Meat & Poultry Inspector Trainee - Circuit 2-2 (Grundy Co.)

About the role

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is hiring one Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainee for Circuit 2-2 (Grundy County). The trainee joins a six- to twelve-month agency-sponsored training program under direct supervision, learning slaughter and processing techniques and inspection procedures to help ensure safe and wholesome meat and poultry products. The position is salaried, full time, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday, with anticipated starting pay of $4,373 per month.

Key responsibilities

• Receive orientation, classroom instruction and on-the-job training in animal and poultry slaughter and meat and poultry processing.
• Learn inspection techniques and procedures to maintain state and federal standards.
• Perform antemortem inspection of live animals and/or poultry for signs of abnormality or disease, under close supervision.
• Complete the Employee Development Guide and the department's slaughter and processing training courses.
• Travel to sites to perform inspections and attend workshops, meetings and other learning activities.
• Report to headquarters as needed depending on operational needs.

Required profile

• High school level knowledge, skill and mental development, preferably with courses in algebra, biology or chemistry.
• Ability to pass a preemployment physical and complete a name-based background screening.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel; residency in Grundy, LaSalle or Kendall County.
• Medium work: lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time, with frequent lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Overtime, including evenings and weekends, is a condition of employment.

Preferred qualifications

• Education beyond high school, preferably a bachelor's or advanced degree in science or agriculture.
• Experience in butchering, slaughtering or processing animals for food, and observing postmortem exams.
• Working knowledge of HACCP principles and SSOPs, and of identifying adulterated products.

What we offer

• Health, life, vision and dental insurance, pension plan and public service loan forgiveness.
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas, 12 paid sick days and 10-25 paid vacation days.
• 13-14 paid state holidays and deferred compensation options.

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.