Meat Inspector - Agricultural Specialist

Title and Classification

• Working Title: Meat Inspector
• Job Class: Agricultural Specialist
• Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job : 92187
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 02/19/2026.
• Date Posted: 02/13/2026
• Closing Date: 02/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Agriculture-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Dairy and Meat Inspection Division / M&P Inspection North Staff
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift, 8:00 a.m.
  
  - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
• Job Class Option: Meat
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
  700/)

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees through benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This entry‑level position within the Dairy and Meat Inspection Division focuses primarily on inspections at State‑Equivalent Meat and or Poultry Processing facilities serving very small processors. Additional inspection work is conducted at custom meat processors.

Responsibilities include ante‑mortem and post‑mortem slaughter inspections at meat and poultry operations, evaluating plant sanitation procedures, verifying the effectiveness of the firm's HACCP plan, and monitoring their Critical Control Points. Animal species inspected include Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep, Bison, Elk, Deer, Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Geese, and Pheasant. Work is conducted at assigned licensed businesses, focusing on educating operators regarding existing and new regulations and, when necessary, initiating regulatory actions.

Flexibility with work schedule to accommodate slaughter operation start time and relief work is essential. Slaughter and relief work may be assigned outside the permanent work location to include counties such as Anoka County, Sherburne County (east of highway 25), and Isanti County (south of highway 95).

This position is a remote worker position. A remote worker is one whose home or an alternative location is their assigned work location and who performs duties permanently from that location. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy:  The assigned work location will be Anoka County, Sherburne County (east of highway 25), and Isanti County (south of highway 95).

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Meat Science, Animal Science, Biology, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related agriculture/science field by the time of hiring or within 3 months of the closing date.
• OR one (1) year of experience conducting meat and poultry inspections or other applicable experience working in meat or poultry processing or production systems.
• Must maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record, subject to verification and periodic review.
• Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

• Master’s degree or higher in Agriculture, Meat Science, Animal Science, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related agriculture/science field.
• More than one (1) year of experience conducting meat and poultry inspections or other applicable experience working in meat or poultry processing or production…