Meat Inspector – Agricultural Specialist

Entry-level position within the Dairy and Meat Inspection Division, primarily serving the meat industry at State Equivalent Meat and Poultry Processing facilities, with a focus on very small processors. Additional inspection work conducted at custom meat processors.

Responsibilities

• Perform ante-mortem and post-mortem slaughter inspections at meat and poultry operations.
• Evaluate plant sanitation procedures and practices.
• Verify the effectiveness of firms' HACCP plans and monitor their Critical Control Points.
• Inspect a variety of animal species, including but not limited to: Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep, Bison, Elk, Deer, Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Geese, and Pheasant.
• Conduct inspections at assigned licensed businesses, focusing on educating firm operators regarding existing and new regulations.
• Initiate regulatory actions when necessary.
• Flexibility with work schedule to accommodate slaughter operation start times and relief work.
• Perform slaughter and relief duties outside of the permanent assigned work location, including counties such as Lyon, Redwood, Murray, and Cottonwood.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Meat Science, Animal Science, Biology, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related agriculture/science field.
• OR one (1) year of experience conducting meat and poultry inspections or other applicable experience working in meat or poultry processing or production systems.
• Must maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record, subject to verification and periodic review.
• Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
• Must live in or relocate to within 35 miles of the inspection territory within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Agriculture, Meat Science, Animal Science, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related agriculture/science field.
• More than one (1) year of experience conducting meat and poultry inspections or other applicable experience working in meat or poultry processing or production systems.
• Knowledge of microbiology, food safety, and food quality issues involving food, meat, and poultry products.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations governing meat and poultry operations.
• Knowledge of animal physiology and pathology to determine if an animal may be slaughtered and if abnormal carcasses or parts should be held for veterinary examination.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to work cooperatively with others and address concerns with plant owners.
• Knowledge of chemical, physical, and biological hazards associated with the production of food, meat, and poultry products to evaluate a plant’s HACCP system.

Physical Requirements

• Work performed in meat, poultry, and shell egg processing facilities.
• Involves ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection of animals and poultry in a noisy environment with large, moving machinery.
• Standing on slippery and uneven floors, sometimes on elevated platforms.
• Exposure to water at 180°F, firearms for stunning livestock, and high-voltage electrical stimulators.
• Various atmospheric conditions, including excessive cold, dampness, dryness, and extreme humidity.
• Walking on concrete floors in refrigerated coolers and freezers.
• Prolonged standing on wet concrete floors (approximately 45% of the time).
• Constant and repetitive motions with both hands and wrists, including palpating and slicing organs while standing.
• Accurate color vision to notice subtle shades of product color for product acceptability decisions.
• Ability to work with hands immersed in water.
• Ability to hear conversational voice to communicate effectively in the work environment.
• Ability to detect product abnormalities through smell.
• Potential exposure to additional physical hazards during food emergencies (e.g., floods, fires, transport accidents, storm damage).

Additional Requirements

• The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• A job offer is contingent upon successfully passing a background check, which may include:
  • SEMA4 Records Check (for current and former state employees only).
  • Employment Reference Check.
  • Driver’s License Check.
  • Conflict of Interest Review.
  • Criminal Background Check.

Pay

$26.12 - $37.91 hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 annually.

Schedule

• Full-time, unlimited position.
• Day Shift: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.
• Travel required.
• Remote worker position: Assigned work location includes but is not limited to Lyon, Redwood, Murray, and Cottonwood Counties.