Manufactured Food Specialist - Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor

• Telework Eligible:
  Yes
• Job
• Location:
  
  St. Paul
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes
• Full/Part Time:
  Full Time
• Regular/Temporary:
• Who May Apply:
  Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 09/08/2026.
• Date Posted: 09/01/2026
• Closing Date: 09/14/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit:
  Food and Feed Safety Division / Manufactured Food Safety
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift, 8:00 a.m.
  
  - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work:
  Monday
  - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes
• Agricultural Specialist Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
• Agricultural Advisor Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA:
  Nonexempt:
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

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.

Join the Manufactured Food Program and help protect the integrity of Minnesota’s food supply while building a meaningful career with room to grow. This position is based in Saint Paul with eligibility to telework and offers the chance to work directly with wholesale food manufacturers, where you will be conducting inspections, supporting compliance, educating industry, and strengthening public health.

Candidates may qualify at either the Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor level depending on their experience, providing opportunities for entry to advanced regulatory professionals. Whether you’re beginning your journey in food safety or bringing seasoned expertise, you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to science-based regulation, industry partnership, and safeguarding the food Minnesotans and the world rely on every day, while maintaining a focus on work/life balance.

This position is located in St. Paul and may have the ability to telework. This position conducts work statewide but will focus on the following counties:
Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington.

This entry level position within the Food and Feed Safety Division exists to achieve Program goals, objectives, and outcomes by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) performs inspections, compliance, and enforcement activities in food facilities, for assurance and general enforcement of state and federal food safety laws and regulations; (2) under general supervisory direction and oversight, performs licensing, investigations and response activities;

and (3) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to manufactured food safety issues or compliance with state and federal manufactured food safety laws and regulations.

This advanced level position within the Food and Feed Safety Division exists to achieve Program goals, objectives, and outcomes by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) conducts inspections, licensing investigations, response, compliance, and enforcement activities in food facilities, for assurance and general enforcement of State and federal food safety laws and regulations; (2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with…