Consumer Safety Inspector

Food Safety and Inspection Service (DOA); Postville (IA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

CSALA credit

PSLF program

Referral bonus

Accelerated promotion

Job summary

Food Safety and Inspection Service in Postville, IA seeks a Consumer Safety Inspector to perform on-site inspections of meat and poultry establishments, verify compliance, and document nonconformances. The role includes field sampling and enforcing federal regulations.

This federal position offers a sign-on bonus, CSALA credit, PSLF, and a GS-5 to GS-9 pay scale with promotion potential, and travel requirements. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and pass background checks.

Qualifications

• Must be physically and medically able to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders; lift up to 50 pounds.
• Strong reading and writing in English required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure establishments produce a safe product by inspection and enforcement actions.
• Verify SSOP and HACCP plans meet regulatory requirements.
• Observe plant operations and document noncompliance with detailed records.
• Communicate and defend determinations on non-compliance and discuss corrective actions.
• Coordinate with other Federal agencies on related matters.

Skills

Physical stamina

English proficiency

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

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.

Shifts and species will vary based on assignment. For add’l information call Dr. David Carroll 712-522-7878

Employee may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Des Moines District.

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

2 vacancies in the following location:

Postville, IA

No matching locations found.

Work site options

No

No

No

$40,736 – $80,243 per year

GS 5 – 9

Promotion potential : 9

Full-time

76% or greater – You may be expected to travel for this position.

Permanent

1862 Consumer Safety Inspection

No

This job is in the Competitive Service

No

No

Not Required

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

FSIS-27-MCE-13105646-TJR

891201100

This job is open to

Help

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Duties

• YOU WILL/MAY:
• 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 Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plans meet regulatory requirements.
• Verify execution of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plans effectively to prevent unsanitary conditions and adulteration of product.
• Review records, observe plant operations and conduct hands‑on verification to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and prepare detailed documentation (Non‑Compliance Records) of non‑compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Determine when regulatory control action is necessary. You will assess whether the plant’s corrective or preventative actions are acceptable and effective, if there are trends in non‑compliance, or if enforcement action is warranted.
• Conduct regulatory oversight activities inside plants in matters relating to other consumer protections (e.g., economic adulteration and misbranding).
• Have contact with plant managers, owners and others to explain legal and regulatory requirements, 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, 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 for which you are involved.
• 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.
• Be involved in performing health and safety verification sampling and tests for detection of specific microbes (e.g., salmonella, listeria, etc.), residues or contaminants.
• Assure that products approved for import are in full compliance 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 which violate any of the requirements for admission into this country.
• Coordinate with other Federal agencies (e.g., the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or U.S. Customs and Border Protection) on such matters as animal health restrictions and refused entry lots.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

• Training as a condition of employment (TCOE) is required. You must begin the training within 90 days of the effective date of your selection, and you must successfully complete it within 12 months of the effective date of your selection.
• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one‑year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment medical examination.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104‑134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF‑306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.
• False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
• Should be able to read, speak, write, and effectively communicate in the English language.

Qualifications

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

Specialized experience:

Specialized experience is experience that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities or other products for human consumption. Such experience may have been acquired in work such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aide, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or similar position with responsibility for sampling, quality control and sanitation in a food manufacturing or production environment, or similar environment for other ingestible items.

See specific grade level specialized experience definitions below.

For the GS‑05 Level: Applicants must have at least 52 weeks of qualifying experience that provided knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances; such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food or beverages for human consumption, or other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals. You are to show in your resume examples such as applying proper techniques for collecting samples and/or performing field tests and examinations (e.g. identifying abnormalities in the product or production environment and recommending corrective actions), developing written reports and/or reporting findings of results orally (e.g. documenting abnormalities in the product or production environment and communicating those findings to others), and/or skill in maintaining effective personal contacts with a variety of individuals (e.g. discussing findings with internal or external contacts regarding the food safety standards established in the production environment), or other similar work making determinations on products for human consumption or the production environment (e.g. ensuring conformance with established standards). Such experience may have been acquired working positions such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aid, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or other related position.

For the GS‑07 Level: In addition to the qualifications above, applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS‑05 level), and incumbents are expected to have performed standard and recurrent duties on an independent basis. Your resume should demonstrate at least 52 weeks of experience in independently carrying out routine, standard assignments on a regular and recurring basis that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances; such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food for human consumption, and other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals.

For the GS‑08 Level: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS‑07 level). In addition to the qualifications above, experience must include working with the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts in order to inspect meat, poultry and egg products; working with basic SSOP and HACCP principles and practices in order to verify plant HACCP and SSOP responsibilities; performing basic mathematics and elementary statistical concepts and methods to perform testing and sampling procedures; and experience in reaching and interpreting conclusions.

For the GS‑09 Level: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS‑08 level). In addition to the qualifications above, incumbents are expected to have experience working at a more independent level than lower graded CSIs, which may include duties such as recommending refusal of exports and providing temporary coverage at locations outside of the official duty station.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Please view OPM’s Qualifications Standards, Consumer Safety Inspector Series, GS‑1862.

The duties of a Consumer Safety Inspector are performed in a hazardous working environment. For additional information, please click here. The below requirements are not an all‑inclusive list. Failure to fully meet a functional requirement is not automatically disqualifying.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE‑EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL: Position Requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be physically and medically able to efficiently perform the essential job functions, without being a direct threat to themselves and others.
• Have full range of motion to perform rapid repetitive twisting and working with arms above shoulder level.
• Be able to stand and walk on slippery and uneven floors and catwalks, and climbing stairs and ladders.
• Be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 30 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Have manual dexterity of the upper body, including arms, hands, and fingers with a normal sense of touch in both hands.
• Have good near and distance vision, be free of chronic eye disease and have correctable vision of at least 20/40 in one eye.
• Have the ability to distinguish shades of color. Any significant degree of color blindness (more than 25 percent error rate on approved color plate test) may be disqualifying.
• Individuals with some hearing loss and/or requiring hearing amplification will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.

Education

Education may be used to qualify in lieu of specialized experience as described below.

For the GS‑05 level: Successful completion of a full 4‑year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours/credits in any combination of coursework in the areas of: agricultural, biological, or physical sciences, food technology, epidemiology, home economics, pharmacy, engineering, or nutrition. Specialized government or military training may be creditable if it is related directly to this position.

OR

A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree (with some related coursework, as described in number 2 above) is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.

For the GS‑07 Level: One full year of directly related graduate education is qualifying for GS‑07.

OR

A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.

For the GS‑09 Level: Two full years of directly related graduate education or a directly related master’s degree is qualifying for GS‑09.

OR

A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education in excess of the first 18 semester hours directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.

Additional information

Assignment Restrictions: FSIS Directive 4735.9, Office of Field Operations Assignment Restrictions and Rules on Gifts from Regulated Industry, sets out the Agency’s requirements regarding employee assignment restrictions, as it pertains to family and personal relationships. Please read before applying.

Recruitment incentives are offered based on agency staffing needs and budgetary availability; service agreements apply . For detailed incentive information see: Career Profiles | FSIS.

FSIS is pleased to offer a $5,000 sign on bonus paid out in one lump sum payment. This recruitment incentive requires a signed two‑year service agreement, as well as satisfactory performance and conduct. The service agreement details conditions of receipt and acceptance of the incentive and is provided to new employees prior to entrance on duty. Funds will be collected for any periods of uncompleted service.

Selectees may be eligible for Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual (CSALA)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information please visit: PSLF Program.

The positions advertised offer a referral bonus award of $1,000. More than one award may be given subject to criteria being met. Current FSIS employees may be eligible for this award if they refer an applicant who later enters on duty and works at least 90 days with successful performance and conduct. The referred employee will have an opportunity to list the referring employee during the application process. There are some required restrictions on this award. Ineligible employees include: 1. Employees whose regular, recurring jobs include the recruitment of new employees. 2. Employees who are otherwise excluded from receiving Achievement Awards; 3. Selecting officials or other persons associated with the selection process of the referred employee; and 4. Any of the following relatives of the referred employee: Spouse, or parents thereof; Children, including stepchildren and adopted children, and spouses thereof; Parents, including stepparents; Siblings, including stepsiblings, and spouses thereof; Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.

This position may be eligible for the Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI) Accelerated Promotion Program. This program makes exceptions to the time‑in‑grade and qualification requirements to allow a single accelerated career ladder promotion to a GS‑7 or a GS‑8 in less than one year. A mandatory training plan must be successfully completed before an individual is eligible to be promoted under this program.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education ; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); other qualifications . Resume cannot exceed 2 pages.

• Your application may be disqualified if you include any of the information listed here: What should I leave out of my resume?

If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of ++all relevant++ college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

If claiming Veterans’ Preference, you must submit a DD‑214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty, you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veterans’ Preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive Veterans’ Preference, and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.

If claiming 10‑point Veterans’ Preference, you must provide the DD‑214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF‑15 Application for 10‑point Veterans’ Preference. The SF‑15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10‑point preference. For more information on Veterans’ Preference visit FedsHireVets.

Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF‑50 documenting separation (as applicable), current performance appraisal with rating of at least “Fully Successful” or equivalent, and your most recent SF‑50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.

Agency contact information

Thomas Raper

612‑852‑7676

[e-mail]

Food Safety and Inspection Service

1400 Independence Ave SW

Washington, DC 20250

US

Next steps

This announcement may be used to fill additional like vacancies should any occur in the announced duty location(s).

Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1‑year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.