Food Safety Program Specialist

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Multi-County, PA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Food Safety Program Specialist supports and strengthens Pennsylvania’s manufactured food program through evaluation, planning, and regulatory support. The role helps develop and improve regulatory programs that promote safe food production and distribution across the Commonwealth.

The specialist supports consistent inspection practices, reviews inspection findings, and assists with enforcement actions when needed. The position also coordinates with Food and Drug Administration staff to fulfill contract requirements, complete reports, and maintain compliance with national standards. It requires obtaining and maintaining credentials for specialized inspections and program activities, developing and delivering training, and auditing and analyzing program performance.

The position is full-time, with work hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and a 30-minute lunch. The employee may be headquartered at one of five listed Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offices: Meadville, Montoursville, Greensburg, Harrisburg, or Collegeville. Part-time telework of up to five days per pay period may be available, subject to a securely configured high-speed internet connection, an approved work location in Pennsylvania, and changing agency needs.

Overnight out-of-state travel is required for trainings and conferences. In-state travel frequency depends on the headquarters location, and at least monthly in-person meetings in Harrisburg are required. A state pool car is available in Harrisburg or rental cars may be used as necessary; no state car is assigned directly to the position.

Requirements

• Two years of experience as a Food Inspector 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or four years of experience inspecting food establishments or food processing facilities and a bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.
• Must meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions.
• For telework, a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania are required.

Responsibilities

• Create policies, procedures, and training materials to support continuous improvement of manufactured food programs.
• Support uniform inspection practices, review inspection findings, and assist with enforcement actions when needed.
• Coordinate with FDA staff to meet contract requirements, complete reports, and maintain compliance with national standards.
• Obtain and maintain required credentials to perform specialized inspections and support program activities.
• Develop and deliver training for inspectors, industry partners, and community organizations.
• Conduct audits and analyze program performance to assess effectiveness, consistency, and alignment with federal standards.
• Participate in required trainings, conferences, and in-person meetings, including travel as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level