Rating Officer - Laboratory Evaluation Officer

State of Indiana • Fort Wayne, IN

66d • $47,320

About The Position

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. This role will be responsible for evaluating the activities and results of Indiana milk and milk product testing laboratories together with the performance of laboratory analysts and samplers. Incumbent accomplishes this task by performing evaluations, inspections and audits on state, dairy plant and independent laboratories, dairy division staff, and plant and bulk tank samplers. When deficiencies are found in the quality of work performed by others, the incumbent must take necessary action to assure correction and compliance. Incumbent has major input into establishing inspection procedures to maintain the level of program compliance required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, to avoid jeopardizing the certification of Indiana milk supplies for interstate shipment.

Requirements

• Must be certified by the federal government as a Milk Sanitation Rating Officer and Milk Sampling Surveillance Officer and recertified triennially.
• Extensive knowledge of milk production, processing, pasteurization, packaging, storing and distribution requirements as described by the Indiana Grade A Milk Law and U.S. Public Health Service Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
• Extensive knowledge of, and the ability to apply and use, federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances which govern dairy protection.
• Extensive knowledge of food protection principles and practices including bacteriology, microbiology, chemistry, and food technology.
• Specialized knowledge of, and the ability to operate, testing equipment required in field of specialization.
• Specialized knowledge of, and the ability to review, plans and other drawings of facility construction, equipment, and layouts.
• Specialized knowledge of inspection and investigation methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Ability to observe, evaluate, and recognize potential adverse sanitation conditions, record keeping processes and law violations.
• Ability to possess a valid Indiana Driver's license.
• Effectively communication skills.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct milk sanitation surveys that cover all aspects of the Dairy Division.
• Conduct inspections to certify the manufacture of single service containers and/or closures for milk products.
• Conduct inspections to certify the manufacturers of ice cream and frozen desserts under the federal Interstate Carriers Programs.
• Perform standard evaluation of Food Protection Sanitarians and bulk milk haulers under the Federal Sampling Surveillance Program by appraising the sampling methods and techniques.
• Prepare technical reports of surveys, certifications and approvals, and documents findings to the regional Food and Drug office for compliance with provision of the Interstate Milk Shippers Program.
• Review and evaluate Dairy Division documents, records, and files for compliance with Indiana law and the requirements of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments.
• Consults with leadership on the results of the milk survey findings, certifications and approvals and make recommendations for action.
• Provide consultation and technical advice on the provisions of the Indiana Grade A Milk Inspection Law and U.S. Public Health Service Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
• Travel on most workdays to inspect, audit, examine, survey, or investigate clients, customers, or other regulated entities and write reports at those sites or employee's home.

Benefits

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees