JOB TITLE: FOOD INSPECTION TECHNICIAN, AGRICULTURE

JOB CODE: 55520

DEFINITION: This is technical work in a food inspection and enforcement program within the Department of Agriculture.

An employee in this job performs a variety of food inspection duties in an assigned area of the state. Work involves inspecting and sampling food products to determine and enforce compliance with state and federal regulations pertaining to standards of purity, quality, and sanitation; determining the proper grade of fresh fruits and vegetables; and preparing reports of inspection findings and recommendations for review and approval prior to issuance. An employee in this job has authority to remove commodities from sale or to close establishments subject to approval by a department supervisor. Work includes frequent public contact to engender cooperation and support, explain programs, and resolve complaints or minor violations. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by a professional supervisor through direct observation, consultations, conferences, and review of written inspection reports for conformance with established policies and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Inspects and samples foods at manufacturing, processing, retail, and distribution establishments such as bakeries, soft drink plants, ice cream factories, cold storage lockers, dairy and produce farms, and grocery stores to ensure that products, methods of processing, and labeling comply with state regulations.

• Inspects fruits and vegetables to determine proper grade in terms of quality and purity.

• Prepares written reports of inspections and recommends action concerning violations for review and approval by a supervisor.

• Gathers evidence and makes recommendations for citations and prosecutions.

• Collects and submits samples of food products for laboratory testing.

• Performs label reviews to verify items have appropriate labeling and packaging, as prescribed by federal law.

• Issues federal grading certificates documenting the quality and condition of fruits and vegetables.

• Reviews consumer complaints concerning quality of food products, sanitation conditions, and improper grading of fruits and vegetables.

• Operates a motor vehicle.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of adulterants, preservatives, and visual characteristics pertaining to food for human consumption.

• Knowledge of the principles of food safety and sanitation.

• Knowledge of the methods and practices of sample collection and preservation.

• Ability to read and interpret regulations governing storage and safe handling of food.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive written reports.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• A bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, chemistry, microbiology, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.