Meat & Poultry Inspector Trainee, Circuit 3-2 (McLean Co)

About the role

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is hiring one Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainee for Circuit 3-2 (McLean 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, 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.
• Prepare inspection reports and records and express findings clearly in writing and orally.

Required profile

• High school level knowledge, skill and mental development, preferably with 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; must reside in McLean, Woodford, Tazewell, Dewitt, Piatt or Logan County.
• Willingness to work overtime, including evenings and weekends, and to report to headquarters as needed.
• Ability to tolerate unpleasant odors, cold and heat, and to use safety practices around dangerous machinery.

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 schedules, 12 paid sick days, 10-25 paid vacation days and 13-14 paid holidays.
• Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefit programs.

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