INSPECTOR I

State of Arkansas•Russellville, AR

About The Position

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.The Inspector I is a junior professional responsible for conducting routine inspections and evaluations to ensure that facilities, projects, or operational procedures adhere to established internal standards and regulatory guidelines. Under close supervision, this role serves as a foundational position in quality assurance and safety management. The Inspector I gathers and documents critical information, identifies potential risks or nonconformities, and supports more experienced inspectors and management teams in upholding compliance, safety, and quality within the organization.

Requirements

Acute attention to detail and strong observational skills.
Basic computer skills, including familiarity with data entry and reporting software.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for clear documentation and collaboration.
A proactive attitude and willingness to learn from experienced professionals.
High School Diploma or GED.
This role is designed as a learning opportunity, with structured training provided to develop technical proficiency and practical knowledge over time.
Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Responsibilities

Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections of facilities, equipment, or projects to ensure adherence to established codes, standards, and safety regulations.
Utilize pre-determined standardized checklists and inspection protocols to document findings accurately.
Prepare clear and concise inspection reports outlining observations, discrepancies, and recommended corrective actions.
Maintain accurate records of inspection activities and follow up on pending issues.
Work under the supervision of senior inspectors or quality assurance managers, assisting in coordinating and prioritizing inspection tasks.
Communicate effectively with team members and departments to relay inspection results and support corrective initiatives.
Follow established guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
Demonstrate a commitment to learning and applying industry-specific standards and best practices.
Participate in on-the-job training sessions to develop a deeper understanding of inspection techniques and regulatory requirements.
Stay informed about emerging practices, tools, or technologies that can enhance inspection accuracy and efficiency.
Collects random samples of eggs for inspections and candling to ensure minimum standards are met.
Inspects retail food stores, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, distributors, and other egg product users by visiting establishments, selecting random samples of eggs for inspection and candling, verifying packer and distributor permit information, checking storage temperature, reviewing invoices for correct terminology, and checking cartons for code dates, and packer origin to ensure compliance with the Arkansas Egg Marketing Act.
Acts as a temporary replacement grader at poultry processing plants by examining products from each processing line for compliance with regulations and contract specifications. Monitors plant and processing operations to ensure that facilities and equipment are sanitary and prepares a variety of reports and records related to plant operations and products.
Acts as temporary replacement grader at shell egg processing plants by inspecting each shift for sanitation and checking and recording temperature and chlorine levels of egg wash. Records temperature and relative humidity of coolers and shipping area. Observes machinery for proper dating and labeling. Examines individual eggs for weight, grade, and quality. Notifies plant management of samples out of compliance.
Trains company employees in proper egg and poultry grading and issues official certificates for various contracts.
Reviews contract abstracts and specification requirements and determines that grade, size, and weight conform to specifications.
Performs other duties as assigned.