Developmental Meat Inspector - Grande Prairie
About The Position
Are you a recent graduate or early in your career in animal health or food safety? Start building your expertise where it matters most. As a Developmental Meat Inspector, you’ll receive hands-on training alongside experienced inspectors, gaining real-world experience in food safety, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance while contributing to public health across Alberta. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is responsible for policies, legislation, regulations, programs and services that enable Alberta’s agriculture and food sectors to flourish and contribute to Alberta’s economic recovery and growth. The ministry’s role is diverse, ranging from food safety and industry growth and diversification to increasing investment and supporting growth in rural Alberta. The ministry also supports foundational programs like irrigation and agricultural societies that help create strong rural communities and resilient agriculture sectors.
Requirements
- Two (2) year technical diploma in a related field, such as Animal Science, Animal Health/Vet Technology, or Food Safety/Food Science.
- Ability to work under varying site conditions including inclement weather conditions and wet surface areas/environments (e.g. barns, kill floors).
- Final candidates will be required to provide verification of eligibility to drive a fleet vehicle (a valid Class 5 driver’s license, a minimum of three years as a Class 5 driver, a current driver’s abstract showing no more than six demerit points, and no criminal code convictions)
- Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.
- Requires routine work in an active movement capacity at various abattoir site locations, including but not limited to: Frequent driving alone to job sites, occasional prolonged (2 to 3 hours one way) driving to job sites and extended working hours (occasional work shifts up to 12 hours) to complete assigned field work.
- Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Frequent lifting up to 20 lbs.
- Frequent standing.
- Occasional reaching above shoulder height.
- Occasional climbing of stairs, ladders or lifts.
- Repetitive use of hand tools (knives, steels, etc.).
- Ability to work under varying site conditions, including driving in inclement weather and working within wet surface areas/environments (e.g. stationed on kill floors).
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of animal diseases and pathology.
- Knowledge and understanding of emerging food safety matters, humane handling and regulatory requirements for meat slaughter and processing.
- Some knowledge of animal anatomy, pathology and conditions.
- Knowledge of GMP and HACCP principles and food safety program requirements.
- Some knowledge and understanding of regulatory requirements and Acts and Regulations governing the meat industry and how to apply them.
- Practical knowledge of meat production environments and meat processing techniques.
- Preference will be given to entry level/new grad candidates committed to on-the job training and professional development.
Responsibilities
- Conduct ante- and post-mortem inspections of food animals (beef, pork, poultry, and alternative livestock) and ensure compliance with provincial legislation and animal welfare standards.
- Complete inspection reports, address non-compliance, and provide risk-based guidance to operators.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the MDIS Inspectorate Training Program by providing feedback and assisting with the development of training materials and processes.
- Use electronic systems to document inspections, submit data, and support reporting and analytics.
- Participate in technology-enabled and remote inspection initiatives.
- Collect and submit samples for national animal health and microbial surveillance programs, supporting disease monitoring and food safety.
- Assist with compliance inspections, livestock traceability, and regulatory communication.
- Participate in team initiatives, support OH&S requirements, and contribute to policy, procedures, and continuous improvement activities.
Benefits
- Employees who work and reside in locations between the 55th and 57th parallels may be eligible for an annual retention bonus of $6,000, less all lawful deductions.
- Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
- Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
- Professional learning and development
- Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
- Leadership and mentorship programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
