Dairy Compliance Officer

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources seeks an Agriculture Program Specialist to inspect dairy processing plants, ensure safety and quality of milk products, and enforce PMO and USDA standards. This role requires licensing and strong attention to detail, with responsibilities spanning equipment review and regulatory enforcement.

Applicants should be prepared to obtain a milk sampler license within six months; HACCP/PCQI credentials are desirable.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must obtain a milk sampler license within six months.
• HACCP, PCQI, food safety certifications desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect dairy processing plants to ensure interstate milk shipments meet standards.
• Regulatory enforcement of PMO, USDA specs, and state rules.
• Review dairy equipment, pasteurization units, and site plans for compliance.
• Provide technical assistance and testimony when needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Verbal & written communication

Regulatory knowledge

Record keeping

Job description

Job ID: 38022 Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources Location: Sioux Falls or Brookings, SD Salary: $28.54-$42.79 Hourly, depending on qualifications Pay Grade: J Closing Date: 11/06/2026

Make a Difference:

The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is to protect and preserve South Dakota's agriculture, environment, and natural resources. The successful applicant will be a member of the Livestock Services Program in DANR. The dedicated staff of professionals in the Livestock Services Program work hard to create and sustain a vision for South Dakota that is prosperous and diverse with clean air, clean water, and healthy families. We are seeking individuals with a strong desire to learn and an interest in building a career.

What you will do:

As part of the Livestock Services Program, you will play an important role inspecting dairy processing plants to ensure uninterrupted interstate shipment of milk and milk products produced in the state. The position ensures the safety and quality of milk and milk products produced and sold in South Dakota by providing regulatory inspection of the dairy processing industry. The inspections include milk and milk processing facilities, pasteurization equipment, milk truck tankers, and milk samplers. The complex nature of the dairy processing industry requires the ability to understand and effectively implement regulations from the Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), USDA General Specifications, and state statutes/administrative rules. The effective enforcement of these regulations ensures food safety standards are met. This position will also review dairy processing equipment to ensure it meets the minimum requirements, ladder logic of pasteurization units, and site plans for remodeling/updating/installing the various dairy processing equipment. The Agriculture Program Specialist will work with the Program Manager on serious inspection findings leading to enforcement actions. The Agriculture Program Specialist must meet the requirements to be a licensed milk sampler and conduct required milk and milk product sampling. This position also functions as a resource for the dairy processing industry.

Benefits of Working for DANR:

The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package which includes options for health, vision, and dental insurance in addition to one of the strongest retirement systems in the nation.

South Dakota state government understands the importance of having a work/life balance and this position includes paid vacation leave, sick leave, and family leave. You will work a 40-hour week which leaves plenty of time to enjoy all that South Dakota has to offer.

Licenses and Certifications:

• A valid driver's license is required.
• Must be able to obtain a milk sampler license for dairy products within the first six months.
• HACCP, PCQI, food safety certifications are desirable but not required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Our ideal candidate is someone that desires to learn, has strong attention to detail, has good interpersonal and customer service skills, and is seeking a career opportunity in public service. Applicants with education or experience related to Dairy Manufacturing or Dairy Production are preferred.

Knowledge of:

• milk and milk products and how they are produced, transported, and processed;
• dairy processing equipment;
• milk pasteurization equipment;
• basic food safety principles;
• technical terms related to the dairy industry;
• current issues related to the dairy industry;
• laws and regulations pertaining to the dairy industry and dairy farms including the PMO and USDA General Specifications.

Ability to:

• pay attention to detail and ensure work is accurate and complete;
• maintain complete and accurate records;
• communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing;
• set goals and work independently or in a team setting to achieve them;
• make appropriate decisions by applying standards and available information to specific situations;
• identify and define problems or potential problems and addressing them in proper order;
• collect and present evidence of violations of laws and regulations and give testimony in court;
• provide technical assistance to managers, staff, industry and the public;
• present and promote departmental priorities, services, and actions internally and externally;
• provide customer service to the general public;
• use basic computer applications;
• set goals and work independently to achieve them;
• work cooperatively with coworkers and treat others with respect; and
• work with regulated entities to gain compliance in a customer friendly manner.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

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