Position Title: NMDA Inspector,Inter - Possible Career Development Opportunity

Employee Classification: NMDA Inspector,Inter

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 180100-NMDA ENTOMOL AND NURSERY IND BUREAU

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Albuquerque/Northern New Mexico

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with education and experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) works for the benefit of the state’s citizens and supports the viability of agriculture and affiliated industries. NMDA promotes food protection, a uniform, and fair marketplace, and global marketing and economic development; supports the beneficial use of natural resources; and works cooperatively with public and private sector entities. Opportunities for excellence abound, and NMDA staff dedicate themselves to proactive service in fulfilling the department’s mission. Each division plays an important role in carrying out the goals and objectives. Our rich agricultural history, culture, and traditions are addressed through new and innovative approaches using the latest in science, technology, and economic strategies. In New Mexico, we contribute to the safest and most affordable, and nutritious food supply on the globe.

NMDA is a constitutional agency organized under the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU). This unique relationship creates efficiencies and opportunities for New Mexico’s food and agriculture sector as well as service and outreach opportunities for NMSU, making NMDA an integral part of the university. NMDA/NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Classification Summary:
Under moderate supervision performs regulatory inspections and otherwise enforces consumer and producer protection laws and regulations. Consumer Service Inspectors inspect all commercial weighing and measuring devices, enforce applicable regulations, in order to protect the economic interests of consumers and merchants in the State of New Mexico. Consumer Service Inspectors may also be called upon to appear in court as a witness or participate in fraud investigations.

Classification Standard Duties:
Consumer Service Inspector, Intermediate works under moderate supervision functioning at the full performance level of Consumer Service Inspector, General & Associate positions. Positions allocated to this advanced level advise and/or participate in investigations, inspections, programs and projects which require the input of senior personnel. This position serves as a technical expert for a variety of field business evaluations and compliance with state and federal statutory requirements. Provides training, guidance and technical assistance to lower level entry or staff on the performance of or review of job assignments and job responsibilities. May act as lead person for Consumer Service Inspector General & Associate personnel. Work involves on-site joint field evaluations and training. Aids in the development of policy and may have a minimum case load of complex field activities for evaluation. Inspects labeling and net content of packaged commodities, and verifies pricing accuracy of Universal Product Code (UPC) scanners; inspects and ensures eggs that are sold meet the USDA Egg Standards; inspects open dates on dairy products, and inspects frozen desserts to verify the standard of identity is met; inspects/audits establishments to verify the Chile Advertising Act is being complied with. Maintains accurate and orderly records and reports; removes obsolete files, files inspection documents, records information, documents consumer complaints and submits work activity reports; maintains a current list of businesses with weighing and measuring devices; develops an annual inspection schedule. Inspectors maintain testing equipment and standards; perform preventive and minor maintenance; maintain records of equipment servicing; and test against official State standards to ensure accuracy and proper calibration. Consumer Service Inspectors perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Three (3) years of experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services.; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of weights and measures laws and regulations; math, physics, and electronics as applied to weights and measures; scale systems to enable correct analysis of their operation; proper safety procedures when working with hazardous chemicals, flammable liquids, and handling of mass weights; weighing and measuring devices; NIST regulations including Handbook 44 as pertains to specifications, tolerances and other technical requirements for weighing and measuring devices. SKILLS: ; ABILITITES: At this level inspector will be able to apply and enforce weights and measures regulations and procedures; make independent decisions in the field; interpret statutes, rules and procedures; independently investigate and resolve consumer complaints; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; may act as a trainer/mentor for lower staff

Job Duties and Responsibilities
This position may be underfilled as a NMDA Inspector, Associate Grade Level 06 on a career development plan if unable to fill at the NMDA Inspector, Intermediate Grade Level 07. Minimum requirements for the associate level: Bachelor’s degree in related field, no previous work experience. Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services may be used to meet the minimum requirements.

Inspect agricultural and horticultural commodities for compliance with state and federal regulations related to plant pests. including arthropods and pathogens. Establish surveys in managed and natural ecosystems for early detection of invasive plant pests. Represent New Mexico Department of Agriculture at stakeholder meetings and conferences.
Inspects agricultural and horticultural plants for disease, insects, and other plant pests. Inspects bee colonies for disease; sample feed, seed, and fertilizer for laboratory testing. Inspects pesticide applicators for compliance with the Pesticide Control Act. Performs marketplace inspections of pesticide products. Assists in cooperative spray programs. Assists in applicator training programs. Inspects fruits and vegetables for quality characteristics. Examines weighing and measuring devices for accuracy. Evaluates prepackaged items for correct weight, price, and label information. Inspects eggs for size and quality. Obtains product samples for lab analysis. Instructs and trains others in methods and procedures. Performs related duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position
Position requires 70% travel within an assigned inspection area. Out of state travel is also required on occasion.

Department Contact:  Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 646-7523,cmason@nmda.nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.