In a world where safety is a major concern, including with our own food supply, the crew at the Van Buren Conservation District is working to reassure residents in every way possible that the sources of their food are safe and being monitored regularly. That is why the district is currently marketing for interested applicants to serve as a Food Safety Technician on their team.
Food Safety Technicians are responsible for delivery of the Michigan Safe Food Risk Assessment educational tools through on-farm technical assistance, using farm-specific risk assessments, education, and food safety plan development to implement practices and coordinate local, state and federal agency resources to help reduce identified food safety risks, and make progress toward compliance with state and federal regulations in regards to food safety.
The work of a Food Safety Technician for the Van Buren Conservation District may include food safety practice planning and implementation activities such as the completion of risk assessments with the landowner, developing improvement action plans, and providing technical assistance to facilitate practice changes.
The Van Buren County position is full time, 40 hours per week. Work hours will be scheduled between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Some nights and weekends will be required based on when outreach events and meetings are scheduled. The Technician will be housed at the VBCD at 1035 E. Michigan Avenue in Paw Paw. Travel (paid) will be required throughout the multi-county service area to be determined by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Technician will be employed by the Van Buren Conservation District. This is a granted position and may be renewed annually. The wage ($18 – $21/hour) will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and education.
Applicants should have a four-year agriculture, natural resources, environmental or related studies degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants should be well organized, motivated, and able to communicate with a wide variety of individuals, comfortable with public speaking and have the ability to write letters and press releases. Agricultural and/or food safety experience is desired but not a requirement. A valid Michigan driver’s license and successful background check is required. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter indicating relevant experience no later than Monday, November 21, 2016 by 5:00pm to this email address: alison.brucks@mi.nacdnet.net.
