Posting number: 27-01215
Department: 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Job classification: Meat Inspector
Posting type: Open
Categories: Agriculture
The approximately 345 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) are responsible for programs that impact the quality of life of every Iowan. From supporting Iowa agriculture to protecting consumers and ensuring food safety, the work of IDALS touches communities across the state every day. Your work behind the scenes helps ensure Iowa consumers have access to safe, high-quality meat and poultry products.
The Meat & Poultry Inspection Bureau is seeking a full-time Meat Inspector to join our team in the Polk County region of Central Iowa.
In this role, you will inspect locker plants, small packing plants, and other meat processing facilities to ensure compliance with food safety and humane animal handling standards under the Iowa Meat and Poultry Inspection Act. Your work will help keep Iowa's food supply safe while supporting one of the state's most important industries.
Conducts antemortem and postmortem inspections of livestock and poultry, using senses and required hand tools to examine animals for disease.
Travels to and conducts walk-through inspections of regulated facilities, ensuring compliance with sanitation standards.
Conducts examinations of finished and in-process products to ensure wholesomeness and compliance with product labeling standards.
Reviews records generated by inspected facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and facility programs.
Enters inspection results daily into designated computer system and prepares non-compliance reports and memoranda as needed to communicate findings.
Communicates with regulated facilities regarding inspection results, regulatory requirements and changes to policies; conducts outreach to new facilities to aid compliance with regulatory requirements.
Additional requirements: Meat Inspectors must maintain a valid driver's license for statewide travel to conduct inspections and must successfully complete the USDA-FSIS Food Inspector Livestock and Inspection Methods courses within six months of hire. Meat inspection work frequently exposes inspectors to hot, cold, wet, or slippery conditions. Inspectors must be able to handle knives and other tools effectively, and must have full use of their senses, including sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Inspectors are also subject to a background check required for access to federal computer systems.
The preferred candidate will possess a background in the meat industry, food industry, regulatory work or agriculture, with relevant experience and/or education in food safety, animal health, agriculture, or related areas. The candidate will demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills and will be able to both work independently and establish strong professional relationships with industry representatives and colleagues alike.
Applicants are encouraged to attach a resume and cover letter during the application process. Documents may be uploaded in the Attachments section of the application.
Why IDALS?
At the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, our work matters. Every day, our employees help protect Iowa's food supply, support agricultural innovation, promote environmental stewardship, and serve the people who make Iowa a national leader in agriculture.
Joining IDALS means becoming part of a collaborative team dedicated to public service, continuous improvement, and meaningful work that makes a difference across the state. Whether you're supporting our inspectors behind the scenes or working directly with stakeholders, your contributions help strengthen Iowa's agricultural future.
As a State of Iowa employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Learn more about the outstanding benefits available to State of Iowa employees by visiting the State of Iowa Benefits webpage.
E-Verify and Right to Work: The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.
All of the following must be successfully completed within one year of employment:
If you’re looking for a work life of accomplishment, reward, and opportunity, you’ll discover Iowa State Government is just the place where there’s a rich and diverse population; where community, culture and differences matter; where exceptional work ethic, values and peace of mind all come together! The more you know about the State of Iowa, the more you’ll know it’s the right fit for you!
There are 16 agencies in state government providing services to Iowans requiring specialized talent in agriculture, corrections, economic development, education, human services, natural resources, public health, public safety, revenue, transportation, veterans’ services and more. In serving Iowans the state has adopted the guiding principles of business as a way of doing business and has embraced an entrepreneurial management concept in the way products and services are delivered. Entrepreneurial management is a customer-focused, efficient and innovative approach to delivering services in a competitive and diverse marketplace. Join a team that thinks differently – knowing diverse needs require diverse solutions.
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