Food Safety Inspector ​/ WEST Wholesale Food Region - Food Industry Field Scientist 9-P11

Food and Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Michigan. Grow with us and make a difference!

The Human Food Division of MDARD 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 is the division's top priority. The Food Safety Inspector (Food Industry Field Scientist) is a field-based position that performs food safety regulatory inspections and related work within an assigned work area.

This position requires the incumbent to live in Van Buren, Allegan, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ionia, or Ottawa County or within 15 minutes OR be willing to re‑locate to this area within 10 months of hire.

Click to learn more about becoming an MDARD Food Inspector:

The purpose of the Food Safety Inspector’s (Food Industry Field Scientist) job is to serve the people of the State by assuring them safe, high quality food products. Under direct supervision, this position ensures the safety of the food supply and economic welfare of the people of Michigan by:
Inspecting food processing plants, bakeries, retail stores and warehouses for compliance with state laws and regulations related to sanitation, construction and adulteration of food; investigating foodborne illnesses and other consumer complaints 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 to handle conflict‑type situations effectively; and, a professional demeanor and composure in all situations.

Position Description

MAP
- Food Section
- Wholesale Food 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.

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.

No specific type or amount is required.

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.

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.

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.