Consumer Safety Inspector

Food Safety and Inspection Service • Farmerville, LA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Consumer Safety Inspector ensures that regulated establishments produce safe meat, poultry, and other covered products by applying inspection methods, identifying and documenting noncompliance, and initiating enforcement action when warranted. The inspector verifies that establishment Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans comply with regulatory requirements and are implemented effectively to prevent unsanitary conditions and product adulteration.

The role includes reviewing records, observing operations, conducting hands-on verification, assessing corrective and preventative actions, and determining whether regulatory control or enforcement action is necessary. Inspectors also conduct oversight concerning consumer protections such as economic adulteration and misbranding, communicate requirements and findings to plant personnel, and work with others to resolve differences in interpretation. Other duties include advising agency personnel, conducting sampling and testing for microbes, residues, or contaminants, and ensuring imported products meet federal requirements. Inspectors may authorize entry of compliant imports or refuse entry of noncompliant products, coordinating as needed with other federal agencies.

The employee will primarily work in one plant but may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Dallas District. Shifts and species vary by assignment. The work is performed in a hazardous environment and requires a pre-employment medical examination and the ability to meet specified physical and medical requirements. Training is required: it must begin within 90 days of selection and be completed within 12 months.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass required background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must successfully complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and be physically and medically able to perform essential job functions safely.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Must begin required training within 90 days of selection and complete it within 12 months.
• Must meet the specialized experience or education qualifications for the applicable grade level (GS-05 through GS-09).
• GS-05 experience qualification: at least 52 weeks of qualifying experience involving regulated food commodities or other ingestible substances, such as sampling or field testing, documenting and reporting findings, or maintaining effective contacts regarding food safety standards.
• GS-07 experience qualification: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, including independently performing routine, standard assignments on a regular and recurring basis.
• GS-08 experience qualification: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, including experience with the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts; basic SSOP and HACCP principles; basic mathematics and elementary statistics for testing and sampling; and interpreting conclusions.
• GS-09 experience qualification: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-08, with more independent duties that may include recommending refusal of exports or providing temporary coverage outside the official duty station.
• Education may qualify in lieu of experience at specified grades: a relevant bachelor's degree or qualifying combination for GS-05; one year of directly related graduate education or combination for GS-07; and two years of directly related graduate education, a directly related master's degree, or combination for GS-09.
• Must be able to perform rapid repetitive twisting and work with arms above shoulder level; stand and walk on slippery or uneven floors and catwalks; and climb stairs and ladders.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds, with occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Must have upper-body manual dexterity and a normal sense of touch in both hands.
• Must have good near and distance vision, be free of chronic eye disease, have correctable vision of at least 20/40 in one eye, and be able to distinguish shades of color.
• Hearing loss or need for hearing amplification is assessed case by case.
• Must comply with FSIS assignment restrictions concerning family and personal relationships with regulated industry.

Responsibilities

• Inspect regulated establishments to ensure safe products and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Verify that establishment SSOP and HACCP plans meet regulatory requirements and are effectively implemented.
• Review records, observe operations, and conduct hands-on verification of compliance.
• Document noncompliance in detailed Non-Compliance Records and determine whether regulatory control or enforcement action is warranted.
• Assess the acceptability and effectiveness of corrective or preventative actions and identify trends in noncompliance.
• Conduct oversight relating to consumer protections, including economic adulteration and misbranding.
• Explain regulatory requirements to plant managers, owners, and others; communicate and defend compliance determinations and discuss corrective plans.
• Work with stakeholders to resolve problems and differences in interpretation 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 investigate potential problem areas and industry trends, including testing for 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 a signed two-year service agreement and satisfactory performance and conduct.
• Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual may be available.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Referral bonus award of $1,000, subject to eligibility and award criteria.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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