Consumer Safety Inspector

About the role

The Consumer Safety Inspector ensures that meat and poultry establishments produce safe products by applying inspection methods, documenting non‑compliance, and initiating enforcement actions when necessary. This position involves on‑site verification of sanitation and hazard control plans to protect public health.

Key responsibilities

• Inspect regulated establishments to confirm compliance with Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans.
• Review records, observe plant operations, and conduct hands‑on verification to identify non‑compliance.
• Prepare detailed Non‑Compliance Records and determine when regulatory control actions are required.
• Communicate findings to plant managers, owners, and other stakeholders, explaining legal and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with other federal agencies on animal health restrictions, import compliance, and refused entry lots.
• Conduct sampling, surveys, and microbial testing (e.g., salmonella, listeria) to gather data on potential hazards.

Required profile

• Must begin required training within 90 days of selection and successfully complete it within 12 months.
• Ability to assess corrective actions, identify trends in non‑compliance, and recommend enforcement when warranted.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with plant personnel and federal partners.

Required skills

• HACCP implementation and evaluation
• SSOP verification
• Microbial testing and sampling techniques
• Regulatory compliance assessment