Food Inspector

State of Nebraska•Telecommuting Employee - no city, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is hiring a Food Inspector to conduct inspections of food establishments and food processors in Butler, Saunders, Seward, and Lancaster Counties to ensure compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act. The role includes licensing establishments, investigating consumer complaints, conducting plan reviews, and responding to imminent threats to public health. A State vehicle is provided. Initial training takes place in Lincoln for 3–4 days, followed by field training, with ongoing training and educational opportunities available. Food Inspectors must pass a department-approved certified professional food safety credential examination within 36 months. Employees may begin at Level 1 and have opportunities to qualify for Level 2, potentially within two years. The listed Level 2 hiring rate is $22.503 per hour; Level 1 is listed at $20.936 per hour. This position requires travel and regular, reliable attendance.

Requirements

For Agriculture Food Sanitarian I: experience or education related to the food industry or food safety, and the ability to pass a department-approved certified professional food safety credential examination within 36 months.
For Agriculture Food Sanitarian II: some experience or education related to the food industry or food safety, and possession and maintenance of a department-approved professional safety credential.
Present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportation, as the position requires travel.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Knowledge of the food industry, inspection principles and techniques, the Nebraska Pure Food Act, and the Nebraska Food Code.
Skills in effective communication, time management, planning and organization, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Ability to establish rapport with stakeholders; communicate with the public and businesses; interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards; make decisions and seek solutions; work independently with little supervision; stay overnight when traveling more than 60 miles; prioritize work efficiently; compile and interpret inspection data; and work in inclement temperatures and environments exposed to infectious diseases and toxic or hazardous substances.

Nice To Haves

Preferred to live in the service area.

Responsibilities

Inspect food establishments for compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act.
License establishments according to the Nebraska Pure Food Act.
Take appropriate action, including re-inspections, hearings, notices, or closure, when an imminent public health threat is identified.
Investigate consumer complaints, conduct food-establishment plan reviews, and complete inspection reports.
Participate in educational opportunities, including training and conferences.
Perform other duties within the scope of the classification.