Food Safety Inspector / SOUTH Retail Region

About the Role

The Human Food Division of MDARD has a mission to protect public health by ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply, while working to maintain a viable food industry. Food safety is the division's top priority. The Food Safety Inspector (Food Industry Field Scientist) is a field-based position that performs food safety regulatory inspections and related work within an assigned work area. This position requires the incumbent to live in Calhoun, Eaton, Ingham, or Jackson County or within 30 minutes, or be willing to relocate to this area within 10 months of hire.

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
• Investigate foodborne illnesses and other consumer complaints
• 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

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess and be able to demonstrate key position-critical skills and abilities, including:

• 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

The State of Michigan offers a competitive benefits package for all career employees that includes:

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

Additional Requirements

• Attach a cover letter, resume, and official college transcripts to your application
• Official transcripts must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred and date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal
• Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions
• Unsupported responses may not be considered further
• Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results

Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.

About MDARD

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of four Bureaus that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public's food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $125.8 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers; and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures. MDARD is committed to a department-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion program that builds upon our values and invests in our employees, providing an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.