Chief Animal Specialist

Date Posted: May 10, 2024

Requisition ID: 443554

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46205

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About the Board of Animal Health (BOAH):

BOAH operates under the direction of an 11-member board of animal industry professionals to:

• Protect Hoosiers' investment in animal agriculture, wildlife, horses and companion animals.

• Protect public health by preventing and controlling the spread of animal diseases, such as rabies, which pose a threat to people.

• Maintain a vital link in a safe food supply through the state meat and poultry and dairy inspection programs.

• Help people and their animals who are victims of large-scale disasters such as floods and tornadoes

Role Overview:

You will be responsible for coordinating and evaluating the activities and results of the Animal Programs Division support and program staff. You will have major input into establishing animal health and care programs and procedures to prevent, detect, mitigate, and recover from animal diseases in a manner required by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and domestic and international trading partners to assure the distribution of Indiana livestock and poultry and animal products in interstate and international commerce.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Conducts surveys and audits to verify that Division activity, data collection and storage, and reporting are in compliance with state and federal law and program requirements.

• Prepares technical reports of Division activity, evaluations, certifications and approvals. Documents findings to agency management and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for compliance with national program requirements.

• Reports to, consults with and advises the Animal Programs Division Director on the results of laboratory tests and findings from program inspections and investigations and makes effective recommendations for action.

• Provides technical advice to Animal Programs Division management and staff on the operations of animal health and care programs.

• Plans and coordinates execution of Animal Programs Division work load across programs and personnel.

• Supervises Animal Programs Division support staff.

• Acts as liaison between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Division Director concerning animal health programs.

• Reviews and evaluates Animal Programs Division documents, records and files for compliance with Indiana law and U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements.

• Conducts and coordinates educational courses for the Animal Programs Division staff. Coordinates on-going professional education and certifications for Division staff.

• Assist in the investigation of complaints related to animal health and care programs.

• Assist in the planning, preparedness and response for high consequence animal disease events and all hazardous events such as fires, floods, damage by winds, chemical spills, and other occurrences affecting livestock, poultry and other animals and animal products.

• Recommend movement restrictions when situations require the immediate suspension of animal or product movements to mitigate disease risk.

• Performs related regulatory duties as required.

  The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

• Thorough knowledge of animal husbandry principles and practices. Working knowledge of bacteriology, microbiology and chemistry.

• Thorough knowledge of animal health and care program requirements and procedures prescribed by state and federal laws and guidance documents.

• Specialized knowledge of and the ability to review laboratory reports and data, and make recommendations for action based on the data. Ability to coordinate laboratory submissions and result reporting.

• Thorough knowledge of inspection and investigation methods, procedures and techniques.

• Ability to observe, evaluate and recognize potential adverse animal health and care conditions, record keeping processes and law violations.

• Ability to organize, manipulate, evaluate and present data using an animal health database, spreadsheet applications and other computer programs.

• Ability to prepare reports documenting finding of inspections, surveys and audits.

• Ability to assign and coordinate the work of others including subordinates.

• Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, with individuals or groups.

• Knowledge and ability to operate a personal computer.

• Knowledge and ability to possess a valid Indiana driver's license.

  Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

  The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities

• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid new parent leave

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

  Equal Employment Opportunity:

  The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected] .

  The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

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