Job Title: Dairy Program Intern-TEMPORARY
Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters: Guthrie Agriculture Center, Charleston WV
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

NOTE: Temporary Employees are not eligible for benefits and cannot exceed one thousand (1,000) hours worked in a calendar year.

Nature of Work:
An employee in this position works directly with the Dairy Program Manager, Deputy Director of Regulatory Operations, Director, Dairy Industry, Inspection Staff, and Support Staff in all matters concerning Grade A Milk. This position helps manage and promote the WVDA milk sanitation program on a statewide basis.

Examples of Work:

• Assist with planning, regulating, and coordinating the milk sanitation program.
• Assist with performing the direct activities for the statewide program for antibiotic and bacteriological sampling of raw and finished milk products in WV.
• Assist with the consulting and enforcement program, including permit issuance to all programs which may include but is not limited to: dairy farms, milk truck inspections, milk haulers, cheese plants, and milk distributors.
• Assist with developing promotion and outreach activities for the dairy industry in WV.
• Assist with records maintenance for raw and finished milk sample reports.
• Assist with the federal bulk milk hauler and sampler evaluation and inspection program.
• Assist with inspections and equipment tests at milk pasteurization and cheese plants.
• Assist with performance evaluations of state milk program personnel.
• Coordinate purchases of supplies for the milk program.
• Assist with coordinating activities by scheduling work assignments and priorities of staff.
• Review the FDA Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) and make recommendations and revisions of food safety and sanitation rules, regulations, and laws.
• Maintain uniformity of interpretation and enforcement of laws and regulations in the dairy inspection program.
• Prepare and submit reports as required.
• Conduct and attend meetings of business, government, and industry related to dairy industry topics.
• Provide technical assistance to retailers, producers, and distributors.
• Assist with responses to consumer complaints.
• Attend state and national meetings as well as training seminars to assist WVDA.
• 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, and operate motorized equipment. Must be able to lift/carry 50 pounds. Work requires being outdoors in extreme weather including heat, cold, rain and snow.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of dairy inspection techniques and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of the sterile collection of samples.
• Basic knowledge of the FDA Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
• Proficient in computer programs including Microsoft Office.
• 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 industry, schools, professional organizations and community meetings.
• Ability to perform calculations.
• Ability to determine program needs and make recommendations for implementation.
• Ability to reason and analyze complex situations.
• Ability to organize and carry out work assignments.
• Ability to maintain a good record keeping system.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Currently enrolled in high school or college.
Experience: Working knowledge of a dairy farm or dairy processing facility.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• 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.