Veterinarian Supervisor- Northwest Iowa

Veterinarian Supervisor

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) employs approximately 345 employees who work to enhance the quality of life of every Iowan—both rural and urban.

We’re currently seeking a Veterinarian Supervisor to join our Meat & Poultry Inspection Bureau in Northwest Iowa. This leadership role is ideal for a licensed veterinarian with a passion for food safety and humane animal handling in compliance with the Iowa Meat and Poultry Inspection Act. You will supervise meat inspectors and the State meat inspection program, inspect small meat processing plants, and make veterinary dispositions regarding livestock and poultry.

Supervises assigned inspectors, including managing work assignments, scheduling coverage of regulated facilities, evaluating inspector performance, and addressing deficiencies or misconduct.

Provides leadership and support to inspectors, including in-person review of facilities and programs, evaluation of and response to concerns, communication with facility management, and initiating further regulatory enforcement where needed to protect public health.

Oversees and conducts training of both new and established inspectors, including on-the-job training, formal classes, and regular meetings to discuss current topics.

Conducts in-depth review of food safety programs and records generated by regulated facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, document deficiencies, and determine potential vulnerabilities.

Reviews and evaluates regulated facilities' compliance with regulatory standards for humane handling of livestock and poultry, and addresses deficiencies with facility management.

Enters assessment results into designated computer system, prepares written summaries of findings, and communicates assessment results to regulated facilities and other Bureau staff.

Reviews and advises on new facility construction and programs and provides expert guidance to facility management on regulatory standards and best industry practices.

Provides veterinary disposition of livestock and poultry, using professional knowledge and regulatory criteria to determine fitness for human food purposes.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and one year of full‑time experience as a practicing, licensed veterinarian.

Experience in management, supervision and training of employees, as well as relevant experience in veterinary practice, the food or livestock industries, agriculture, or related areas.

Strong communication skills—both written and oral.

Ability to work independently and establish strong professional relationships with industry representatives and colleagues alike.

Experience and/or education in food safety, regulatory work, or public health is an advantage.

All applicants must be able to obtain a valid driver's license and be willing to travel extensively.

At the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, we offer more than a career—we offer purpose. In this leadership role, you’ll protect public health, ensure humane treatment of animals, and support Iowa’s food systems, all while enjoying true work‑life balance: no weekends, no overtime, and no on‑call shifts. It’s meaningful, mission‑driven work that allows you to lead, serve, and still have time for what matters most outside of work.

As an employee of IDALS you are a State of Iowa employee and eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Affordable health insurance (family plans from $187.00 per month or single coverage from $56.00 per month)
• Free dental insurance for single coverage or $45.00 per month for family coverage
• $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long‑term disability insurance at no cost
• IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) – defined benefit retirement plan
• Deferred compensation plan with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
• Paid leave including 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty

To learn more about benefits available as a State of Iowa employee,  to visit the employee benefits web page.

Go to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). select the “Job openings for all applicants” link to find the Veterinarian Supervisor posting, and complete an application. Please also submit a cover letter and resume in the Attachments Section during the application process.

For additional information,  to view the full job description.