Meat & Poultry Inspector - Circuit 3-3 (Livingston Co.)

About the role

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is hiring a Meat and Poultry Inspector for Circuit 3-3 (Livingston County). Inspectors are essential employees on the front line of protecting the food production system, helping the Bureau of Meat and Poultry Inspection ensure the quality of meat and poultry products. The position is full-time, salaried, with an anticipated starting salary of $5,557 per month (range $5,557-$7,626) and a Monday to Friday schedule of 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, with possible hybrid work and occasional reporting to headquarters.

Key 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.
• Inspect processing procedures daily for proper product formulation and labeling.
• Submit product samples for laboratory analysis to check compliance with laws and regulations.
• Perform other duties within the scope of the above.

Required profile

• Knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to high school, preferably with courses in algebra, biology or chemistry.
• Successful completion of an agency-approved meat and poultry inspection training program.
• Ability to pass a preemployment physical and complete a name-based background screening.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel; residency in Livingston, Ford or McLean County east of Interstates 39 and 74.
• Ability to tolerate unpleasant odors in slaughterhouses, extreme cold in lockers and heat in processing areas, and to work with dangerous machinery; overtime including evenings and weekends is a condition of employment.

Preferred qualifications

• Working knowledge of antemortem and postmortem inspection methods and of the laws and regulations governing meat and poultry inspection.
• Experience inspecting animals, poultry, carcasses and parts for disease or abnormal conditions, and dissecting and analyzing glands and organs.
• Elementary knowledge of computer hardware and software, and experience with agency databases.

What we offer

• Health, life, vision and dental insurance, pension plan and public service loan forgiveness.
• 12 weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave, 12 paid sick days, 10-25 paid vacation days and 13-14 paid holidays.
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas.

Applicants must apply electronically through the State of Illinois online application portal; applications by email or paper are not accepted. The position is union-covered.