Consumer Safety Inspector at USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Summary

$5,000 Sign on Bonus, Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, Accelerated Promotion Program, and Referral Bonus Awards are available.

• Open & closing dates: 06/03/2025 to 06/09/2025
• Salary: $40,332 - $79,443 per year
• Location: Vacancies in Missouri
• Telework eligible: No
• Travel Required: Occasional travel – you may be expected to travel for this position.
• Announcement number: FSIS‑25‑MCE‑‑BMF
• Control number:

• Ensure regulated establishments produce a safe product by executing appropriate inspection methods, determining non‑compliance with regulatory requirements, documenting non‑compliance, and initiating enforcement action where warranted.
• Verify that meat and poultry slaughter/processing establishments’ SSOP and HACCP plans meet regulatory requirements.
• Execute SSOP and HACCP plans effectively to prevent unsanitary conditions and product adulteration.
• Review records, observe plant operations, and conduct hands‑on verification to ensure compliance and prepare detailed documentation (Non‑Compliance Records).
• Determine when regulatory control action is necessary, assess corrective or preventive actions, identify trends in non‑compliance, or determine when enforcement action is warranted.
• Conduct regulatory oversight activities related to other consumer protections such as economic adulteration and misbranding.
• Explain legal and regulatory requirements to plant managers, owners and others, and discuss operation of the plant’s SSOP, HACCP plan and other food safety programs.
• Communicate and defend determinations on non‑compliance issues and discuss plans for addressing non‑compliance.
• Work with a variety of individuals to resolve problems and clarify differences of interpretation concerning HACCP and other food safety or consumer protection requirements.
• Advise other agency inspectors, supervisors and officers on inspection and enforcement matters.
• Conduct various samplings, surveys and tests to obtain pertinent data on potential problem areas, industry trends, or other issues of current interest to the Agency.
• Perform health and safety verification sampling and tests for specific microbes (e.g., salmonella, listeria) and residues or contaminants.
• Assure that products approved for import comply with all applicable federal regulations governing the importation of meat and poultry products.
• Authorize entry of all meat or poultry products considered to comply with federal regulations or refuse entry of any products that violate any of the requirements for admission.
• Coordinate with other federal agencies (e.g., APHIS, CBP) on matters such as animal health restrictions and refused entry lots.

• Training as a condition of employment (TCOE) is required. Begin training within 90 days of selection and complete it within 12 months.
• Subject to satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Possible one‑year probationary or trial period.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment medical examination.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and effectively communicate in English.
• Must pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Direct deposit required per Federal law.
• This is a bargaining unit position covered by the National Joint Council (NJC) of Food Inspection Locals.

1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the work of a Consumer Safety Inspector, or the appropriate education substitution.
Specialized experience must include at least two of the following areas:

• Skill in collecting samples and performing field tests and examinations.
• Skill in developing written reports and reporting findings or results orally.
• Skill in maintaining effective personal contacts with a variety of individuals.

Level specific qualifications (GS‑05 to GS‑09) are outlined in the original announcement and may be summarized as:

• GS‑05: 52 weeks of qualified experience under close supervision.
• GS‑07: 52 weeks of independent routine assignments.
• GS‑08:
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑07.
• GS‑09:
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑08.

Education may substitute for specialized experience…