Food Safety Specialist I

This field-based position will perform technical work for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food Safety Consumer Protection Division, Meat and Poultry Inspection Service. The candidate will execute appropriate inspection methods, determine noncompliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements, document noncompliance, and initiate enforcement actions where warranted, to ensure that regulated meat and poultry establishments produce a safe, wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled product.

This position is the first step in a career ladder for Food Safety Specialists. Duties include both office and field work and are performed under the supervision of the Meat Program Supervisor, with in-plant oversight performed by senior Food Safety Specialist II and III. This supervision is direct and close during the early phases of employment but moderates in accordance with trainee experience and progress in the role. Promotion to a higher level Food Safety Specialist II position requires the successful completion of the USDA FSIS training courses for Consumer Safety Inspectors and any other mandatory training, the ability to be credentialed by USDA FSIS for the LincPass identification via fingerprinting and background check, demonstration of knowledge and proficiency in all the duties required of a Food Safety Specialist I, completion of the probationary period for state employment, completion of at least 6 months of independent inspection activities, and a current performance evaluation rating of at least satisfactory. FSS I are required to receive and successfully pass ongoing additional annual training through the USDA FSIS training courses, or through the USDA on-line learning system, such as the Informational Security Awareness Rules of Behavior, and Civil Rights Training.

The territory under recruitment encompasses parts of Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, and Chittenden counties in Vermont. It is required that the incumbent live within a 45-minute drive to any point in the designated territory. For the first 6 months of training, the duty station will be in Montpelier, VT. However, it is important to note, despite the territory listed above, duties often require travel throughout the state. A private means of transportation is required for travel. A fleet vehicle may be issued dependent upon state policy mileage.

This position, Food Safety Specialist I (Job Requisition #53003), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Kelly.Ireland@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Duties are performed in the meat inspection office or in the field at assigned slaughterhouses, processing establishments, retail markets and farmer's markets. Hazards such as slippery floors, 180 degree water, sharp knives and machinery, potentially dangerous animals, contact with animal blood, tissue, and potentially zoonotic agents, and heavy overhead objects falling may be encountered. Considerable field travel is involved for which private means of transportation is required. Work hours may not adhere to a regular workday and/or workweek schedule, with overtime, weekend, or holiday assignments possible, again geared to a Trainee's acquired level of training and experience. Food Safety Specialists are considered essential employees of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, which may require work during times that other state employees are operating under a reduced work force scenario, on days that state offices are closed or have delayed openings/early closings, and during times of hazardous driving conditions.

Associate degree or higher in food science, microbiology, animal science, or a field related to meat products.

OR

High school graduation or equivalent AND two (2) years or more customer service, retail, food service, or similar relevant experience.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.