Meat Inspector - Polk Co
About The Position
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is seeking a full-time Meat Inspector for the Polk County region of Central Iowa. The Meat & Poultry Inspection Bureau inspects locker plants, small packing plants, and other meat processing facilities to ensure compliance with food safety and humane animal handling standards under the Iowa Meat and Poultry Inspection Act. This work helps protect Iowa’s food supply while supporting the state’s agricultural industry. The position conducts livestock and poultry inspections, examines products and facility records, communicates inspection findings and regulatory requirements, and enters results into a designated computer system. Inspectors travel to regulated facilities throughout the state. Work frequently involves hot, cold, wet, or slippery conditions, and requires effective use of knives and other tools and full use of sight, hearing, touch, and smell. The position requires a valid driver’s license for statewide travel, successful completion of specified USDA-FSIS training, and a background check for access to federal computer systems. The preferred candidate has experience or education related to the meat or food industry, regulatory work, agriculture, food safety, or animal health, along with strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and build professional relationships.
Requirements
- Maintain a valid driver's license for statewide travel to conduct inspections.
- Successfully complete the USDA-FSIS Food Inspector Livestock and Inspection Methods courses within six months of hire.
- Successfully complete USDA or approved equivalent courses in livestock slaughter and inspection methods within one year of employment.
- Successfully complete an introductory HACCP course approved by the International HACCP Alliance within one year of employment.
- For inspectors with poultry inspection duties, successfully complete the USDA poultry course or equivalent within one year of employment.
- Pass a background check required for access to federal computer systems.
- Be able to handle knives and other tools effectively and have full use of sight, hearing, touch, and smell.
- Meet at least one minimum qualification: high school graduation, GED, or equivalency plus two years of full-time work in livestock or poultry slaughter, processing, or marketing; meat and poultry inspection; or other food-related industry or regulatory work; or 30 semester hours of accredited college education, including at least six semester hours in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, animal science, agricultural business, livestock management, zoology, biology, or a closely related major.
Nice To Haves
- Background in the meat industry, food industry, regulatory work, or agriculture, with relevant experience and/or education in food safety, animal health, agriculture, or related areas.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and establish strong professional relationships with industry representatives and colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Conduct antemortem and postmortem inspections of livestock and poultry, using senses and required hand tools to examine animals for disease.
- Travel to regulated facilities and conduct walk-through inspections to ensure compliance with sanitation standards.
- Examine finished and in-process products for wholesomeness and compliance with product labeling standards.
- Review records generated by inspected facilities for compliance with regulatory standards and facility programs.
- Enter inspection results daily into the designated computer system.
- Prepare non-compliance reports and memoranda as needed to communicate findings.
- Communicate with regulated facilities about inspection results, regulatory requirements, and policy changes.
- Conduct outreach to new facilities to help them comply with regulatory requirements.
Benefits
- Affordable, high-quality health insurance with low monthly premiums.
- Dental insurance at no cost for single coverage.
- Employer-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability insurance, with optional supplemental life insurance available.
- Membership in the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS), a defined-benefit pension plan.
- Optional deferred compensation plan with a State match of up to $75 per month.
- Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, and jury duty leave.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
