Consumer Safety Inspector

Food Safety and Inspection Service • Ronan, MT

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Consumer Safety Inspector ensures that regulated establishments produce safe meat and poultry products by conducting inspections, identifying and documenting noncompliance, and initiating enforcement action when warranted. The inspector verifies that establishments’ Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans meet regulatory requirements and are effectively implemented to prevent unsanitary conditions and product adulteration.

The role includes reviewing records, observing plant operations, conducting hands-on verification, preparing detailed noncompliance records, and determining whether regulatory control action is necessary. The inspector evaluates establishments’ corrective and preventive actions, identifies trends, and conducts oversight related to consumer protections such as economic adulteration and misbranding. The inspector communicates regulatory requirements and inspection findings to plant personnel and works with agency colleagues and other parties to resolve issues and clarify interpretations.

The inspector also conducts sampling, surveys, and tests for potential problem areas, industry trends, microbes, residues, or contaminants. Import-related duties include verifying that meat and poultry products comply with federal requirements, authorizing entry of compliant products, refusing entry of noncompliant products, and coordinating with other federal agencies when needed. The position primarily serves at one plant but may involve assignment to any shift at any plant in the Denver District. Shifts and species vary by assignment, and the work is performed in a hazardous environment. A pre-employment medical examination and required training are conditions of employment.

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: at least 52 weeks of qualifying experience involving regulated food commodities or ingestible substances, such as sampling or testing, reporting findings, maintaining effective contacts, or making determinations against established standards.
• For GS-07 based on experience: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, including independently performing routine standard assignments on a regular and recurring basis.
• For GS-08 based on experience: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, including knowledge of relevant federal inspection acts, basic SSOP and HACCP principles, sampling and testing mathematics, and interpreting conclusions.
• For GS-09 based on experience: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-08, with more independent work that may include recommending refusal of exports or providing temporary coverage outside the official duty station.
• Qualifying education may substitute for experience at applicable grades: a related bachelor's degree or qualifying combination of education and experience for GS-05; directly related graduate education or a qualifying combination for GS-07; and two years of directly related graduate education, a directly related master's degree, or a qualifying combination for GS-09.
• Read, speak, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Meet the physical and medical requirements, including mobility, ability to work on slippery or uneven surfaces and stairs or ladders, lifting and carrying requirements, manual dexterity, and required vision and color discrimination.
• Successfully complete required pre-employment medical examination, background investigation and/or fingerprint check, E-Verify, and a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Begin required training within 90 days of the effective date of selection and successfully complete it within 12 months.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
• Be at least 18 years of age and use direct deposit for federal payments.

Nice To Haves

• The position may be eligible for the Consumer Safety Inspector Accelerated Promotion Program, subject to successful completion of a mandatory training plan.
• Related specialized government or military training may be creditable when directly related to the position.

Responsibilities

• Inspect regulated establishments to ensure production of safe products; identify and document noncompliance and initiate enforcement action when warranted.
• Verify that meat and poultry establishments’ SSOPs and HACCP plans meet regulatory requirements and are effectively implemented.
• Review records, observe operations, conduct hands-on verification, and prepare detailed noncompliance records.
• Determine whether regulatory control action is needed and assess the adequacy and effectiveness of corrective or preventive actions.
• Conduct regulatory oversight related to consumer protections, including economic adulteration and misbranding.
• Explain legal and regulatory requirements to plant managers, owners, and others; communicate and defend determinations and discuss plans for addressing noncompliance.
• Work with individuals to resolve problems and clarify interpretations of HACCP, food safety, and consumer protection requirements.
• Advise other agency inspectors, supervisors, and officers on inspection and enforcement matters.
• Conduct sampling, surveys, and tests to assess potential problem areas, industry trends, microbes, residues, and contaminants.
• Verify that imported meat and poultry products comply with federal regulations; authorize entry of compliant products or refuse entry of noncompliant products.
• Coordinate with other federal agencies on matters such as animal health restrictions and refused-entry lots.

Benefits

• $5,000 sign-on bonus, subject to applicable conditions and availability.
• Creditable service for annual leave accrual.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Accelerated Promotion Program may be available, subject to program requirements.
• Referral bonus award of $1,000, subject to eligibility and award restrictions.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

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