and formulate training needs.

... Coordinates and approves reimbursement of inspection expenses from USDA in order to implement contract terms.

... Implements and complies with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices such as: AA/EEO, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies, and employee safety.

... Oversees program activities in the absence of the program manager/supervisor in order to ensure continuity of operations.

... Schedules, plans, and performs appeal inspections in order to ensure appeals are mediated fairly.

... Performs field inspections as needed in order to fill in for absent inspectors and ensure provision of services.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

... Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and standards as applied to agricultural inspection processes and procedures, including metrology, dairy, consumer foods, and produce inspection.

... Knowledge of office and record-keeping practices and procedures.

... Knowledge of the causes and characteristics of diseases of agricultural products and their effect on grade determination.

... Knowledge of the operating practices and requirements of agricultural industry members.

... Ability to instruct inspectors and supervisors in inspection procedures and processes.

... Ability to develop, plan, coordinate, and deliver inspection training programs.

... Ability to prepare audit reports and develop appropriate corrective actions.

... Ability to interpret and explain inspection programs.

... Ability to schedule and coordinate work of inspectors.

... Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

... Ability to investigate and mediate complaints and disputes.

... Ability to plan, direct, and supervise staff.

DESCRIPTION: This is investigative and protective services work in coordinating and evaluating agriculture-related inspection activities in order to allocate resources and ensure conformance to established processes and procedures. Duties involve observing inspection activities, analyzing inspection findings, reporting deficiencies and non-conformance, and developing and delivering training programs for inspectors and to issue FDA certifications. Responsibilities also include assisting industry members in developing quality manuals which define inspection processes to be used and record-keeping standards to be maintained. Supervision may be exercised over staff. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

... Observes work of inspectors in order to evaluate effectiveness and compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and departmental goals and objectives.

... Observes and evaluates inspection programs and processes, including reviewing records (financial and otherwise) and record-keeping procedures in order to identify systemic deficiencies.

... Develops and coordinates training programs and curricula as well as demonstrations for inspectors and industry members in order to provide information concerning current issues, rules, regulations, standards, and policies; promote industry-wide uniformity and compliance; and to issue and/or renew inspector certifications.

... Discusses and evaluates training requirements with workers, supervisors, and managers in order to identify and determine needs and to ensure a well-trained staff.

... Writes reports on services performed in order to document work activities and provide information.

... Reviews and comments on inspector reports in order to provide input, correct errors, identify deficiencies, and approve for record keeping and/or contract submission.

... Negotiates terms and conditions related to contracts and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU’s) in order to ensure compliance with State and Federal policies and procedures.

... Provides budget information relating to resources and training in order to assist with annual training budget.

... Answers questions regarding program services and requirements in order to provide information.

... Plans, schedules, and assigns inspectors’ workloads in order to ensure services are provided in a timely and efficient manner and to meet contract deliverables.

... Analyzes operational inspection data in order to develop rates and negotiate terms and service deliverables for contracts and MOU’s.

... Confers with and advises inspectors in order to exchange information; interpret program laws, rules, policies, and procedures; identify work related problems; and formulate training needs.

... Coordinates and approves reimbursement of inspection expenses from USDA in order to implement contract terms.

... Implements and complies with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices such as: AA/EEO, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies, and employee safety.

... Oversees program activities in the absence of the program manager/supervisor in order to ensure continuity of operations.

... Schedules, plans, and performs appeal inspections in order to ensure appeals are mediated fairly.

... Performs field inspections as needed in order to fill in for absent inspectors and ensure provision of services.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

... Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and standards as applied to agricultural inspection processes and procedures, including metrology, dairy, consumer foods, and produce inspection.

... Knowledge of office and record-keeping practices and procedures.

... Knowledge of the causes and characteristics of diseases of agricultural products and their effect on grade determination.

... Knowledge of the operating practices and requirements of agricultural industry members.

... Ability to instruct inspectors and supervisors in inspection procedures and processes.

... Ability to develop, plan, coordinate, and deliver inspection training programs.

... Ability to prepare audit reports and develop appropriate corrective actions.

... Ability to interpret and explain inspection programs.

... Ability to schedule and coordinate work of inspectors.

... Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

... Ability to investigate and mediate complaints and disputes.

... Ability to plan, direct, and supervise staff.

DESCRIPTION: This is investigative and protective services work in inspecting a variety of agricultural commodities for a variety of grades at multiple shipping points and performing certification and harmonization audits. Work includes auditing farmers/growers and inspecting a variety of agricultural products. Responsibilities include reviewing individual food safety/operation plans and administrative records, interviewing employees, completing and issuing inspection certificates, inspecting common carrier equipment, providing technical assistance, and gathering and submitting information. Positions in this classification are expected to provide routine training and guidance to new and less experience Inspectors. Work is performed under general supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

… Examines and inspects a variety of agricultural commodities in order to determine compliance with federal and state standards and grades.

… Completes and issues certificates of inspection and audit as prescribed by federal and state laws, rules, and regulations in order to verify compliance and inform the public that the product or instrument meets required standards.

… Analyzes audit information and writes reports noting conditions, food safety hazards, and non-conformance in order to document findings, issue certifications, notify auditees of compliance issues, request and accept/reject corrective action plans, and inform supervisors.

… Conducts interviews of auditee employees in order to collect information, and determine compliance with implementation of auditee’s standard operating procedures.

… Evaluates auditee administrative records in order to verify compliance with record keeping requirements, chemical application protocols, and mandated laboratory testing and results.

… Completes and issues official certificates of inspection for exports in order to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

… Inspects equipment of common carriers in order to ensure suitability for transporting specific commodities involved.

… Advises inspectors, packers, shippers, retailers, and interested persons of product standards and specifications in order to enable them to correctly grade products.

… Instructs and/or informs employees of revisions in laws, regulations, standards, inspection, and audit procedures in order to ensure the use and understanding of current inspection/audit standards and practices.

… Inspects, tests, and calibrates a variety of measuring devices in order to ensure accuracy.

… Calculates audit fees, submits bills, and collects fees in accordance with applicable procedures in order to submit fees in accordance with set procedures.

… Gathers and submits information regarding complaints and disputes in order to assist in resolving issues or resolve them directly.

… Determines grades, quality, and condition of a variety of agricultural products in order to ensure applicable laws, rules, regulations, and grading standards are met.

… Maintains technical competence in order to perform all required audits and inspections.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

… Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and grading standards applicable to the inspection and grading of a variety of agricultural commodities.

… Knowledge of the types, varieties, and physical characteristics of various agricultural products.

… Knowledge of pesticide use and application to control insects, diseases, and seeds.

… Knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Handling Practices (GHP), and Harmonized GAP standards, methodologies, and applicable laws.

… Knowledge of various inspection and audit techniques and methods.

… Ability to gather, summarize, and analyze a variety of information, reach logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations.

… Ability to perform basic mathematical computations.

… Ability to interpret audit data for inclusion into the federal database.

… Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted.

… Ability to explain, interpret, and implement rules, procedures, and standards.

… Ability to communicate effectively.

… Ability to write clearly and effectively.

… Ability to visually detect differences in quality, color, and size of various agricultural commodities.

… Ability to stand in a confined area for long periods of time.

… Ability to climb ladders and climb in and out of trucks and warehouse rooms.

… Ability to collect, count, reconcile, and/or deposit fees in accordance with set procedures.

… Ability to work independently.