Central Office and Labels
About The Position
The Inspector VII performs highly advanced monitoring and coordination of daily meat and poultry inspection operations at state-inspected slaughtering and processing establishments throughout Texas. The role consults with and advises the public, industry representatives, government officials, health professionals, and program staff on meat and poultry inspection, food safety, and labeling. It supports maintaining the Texas State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program at a status at least equal to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) program. The position coordinates and oversees product and environmental sampling, reviews and approves establishment label sketches using program procedures and AI when warranted, and may develop training materials. It also supports program supply requisitions and purchases and performs other central office duties as requested. The position works under the limited supervision of the Meat Safety Assurance Assistant Director, with extensive latitude to use initiative and independent judgment.
Requirements
- At least five years of meat or food safety inspection experience, or at least one year of meat or food safety inspection experience plus a bachelor's degree or higher in an applicable field such as Food Science, Animal Science, Biology, or a similar related field.
- Thorough knowledge of meat inspection, including slaughter operations, processing, and meat fabrication.
- Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and directives relating to meat and poultry operations and products.
- Thorough knowledge of meat-industry operating principles, including Sanitation Performance Standards, Sanitary Standard Operating Procedures, HACCP-based inspection, and pathogen reduction and control.
- Thorough knowledge of microbiological and economic sampling procedures for meat and poultry products and slaughter or processing environments.
- Knowledge of agencies with overlapping authority, PHIS, and CAPPS.
- Verbal and written communication, organization, presentation, public speaking, correlation, and training skills.
- Skill in basic mathematics, editing and reviewing label submissions, and communicating label-related information to inspection personnel.
- Ability to read and interpret correspondence, technical data, reports, applications, and regulations; prepare concise reports and business correspondence; analyze new situations independently; and make sound technical judgments.
- Ability to explain regulatory requirements tactfully, communicate effectively, maintain professional working relationships, and function as a project team leader or team member.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines, and to use word processing, spreadsheets, online computer training, Adobe Pro, and remote mail programs.
- Ability to move up to 25 pounds during inspections, supply management, or special investigations.
Nice To Haves
- Completion of the Inspection Methods Course or a similar course such as Inspector Basics is strongly preferred.
- Completion of the Enforcement, Investigation, and Analysis Officer Course or a similar course is strongly preferred.
- Ability to program and work with AI is desired.
Responsibilities
- Review and approve establishment label sketches using FSIS materials, MSA directives, applicable labeling regulations, and the program's label approval process; provide guidance and training to field staff on label review and submissions.
- Collect, review, and track inspection data; recommend actions regarding labels and sampling results; and provide performance and management-control data to management.
- Review inspection reports and documentation, summarize trends, report findings to the Director and Assistant Director, and verify that completed PHIS schedules, noncompliance reports, Food Safety Assessments, IPPS, and other records meet expectations.
- Respond to inquiries about federal and state meat inspection requirements and assist with the Inspector Basics course as requested.
- Requisition program supplies and purchases; organize and distribute sample results to field personnel; and handle shipping billing and payments and overtime reimbursement notifications and billing.
- Assist with the design and delivery of training for MSA inspection staff, industry personnel, and government officials, including training on new procedures and processes.
- Collect and correlate MSA data for the Legislative Budget Board under the Consumer Protection Group.
- Research and review FSIS directives, notices, policies, procedures, and regulations; recommend equivalent program measures; participate in the annual self-assessment; and assist with FSIS on-site audits.
- Serve as a secondary overseer of program computer assignments, use, and inventory, and assist users with inspection-related software issues involving PHIS and Assurance Net.
- Serve as a permanent member of the MSA Emergency Response Team on an as-needed basis.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- State of Texas Group Benefits Plan insurance coverage and other benefits administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
