Food/Dairy Safety Inspector / NORTHWEST Retail Region - Food Industry Field Scientist 9-P11

About the role

MDARD’s Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health protects public health by ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply while supporting a viable food industry. The Food/Dairy Safety Inspector (Food Industry Field Scientist) is a field‑based position that conducts food/dairy safety regulatory inspections and related work within an assigned area. The incumbent must live in Marquette or Delta County or within 15 minutes of the area, or be willing to relocate there within 10 months of hire. MDARD consists of four bureaus that pursue a customer‑driven, solution‑oriented approach to grow economic opportunities for Michigan’s food and agricultural sector, safeguard the food supply, enforce animal health practices, control plant pests and diseases, preserve the farming environment, and enforce weights‑and‑measures laws.

Responsibilities

• Inspect retail stores, bakeries, warehouses, and food processing plants for compliance with state laws and regulations related to sanitation, construction, and adulteration of food.
• Ensure compliance with food/dairy laws and regulations by performing milk sanitation inspections of dairy farms, plants, milk tank trucks, and haulers.
• Investigate foodborne illnesses and other consumer complaints.
• Perform product and other sampling activities.
• Enforce rules related to the packaging and labeling of food products.
• Function from a home workstation, following established standard operating procedures.
• Meet quantity, quality, and timeliness standards for assigned work.

Requirements

Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree in animal science, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental health, food science/technology, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary science, or a related field, including 10 semester (15 term) credits in a combination of biology and/or chemistry courses.

Experience:

• Food Industry Field Scientist 9 – no specific type or amount of experience required.
• Food Industry Field Scientist 10 – one year of professional experience in the enforcement of laws pertaining to the production, transportation, and storage of food products equivalent to a Food Industry Field Scientist, including one year equivalent to a Food Industry Field Scientist 9.
• Food Industry Field Scientist P11 – two years of professional experience in the enforcement of laws pertaining to the production, transportation, and storage of food products equivalent to a Food Industry Field Scientist, including one year equivalent to a Food Industry Field Scientist 10.

Skills

• Enhanced observation, listening, and communication skills.
• Ability to project confidence.
• Ability to utilize and implement sound decision‑making skills.
• Ability to prioritize risk.
• Ability and/or developing ability to handle conflict‑type situations effectively.
• Professional demeanor and composure in all situations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid parental leave.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement plans.