MEAT & POULTRY INSPECTOR - CIRCUIT 4-1 (SANGAMON CO.) Target Title for 59623

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is hiring a Meat and Poultry Inspector for Circuit 4-1. This regional position supports the Bureau of Meat and Poultry Inspection in ensuring the quality and safety of meat and poultry products. The bureau annually examines more than 400 establishments that provide wholesale meat or meat products for human consumption. Under general supervision, the inspector conducts processing inspections and animal and poultry inspections in state and/or federal plants. The role is based in one of the specified counties, with the employee’s home location serving as the daily operational headquarters for designated worksites. The position requires reporting to the Springfield headquarters as needed based on operational needs. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., though daily hours may vary. Overtime, including evenings and weekends, may be required. The position is full-time and union-represented. Applicants must apply electronically through the State of Illinois jobs website. The State offers a broad benefits package, paid leave, and a pension plan.

Requirements

Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to high school; courses in algebra, biology, or chemistry are preferred.
Successful completion of an agency-approved meat and poultry inspection training program.
Complete a name-based background screening and self-disclose criminal history.
Successfully pass a pre-employment physical.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties.
Possess an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Ability to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime; this may include evenings and weekends.
Ability to lift no more than 50 pounds at a time and frequently lift or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to tolerate unpleasant odors in slaughterhouses and meat preparation areas, extreme cold in meat lockers, and heat in processing areas.
Ability to use safety practices around dangerous meat-cutting and processing machinery.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to explain regulations and inspection results and prepare reports and records.
Residency in Sangamon, Christian, Logan, or Macon County.
Comply with applicable revolving-door restrictions, including notifying the OEIG before accepting certain non-State employment offers during State employment or within one year after leaving State employment.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of antemortem and postmortem inspection methods and techniques for meat-producing animals and poultry.
Working knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing meat and poultry inspection and processing.
Working knowledge of additives and preservatives used in meat and poultry processing.
Experience conducting antemortem and postmortem inspections of animals, poultry, carcasses, and parts to identify disease or abnormal conditions.
Experience removing, dissecting, and analyzing animal glands, organs, and parts for signs of obvious disease.
Elementary knowledge of computer hardware and software.
Experience operating a computer and agency software and database applications.
Experience analyzing processing procedures and formulations for compliance with laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

Perform processing inspections in state and/or federal plants on fresh, smoked, cured, or cooked meat and poultry products.
Conduct antemortem and postmortem inspections of animals and/or poultry in state and/or federal plants.
Inspect plant processing procedures daily, including product formulations and labeling.
Submit product samples for laboratory analysis to determine compliance with laws and regulations.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the listed duties.
Travel in the performance of duties and service designated worksites.