The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) is seeking a Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI) for its Audubon, MN location. This is a full-time, on-site federal position dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of the nation’s commercial meat, poultry, and egg products.

Summary:
The role of a Consumer Safety Inspector involves performing regulatory oversight and inspection duties in food production facilities to ensure compliance with federal laws and safety standards. FSIS inspectors play a critical role in protecting public health by preventing the distribution of unsafe or contaminated food products.

Incentives & Benefits:

• $5,000 Sign-On Bonus for newly appointed employees.

• Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual (faster vacation accrual rate).

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligibility.

• Employee Referral Bonus Award of $1,000.

• Comprehensive Federal Employee Benefits Package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid leave.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct inspections of meat, poultry, and egg products to verify compliance with federal safety standards.

• Identify unsanitary conditions, contaminated products, and violations of the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts.

• Verify proper implementation of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures).

• Perform sampling, record-keeping, and testing of food products.

• Communicate findings and corrective actions to facility management and USDA supervisors.

• Prepare written reports documenting inspection results and actions taken.

• Work independently and maintain professional communication with team members and plant personnel.

Qualifications:
Applicants must meet federal qualification standards for the Consumer Safety Inspector Series (GS-1862) and possess knowledge of food commodities and safety procedures. Experience can be paid, unpaid, or volunteer work.

Experience Requirements by Grade Level:

• GS-05: 1 year of experience related to inspection, food safety, or sanitation in food production (e.g., meat, poultry, fish, or eggs).

• GS-07: 1 year of experience equivalent to GS-05, independently handling standard food inspection tasks.

• GS-08: 1 year of experience equivalent to GS-07, working with HACCP and SSOP principles and interpreting regulations.

• GS-09: 1 year of experience equivalent to GS-08, with authority to make independent inspection judgments and enforce compliance.

Education (as alternative qualification):
Relevant coursework or degrees in food science, public health, biology, chemistry, or related disciplines may substitute for experience.

Work Environment:

• Duties performed in food manufacturing or processing environments.

• Exposure to hazardous conditions, temperature variations, and meat-processing equipment.

• Protective clothing and safety gear required.

Additional Notes:
FSIS may assign inspectors to any shift or plant within the Des Moines District as needed. Applicants must meet physical, safety, and functional requirements of the role.