Consumer Safety Inspector

Overview

Consumer Safety Inspector responsibilities include inspecting regulated establishments to ensure safe product production, determining regulatory non-compliance, documenting findings, and initiating enforcement action when warranted. The role also involves verifying SSOP and HACCP plans meet regulatory requirements and reviewing records and operations to confirm compliance.

• Ensure that regulated establishments produce a safe product by executing appropriate inspection methods, determining non-compliance with regulatory requirements, documenting noncompliance, and initiating enforcement action where warranted.
• Verify that meat and poultry slaughter and/or processing establishment( s ) SSOP and HACCP Plans meet regulatory requirements.
• Verify execution of SSOP and HACCP Plans to prevent unsanitary conditions and adulteration of product.
• Review records, observe plant operations, and conduct hands-on verification to ensure regulatory compliance; prepare detailed documentation (Non-Compliance Records) of non-compliance.
• Determine when regulatory control action is necessary; assess corrective or preventive actions, identify trends, and determine whether enforcement action is warranted.
• Conduct regulatory oversight activities inside plants related to consumer protections (e.g., economic adulteration and misbranding).
• Communicate with plant managers and others to explain legal/regulatory requirements and discuss operation of SSOP, HACCP plans, and other food safety programs.
• Communicate and defend determinations on non-compliance and discuss remediation plans.
• Collaborate with a variety of individuals to resolve problems and clarify interpretations of HACCP and other food safety or consumer protection requirements.
• Advise inspectors, supervisors, and officers on inspection and enforcement matters involved in the work.
• Conduct sampling, surveys, and tests to obtain 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 detection of specific microbes (e.g., salmonella, listeria), residues, or contaminants.
• Ensure that products approved for import are in full compliance with applicable Federal regulations governing meat and poultry importation; authorize entry of compliant products or refuse entry of non-compliant products.
• Coordinate with other Federal agencies on matters such as animal health restrictions and refused entry lots.

• Training as a condition of employment (TCOE) is required. Training must begin within 90 days and be completed within 12 months of selection.
• U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status required.
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959 or exemption.
• Background investigation and/or fingerprint check required.
• Successful completion of a probationary period (one year) unless previously served.
• Pre-employment medical examination completed.
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and effectively communicate in English.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education.

Specialized experience provides knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities or other products for human consumption. This may include roles such as consumer safety inspector, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or similar positions with responsibilities for sampling, quality control, and sanitation in a food manufacturing or production environment.

GS-05 level: at least 52 weeks of qualifying experience in regulated food commodities or related areas. GS-07 level: at least 52 weeks of specialized experience in independently carrying out routine assignments. GS-08 level: at least 52 weeks of specialized experience including working with SSOP/HACCP principles. GS-09 level: at least 52 weeks of specialized experience with more independent responsibilities. Experience may include paid or unpaid work, including volunteer service.

Education may be used to qualify in lieu of specialized experience as described, with requirements varying by grade level (GS-05, GS-07, GS-09). See official qualifications standards for details.