Nature of Work:

This position is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the farmers markets operating in the state including registrations, inspections and educating various related parties.

Examples of Work:

• Coordinate all inspections across the state with regulators, including farmers markets and vendor kitchens.
• Maintain and update all inspection areas for inspections across the state.
• Train all inspectors on inspections of farmers markets, vendor kitchens, and update any forms that correspond with those inspections in person or electronically when necessary.
• Educate vendors, registration specialists, and all farmer market stakeholders in the state.
• Work with registration specialist to maintain a current list of all farmers markets and vendors in the state.
• Maintain and update all registration forms for farmers markets and vendors, along with reviewing registrations to verify information, including refunds when necessary.
• Send out renewals for all farmers markets and potentially hazardous vendors annually.
• Maintain and update all laws and rules associated with farmers markets, including working with legislators.
• Complete inspections at WV farmers markets and vendor kitchens.
• Assist farmers markets and vendors with required registrations, and outreach at markets when necessary, across the entire state.
• Perform label checks for accuracy at farmers markets.
• Assist with consumer complaints regarding products regulated by WVDA.
• Assist local health departments as necessary, including attending state and local health department meetings across the state when necessary.
• Work with all stakeholders as necessary.
• Provide technical assistance to market management, vendors, producers, and distributors.
• Work with other WVDA divisions with any fairs, festivals, or other markets across the state to assure registrations, vendors, or other necessary information for operation of these events.
• Compile necessary reports and documents to be compiled after inspections.
• Be proficient in numerous computer programs to complete all inspections and enter inspection data at all firms.
• Complete all training as required.
• Work within an assigned territory; however, may be required to cover additional territory at the discretion of division administrators.
• Submit timesheet and leave requests in a timely manner.
• Submit travel expense settlement form as applicable in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Frequently bend, squat, stand, sit, climb, kneel, reach above shoulder level, push/pull and/or walk for extended periods of time, and ability to lift/carry 50 pounds. Possible work in extreme weather including heat, cold, rain, and snow in various outdoor settings including farmers markets under a shelter or tent, mobile farmers markets, farm stands, warehouses, and any other numerous product facilities regulated by the WVDA READ. Some travel including some overnight stays required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of WV Code Chapter 19 relating to duties and responsibilities of the WVDA Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division.
• Ability to comprehend and apply complex laws and regulations in diverse situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.
• Ability to make public presentations to farmers markets, vendors, schools, professional and community meetings.
• Ability to reason and analyze complex situations and respond using sound judgement.
• Ability to organize and carry out work assignments.
• Ability to file and maintain a good record keeping system.
• Ability to pay close attention to surroundings and details to detect possible violations of the laws and regulations.
• Working knowledge of computer programs and skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in plant science, agriculture, biology, agri-business, criminal justice, or related field.

Experience:

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in fields related to farmers markets, food processing, or safe food handling.

Substitutions:

Experience with agriculture, farmers markets, food processing, or safe food handling on a year for year basis for the required education.

Licenses/ Certifications: