Manufactured Food Specialist or Advisor

This position is based in Saint Paul, with the option for telework from a home location with supervisor approval. This role primarily conducts onsite food safety inspections in Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties but statewide work could be required to meet public health protection needs.

Agricultural Specialist:  This position exists to achieve Program goals and objectives by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) performs inspections, investigations, compliance, and enforcement activities in food facilities, for assurance and general enforcement of state and federal food safety laws and regulations; and (2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to manufactured food safety issues or compliance with state and federal manufactured food safety laws and regulations.

Agricultural Advisor:  This position exists to achieve Program goals and objectives by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) performs inspections, investigations, compliance, and enforcement activities in food facilities, for assurance and general enforcement of State and Federal food safety laws and regulations; (2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to manufactured food safety issues or compliance with State and Federal food safety laws and regulations; and (3) provides inspection training and evaluation for State and local manufactured food regulatory staff.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Agricultural Specialist - To qualify for the Agricultural Specialist level, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

One year experience conducting environmental health regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, HACCP/Food Safety Plans); or equivalent experience in the food manufacturing industry. 

OR

A bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in science courses.

AND

• Must be educationally qualified to obtain certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association or Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) with the National Environmental Health Association.
• Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Agricultural Advisor - To qualify for the Agricultural Advisor level, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Two years of experience conducting food safety regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, Food Safety/HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry involving food safety or quality assurance

OR

A bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS one (1) year of experience conducting food safety regulatory work (i.e., inspections, investigations, Food Safety/HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry involving food safety or quality assurance.

OR

A master’s degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS 6 months of experience conducting food regulatory work (i.e., inspections, investigations, Food Safety/HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry involving food safety or quality assurance.

AND

• Must currently possess and maintain certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
• Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Agricultural Specialist:

• Certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
• An advanced degree such as a Master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Epidemiology, Public or Environmental Health, Animal or Food Science, or a related field.
• Experience with regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, compliance, enforcement) in manufactured food establishments.
• Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Agricultural Advisor:

• A Master's degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, Epidemiology, Public Health or Environmental Health, Animal or Food Science, or a related field.
• More than two (2) years of experience with regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, food safety plans) in manufactured food establishments.
• Experience training and/or evaluating inspections of internal and external regulatory staff.
• Experience leading or coordinating projects.
• Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

Agricultural Specialists and Agricultural Advisors conduct inspections and investigations in the field as needed to ensure compliance with federal and state food safety laws and regulations. The work requires the ability to:

• Frequent standing, walking, and occasional climbing of steps or ladders
• Bending, reaching, and maintaining awareness of overhead hazards during inspections
• Accurate color vision, ability to detect product issues by smell, and ability to hear normal conversation
• Occasional use of a filter mask, including in smoky environments
• Regular lifting of 10–30 lbs. with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Walking on uneven terrain such as farm fields or production floors
• Driving for extended periods when traveling to inspection sites
• Working in busy environments around large machinery
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, from freezers and refrigerated areas to hot, humid processing plants
• Interaction with inspected individuals who may be frustrated or concerned