Primary Product and Farm Animal Welfare Inspector (Inspector (Specialist) 2) - Jobs in Kentville, NS

Job Description

Current NS Government Employee Sign InCompetition # : 31137Department: Environment and Climate ChangeLocation: KENTVILLEType of Employment: TemporaryUnion Status: NSGEU - NSPGClosing Date: 6/21/2021 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsNova Scotia Environment and Climate Change’s role is to protect the environment, human health and farm animal through regulatory excellence, conservation, partnership and promotion. To achieve this, we strive to develop legislation, regulations and policies, process notifications, applications, and approvals for regulated activities based on sound scientific knowledge and expertise.Our goal is to educate, inspect and enforce to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations. We proactively respond to environmental, conservation, farm animal welfare, and human health risks and work to develop programs and deliver services to enhance protection in these areas.Website: Processors | Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement | Nova Scotia EnvironmentAbout Our OpportunityWorking within a complex, regulatory environment as an Inspector Specialist, you will ensure producers throughout Nova Scotia are operating in compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines. You will implement compliance-related activities to ensure the humane treatment of farm animals in private ownership or custody, on commercial farms and premises, including those intended for the food system, at the time of slaughter. This position also responds to and investigates farm animal welfare complaints from the public on private or commercial premises, collects evidence, issues orders, conducts follow-up inspections and/or implements any necessary enforcement actions. You also determine the need for technical assistance from veterinarians and, where necessary, act to relieve acute and serious animal suffering.Primary AccountabilitiesYou will implement risk management strategies to protect public health, which will be done through:inspection of meat and meat products;reviewing monitoring, labeling, and packaging requirements;participation in product recalls;tracing source foods;conducting compliance audits;using enforcement tools;investigating animal welfare issues;reporting workplace health and safety issues;training staff;providing consultations and education; andconducting investigations and all powers granted under, but not limited to, the NS Meat Inspection Act and Regulations, Animal Protection Act, Food Safety Regulations, Health Protection Act, and Smoke Free Places Act.Qualifications and ExperienceYou have completed related trade or technical training in the area of specialty (such as a diploma in a related field) and have six years of related experience after the course completion; or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.To be successful within this role, you must also be able to quickly identify and determine the severity of signs of disease, injury, or related issues in live farm animals as well as a strong understanding of farm animal husbandry, care, handling, feeding and sheltering of farm animals.Proficient computer skills and report writing will also be essential within this position.In addition to the above, you will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to plan, organize, as well interpret and explain legislation and technical matters. You will also be able to solve complex issues, make decisions, be self-motivated, versatile, work independently and manage difficult or confrontational situations with ease.Training in any of the following would be considered an asset: Food Processing and Meat Inspection Procedures, Food Safety Professional Designation, Certification in Advanced Food Safety Programs, Certification in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Certification in Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), Certification in First Aid and CPR.You must have regular access to a reliable vehicle.EquivalencyApplicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.Working ConditionsYou will be required to work at least 35 hours per week, 4 days/week. Shifts will vary and may be up to 12 hours in length. Work will be located primarily throughout the Western Region, and sometimes throughout the Central and Eastern Regions. Must be willing to work overtime when needed.Additional InformationPlease note, this is expected to be a Temporary status position with an end date of March 25, 2022; however, the position status (“term”, “temporary” or “casual”) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.What We OfferCareer Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.Mentorship through iNSpire; a new formal, interdepartmental mentorship program that connects employees so they can gain knowledge and experience to support their career development.Countless Career Paths for Nova Scotians.Department Specific Flexible working schedules.Pay Grade: TE 24Salary Range: $2,222.35 - $2,617.48 Bi-WeeklyEmployment Equity Statement:Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU).Current NS Government Employee Sign InFailure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.