Consumer Safety Inspector

Food Safety and Inspection Service • Fort Morgan, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Consumer Safety Inspectors ensure regulated establishments produce safe products by applying inspection methods, identifying and documenting noncompliance, and initiating enforcement action when warranted. They verify that meat and poultry slaughter and processing establishments meet regulatory requirements for Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans, and that those plans are effectively carried out to prevent unsanitary conditions and product adulteration. Inspectors review records, observe operations, conduct hands-on verification, assess corrective or preventive actions, identify trends, and determine when regulatory control or enforcement action is necessary.

The position also covers consumer protections such as economic adulteration and misbranding. Inspectors communicate regulatory requirements and inspection findings to plant managers, owners, colleagues, and other stakeholders; help resolve differences in interpretation; and advise agency personnel on inspection and enforcement matters. They may conduct sampling, surveys, and tests for microbes, residues, contaminants, and other issues of agency interest. Import-related duties include verifying compliance with federal requirements, authorizing entry of compliant meat and poultry products, refusing noncompliant products, and coordinating with other federal agencies.

Shifts and species vary by assignment. An employee may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Denver District. The work is performed in a hazardous environment and requires a pre-employment physical. Training is a condition of employment: it must begin within 90 days of selection and be successfully completed within 12 months. The position may be eligible for the Consumer Safety Inspector Accelerated Promotion Program, subject to successful completion of a mandatory training plan. A $5,000 sign-on bonus may be available, along with other listed incentives, subject to applicable requirements and availability.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Meet the specialized-experience or qualifying-education requirements for the applicable grade level (GS-05, GS-07, GS-08, or GS-09).
• For GS-05 based on experience, have at least 52 weeks of qualifying experience involving regulated food commodities or other ingestible substances, such as sampling, field tests, examinations, reporting findings, or maintaining effective work contacts.
• For GS-07 based on experience, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, including independently carrying out routine, recurring assignments.
• For GS-08 based on experience, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, including experience with the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts; SSOP and HACCP principles; basic mathematics and elementary statistics for testing and sampling; and interpreting conclusions.
• For GS-09 based on experience, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-08, with more independent duties that may include recommending refusal of exports and temporary coverage outside the official duty station.
• Qualifying education may substitute for experience at specified grade levels: a related bachelor's degree or qualifying coursework for GS-05; one year of directly related graduate education for GS-07; and two years of directly related graduate education or a related master's degree for GS-09. Combinations of education and experience may also qualify under the stated rules.
• Successfully complete required training, beginning within 90 days of selection and finishing within 12 months.
• Pass a pre-employment medical examination and be physically and medically able to perform the essential job functions without posing a direct threat to self or others.
• Have full range of motion for rapid repetitive twisting and working with arms above shoulder level; be able to stand and walk on slippery or uneven floors and catwalks, and climb stairs and ladders.
• Be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds, with occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Have upper-body manual dexterity and a normal sense of touch in both hands.
• Have good near and distance vision, be free of chronic eye disease, and have correctable vision of at least 20/40 in one eye; be able to distinguish shades of color.
• Undergo case-by-case assessment if experiencing hearing loss or requiring hearing amplification.
• Read, speak, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Meet applicable selective-service registration requirements if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Satisfactorily complete background investigation and/or fingerprint check, a one-year probationary period unless previously served, and E-Verify employment verification.
• Use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Meet applicable agency assignment restrictions concerning family and personal relationships with regulated industry.

Nice To Haves

• Specialized government or military training directly related to the position may be creditable.
• Experience in work such as consumer safety inspection, food inspection, public health inspection, or quality inspection in food production or a similar environment may provide qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect regulated establishments to ensure products are safe and meet applicable requirements.
• Identify noncompliance, document findings, and initiate enforcement action when warranted.
• Verify that meat and poultry establishments' SSOP and HACCP plans meet regulatory requirements and are effectively implemented.
• Review records, observe plant operations, and conduct hands-on verification.
• Assess corrective and preventive actions, identify trends in noncompliance, and determine whether regulatory control or enforcement is necessary.
• Conduct oversight concerning other consumer protections, including economic adulteration and misbranding.
• Explain regulatory requirements and discuss food safety programs and inspection findings with plant managers, owners, and others.
• Communicate and defend noncompliance determinations and work with stakeholders to resolve problems and differences in interpretation.
• Advise agency inspectors, supervisors, and officers on inspection and enforcement matters.
• Conduct sampling, surveys, and tests, including testing for microbes, residues, and contaminants.
• Verify that meat and poultry products approved for import comply with federal regulations; authorize entry or refuse entry as appropriate.
• Coordinate with other federal agencies on matters such as animal health restrictions and refused-entry lots.

Benefits

• $5,000 sign-on bonus may be available.
• Creditable service for annual leave accrual.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Accelerated Promotion Program may be available, subject to eligibility and completion of a mandatory training plan.
• Referral bonus awards of $1,000 may be available, subject to criteria and restrictions.
• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed