PRODUCE SAFETY FIELD OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Internal Posting – Open to Current TDA Employees Only – 5 Day Posting

Salary Information: B19, $4,300.00/MO.

State Classification: 1572 – Program Specialist III

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Posting Number: 24-58779-1R

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/551/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Office of Produce Safety within the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Trade and Business Development division works closely with FDA through a cooperative agreement to encourage safe production of fresh fruits and vegetables. TDA also works to promote the understanding and compliance with the requirements of FDA’s “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption” (commonly referred to as the Produce Safety Rule).

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Produce Safety Field Outreach Specialist will perform complex educational services and consultation work within the authority of the Produce Safety Program’s administrative rules. You will develop and coordinate the regional outreach and educational efforts of TDA’s Produce Safety Program. You will serve as one of the primary regional information sources for the program for Texas producers, packers, shippers, and retailers, as well as work directly with Texas agricultural producers to develop a Texas Produce Safety Program. You will work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Evaluate farm site information/data and work with agricultural industry partners to develop a farm inventory of producers to determine if growers meet federal/state requirements and are impacted by the Produce Safety Rule (PSR).

Draft reports documenting potential produce safety issues, evaluating required elements of a grower’s food safety programs and establishing improvement plans as needed.

Implement a cohesive education plan for the program while coordinating with contracted entities to research, identify and develop innovative strategies to expand awareness about the Produce Safety Rule within the selected region.

Assist Director for Produce Safety and Coordinator for Produce Safety Outreach with providing information to maintain a TDA PSR website with relevant educational materials, upcoming educational events, and links to industry resources.

Work with staff to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of PSR outreach and education initiatives.

Disseminate policy and program information to stakeholders within selected region using multiple communication channels, such as email campaigns, social media outlets and website content; and determine the most effective and consistent communication with the public.

Follow all TDA safety guidelines, policies, procedures, and ethics requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Bachelor’s degree (One year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).

One (1) year work experience in conducting outreach activities, coordinating stakeholder relations and/or creating educational campaigns and communications.

Experience making presentations to groups.

Substitution Clause: Master’s degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Agriculture Communications or related may substitute for required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Agricultural Communications.

Completion of the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training course and the Produce Safety Alliance Train the Trainer Course.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of agriculture and production practices, Food Safety Modernization Act and the Produce Safety Rule.

Skill in the use of critical thinking; project management; effective verbal and written communication, human relations, organizational and presentation skills; providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to self-motivate, as well as work in a cooperative decision-making environment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and the general public, including diverse groups of people; accurately interpret and translate division programs; adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner; organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment; communicate effectively; work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; and exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will work in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. Must maintain a phone line and high-speed internet at all times (This is a non-reimbursable expense). May involve travel (up to 80%* in the assigned area), occasionally overnight.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include: