
Posting number: 7901-26-HFD-016
Department: Agriculture and Rural Development
Job classification: Food Industry Field Scientist 9-P11
Posting type: Open
Categories: Public Health, Public Safety, Agriculture, Professional
Food and Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Michigan. Grow with us and make a difference!
**If you have already applied for this position, please do not reapply, your application is still being considered**
MDARD’s Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health has a mission to protect public health by ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply, while working to maintain a viable food industry. Food safety and animal health is the Bureau’s top priority. The Food/Dairy Safety Inspector (Food Industry Field Scientist) is a field-based position that performs food/dairy safety regulatory inspections and related work within an assigned work area. This position requires the incumbent to live in Marquette or Delta County or within 15 minutes OR be willing to re-locate to this area within 10 months of hire.
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The purpose of the Food/Dairy Safety Inspector’s (Food Industry Field Scientist) job is to serve the people of the State by assuring them safe, high quality food products. This position ensures the safety of the food supply and economic welfare of the people of Michigan by: Inspecting retail stores, bakeries, warehouses, and food processing plants for compliance with state laws and regulations related to sanitation, construction and adulteration of food; Ensures compliance with food/dairy laws and regulations by performing milk sanitation inspections of dairy farms, plants, milk tank trucks and haulers; investigate foodborne illnesses and other consumer complaints; Performs product and other sampling activities; and, by enforcing rules related to the packaging and labeling of food products.
This field-based position functions from a home workstation and is required to follow established standard operating procedures and meet quantity, quality and timeliness standards for assigned work.
The ideal candidate will possess and be able to demonstrate key position-critical skills and abilities, including: enhanced observation, listening, and communication skills; the ability to project confidence; the ability to utilize and implement sound decision-making skills; the ability to prioritize risk; the ability and/or developing ability to handle conflict-type situations effectively; and, a professional demeanor and composure in all situations.
Map - Food Section - Retail Regions
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of four Bureaus that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public's food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $125.8 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers; and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures.
MDARD is committed to a department-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion program that builds upon our values and invests in our employees. We provide an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.
The State of Michigan offers a competitive benefits package for all career employees that include medical, dental and vision coverage, along with paid parental leave, flexible spending accounts, retirement and much more. Click the following link to learn more:
State of Michigan – Employee Benefits
Possession of a bachelor's degree in animal science, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental health, food science/technology, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary science, or a related field including 10 semester (15 term) credits in a combination of biology and/or chemistry courses.
Food Industry Field Scientist 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Food Industry Field Scientist 10
One year of professional experience in the enforcement of laws pertaining to the production, transportation, and storage of food products equivalent to a Food Industry Field Scientist, including one year equivalent to a Food Industry Field Scientist 9.
Food Industry Field Scientist P11
Two years of professional experience in the enforcement of laws pertaining to the production, transportation, and storage of food products equivalent to a Food Industry Field Scientist, including one year equivalent to a Food Industry Field Scientist 10.
Click the following link to view competitive benefit packages the State of Michigan offers!
Please attach a cover letter, resume and official college transcripts to your application. For our purposes, "Official Transcripts" must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred and date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal.
Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further.
Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.

Every day the contributions and achievements of State of Michigan employees have a direct impact on over 10 million Michiganders across the state. If you're looking for a fulfilling career in state government that can make a real difference in the lives of others, you can find your place working with us. We have opportunities in a number of career pathways, including, but not limited to, business and administrative support, education and human services, IT and computers, medical and healthcare, natural resources, law enforcement and public safety, skilled trades and more.
Join our team for an:
- Opportunity to make a difference
- Challenging and rewarding work
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- Job stability and career advancement
- Flexible alternative and remote work schedules
- Tuition discounts and student loan forgiveness
- Professional development/training
- Employee discount plan
With positions in over 18 state departments, your perfect career fit is waiting for you at the State of Michigan.
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Ready to join our team? Visit www.Michigan.gov/Employment to search hundreds of state job openings by key word, job type, location, department, job category, salary and more.
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