Nature of Work:

The Livestock Services Supervisor is responsible for supervising assigned field personnel and programs of the Animal Health Division and for interpreting and implementing division policy concerning Animal Disease Traceability, Scrapie Eradication, livestock market tagging site agreements, fair and festival animal exhibition entry requirements, and conducting field investigations for animal diseases or assisting foreign animal disease investigations and emergency response actions. Where applicable, the Livestock Services Supervisor effectively coordinates assigned programs with local, state, or federal agencies. Concurrent to the key supervisory role, this position also provides full grading functions of a Livestock Specialist.

Examples of Work: 

• Provide direction, support, and training to field staff and programs on a continuous basis.
• Review and approve time and attendance reports, leave slips, expense accounts, weekly activity reports, vehicle logs, and other field staff documentation.
• Identify training needs for field staff, makes personnel recommendations, assign work responsibilities, and schedules and evaluate job performances.
• Responsible for ensuring program accomplishments for grading operations at livestock auction markets and sales.
• Input market reporting into required database to enhance state livestock promotion.
• Coordinate the preparation of unit reports for the Division, including proofreading and editing.
• Suggest needed revisions for legislative code and rules pertaining to unit programs.
• Assist in the development of the unit's budget for personal services, supplies, and equipment.
• Interpret statutes, regulations, and policies to staff, other managers, and the public.
• Attend Department and Division staff meetings, carries out directives of the Commissioner, Executive Staff, and Division Director and is available for consultation about on-going or proposed activities of the unit.
• Represent the Department/Division and West Virginia at regional meetings, as necessary.
• Maintain contact with federal agencies, as well as state and local government agencies, as necessary, for the purpose of intergovernmental cooperation.
• Coordinate work plans and estimate the resource needs for personnel and equipment.
• Interpret and implement divisional policy concerning statewide livestock regulations.
• Work with multiple agency investigations, collect and document evidence chain of custody, consult with Department investigator about cases and evidence. 
• Promote and practice biosecurity for supervised personnel and industry stakeholders.
• Assist livestock producers by promoting best management animal husbandry practices including procedures for detection of diseases.
• Clean and disinfect trucks and equipment in event of disease outbreak.
• Collect heads of deceased sheep/goats on WV farms for USDA Scrapie Surveillance Program.
• Perform animal exhibition entry inspections during fair and festival season.
• Provide informational services to farmers/producers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 50 pounds, functioning in proximity of working machinery and livestock, outside work and exposure to inclement weather, and use of personal protective equipment as necessary.  Travel including overnight stay as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the organization and programs of the Division, Department, and applicable federal program procedures.
• Knowledge of large animals, small animals, and poultry and their diseases.
• Knowledge of livestock handling practices for all types and sizes of livestock.
• Knowledge of state and federal animal health laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of the department supervisory standards and procedures.
• Knowledge of state government organization, programs and functions.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government relationships as they relate to the program, mission, and operations of the unit.
• Knowledge of appropriate laboratory procedures and proper procedures to prevent the existence and spread of diseases. 
• Skilled in keeping detailed records using hand held data collections devices, global positioning devices and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate field activities of the unit.
• Ability to supervise and schedule others effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other government officials, employees, and the public.
• Ability to present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.

Qualifications:

Education:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal and nutritional science, or related field.

Experience:  Two years of full-time employment in a supervisory or program management role in an agricultural field.

Certification:  Must have current livestock grader certification or gain certification within 18 months after date of hire with WVDA.

Substitutions:  Graduation from an accredited 2 year college or university with a major in agriculture, animal and nutritional science, or related field plus five years’ experience working with livestock in related fields may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.