Consumer Safety Inspector

Summary

$5,000 sign‑on bonus, creditable service for annual leave accrual, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and referral bonus awards are available. Standard shifts and species will vary by assignment. Employees may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Des Moines District.

This position involves inspection of meat, poultry, egg products, and other ingestible items to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Responsibilities include collecting samples, performing field tests, documenting findings, and communicating results to internal and external stakeholders. Officers will work independently on a regular and recurring basis, applying principles of food safety and quality control in a hazardous working environment.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education as defined below:

• GS‑05 Level: At least 52 weeks of qualifying experience with regulated food commodities or other ingestible substances. Demonstrated ability to collect samples, perform field tests, develop reports, and maintain effective contacts with stakeholders.
• GS‑07 Level: In addition to the GS‑05 qualifications, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑05. Ability to perform routine assignments independently.
• GS‑08 Level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑07, including work with Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts, SSOP and HACCP principles, basic mathematics, and statistical concepts for testing and sampling procedures.
• GS‑09 Level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑08. Experience at a more independent level, including duties such as recommending refusal of exports and providing temporary coverage at locations outside the official duty station.

Volunteer experience through National Service programs and other organizations will be considered for credit. Full qualification criteria are described in OPM’s Qualifications Standards for the Consumer Safety Inspector Series, GS‑1862.

US Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, life insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Additional recruitment incentives include a $5,000 sign‑on bonus, creditable service for annual leave accrual, public service loan forgiveness, and referral bonuses.