Food Inspector or Trainee; NY HELPS - Albany, Schenectady, Greene

Food Inspector 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS) - Albany, Schenectady, Greene

Join the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as a Food Inspector 1 or Trainee. This permanent, full‑time position involves conducting food safety inspections in Albany, Schenectady, or Greene County, ensuring compliance with applicable laws.

This full‑time, 40‑hour week position may be based at home with travel within the assigned region.

Food Inspector Trainee 1 starts at $53,764/year (SG‑14). After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, advancement to Trainee 2 (SG‑16) begins at $59,994/year. Completion of the second year results in permanent Food Inspector 1 (SG‑18) salary of $66,951/year.

Eligible for performance advances and potential increase to $85,138/year through the New York State Performance Evaluation Program.

PEF‑represented position offering health, dental, vision, NYS pension, and paid time off (5 days personal, 13 vacation, 13 sick, 13 holidays in first year). Eligible for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Option 1: 120 semester credit hours, including 24 in the listed fields (chemistry, microbiology, food quality control, epidemiology, entomology, food technology, food science, food processing technology, food sanitation, dairy science, biology, environmental sanitation, environmental health, human physiology, genetics, animal science, nutrition/dietetics, or medical sciences).
• Option 2: 60 semester credit hours, including 24 in the listed fields, and two years of experience in environmental health protection, sanitation of food establishments, or quality control at a wholesale facility.

Advanced Placement:
One year of additional experience allows appointment to Trainee 2, and two years allows permanent Food Inspector 1.

Positions are filled via non‑competitive appointment; no examination required, but minimum qualifications must be met. Conversion to competitive status expected within one year.

Includes reassignment, transfer, and 55‑b/c qualifications. Eligible candidates are those who meet any of the specified criteria such as current department employment, transfer from designated titles, or relevant educational and experiential requirements.

Extensive travel required. Must hold a valid NY driver’s license and vehicle access. Out‑of‑state overnight trips may be required.

Submit application by January 8, 2026 via the provided link, uploading resume, transcript, and cover letter. Contact Amy Sacco, Human Resources, (518) 457‑3216 or Harvest Your Potential .gov.

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations as necessary. For accommodations, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Division:
  Food Safety and Inspection
• Negotiating Unit: PEF
• Location:
  
  Albany County, Schenectady County, or Greene County
• Number of Vacancies:
  One
• Status:
  Full‑time, Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• Jurisdictional Class:
  Competitive
• Civil Service List(s):
  Eligible List Exists