Consumer Safety Inspector

Shifts, species, and assignment locations within the Des Moines District may vary. For additional information, contact Dr. Amy Swenson at 712-202-6544.

Responsibilities

• Perform sampling, quality control, and sanitation inspections in food manufacturing or production environments.
• Identify abnormalities in products or production environments and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop written reports and communicate findings orally to internal and external contacts.
• Maintain effective personal contacts regarding food safety standards.
• Ensure conformance with established standards for products and production environments.
• For GS-07 and above: Independently carry out routine, standard assignments on a regular and recurring basis.
• For GS-08 and above: Work with Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts to inspect products.
• For GS-08 and above: Apply SSOP and HACCP principles to verify plant responsibilities.
• For GS-08 and above: Use basic mathematics and elementary statistical concepts for testing and sampling.
• For GS-09 and above: Work at a more independent level, including recommending refusal of exports and providing temporary coverage at locations outside the official duty station.

Requirements

• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Specialized experience is required, defined as experience providing knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities or other products for human consumption.
• Such experience may include roles such as consumer safety inspector, food inspector, public health inspector, or quality inspection specialist.

Qualifications

• GS-05 Level: At least 52 weeks of qualifying experience demonstrating knowledge of regulated food commodities (e.g., meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other ingestible substances). Examples include:
  • Collecting samples and performing field tests.
  • Identifying abnormalities and recommending corrective actions.
  • Developing written reports and communicating findings.
  • Maintaining effective contacts regarding food safety standards.
• GS-07 Level: In addition to GS-05 qualifications, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level, including independently carrying out routine assignments.
• GS-08 Level: In addition to GS-07 qualifications, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level, including:
  • Working with Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts.
  • Applying SSOP and HACCP principles.
  • Performing basic mathematics and statistical concepts for testing and sampling.
  • Interpreting and reaching conclusions based on findings.
• GS-09 Level: In addition to GS-08 qualifications, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 level, including working at a more independent level (e.g., recommending refusal of exports, providing temporary coverage at other locations).
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps).

Benefits

• $5,000 Sign-On Bonus: Available to newly appointed employees.
• Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual: Calculated to determine annual leave accrual rate.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: Available to eligible employees. Learn more.
• $1,000 Employee Referral Bonus Award: Paid to employees who refer applicants hired by FSIS.
• Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health, retirement, and work-life programs.

The duties of a Consumer Safety Inspector are performed in a hazardous working environment. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and processed egg products. Learn more about FSIS.