Meat Inspector - Agricultural Specialist

Meat Inspector
- Agricultural Specialist

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

• Job : 96217
• Full/Part Time
  :
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary
  :
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply
  :
  Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 08/18/2026.
• Date Posted
  : 08/12/2026
• Closing Date
  : 08/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit
  :
  Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Agriculture-MAPE
• Division/Unit
  :
  Dairy and Meat Inspection Division / M&P Inspection South 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: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
• Job Class Option
  :
  Meat
• Classified Status
  :
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union
  : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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 of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This in an entry level position within the Dairy and Meat Inspection Division includes duties relating primarily to the Meat Industry at State Equivalent Meat and or Poultry Processing facilities providing a service to very small processors. Additional inspection work will be conducted at custom meat processors. Responsibilities include ante‑mortem and post‑mortem slaughter inspections at meat and poultry operations, evaluating plant sanitation procedures and practices and verifying the effectiveness of the firms HACCP plan along with the monitoring of their Critical Control Points.

Animal species slaughtered and processed vary by territory and will be determined by the needs of our clientele. Species of animals that may be inspected include but are not limited to the following:
Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep, Bison, Elk, Deer, Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Geese, and Pheasant. Work is conducted at assigned licensed businesses with a focus on educating firm 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 to the successful candidate. Slaughter and relief is assigned outside of the permanent assigned work location to include counties outside of their remote work location.

Those counties may include but are not limited to:
Lyon, Redwood, Murray, and Cottonwood Counties.

This position is a remote worker position which is defined as, an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work 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: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The assigned work location will include but is not limited to Lyon, Redwood, Murray, and Cottonwood Counties.

NOTE:

Candidate must live in or relocate to within 35 miles of the inspection territory within 6 months of date of hire.

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.

A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Meat Science, Animal Science, Biology, Food Science, Microbiology, or related agriculture/science field

OR

One (1) year of experience conducting meat and poultry inspections or other applicable experience working in meat or poultry processing or production systems

AND

• Must maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record, subject to verification and periodic review.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.