Dairy Inspector - Dairy Inspector 1

Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Minnesota; Remote; USD 74,758,000 - 108,661,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture seeks a Dairy Inspector to enforce state statutes, inspect farms and dairy facilities, and help ensure the safety and wholesomeness of Minnesota's dairy products. Responsibilities include inspection, sampling, investigations, and regulatory work.

This is a remote worker position within the State of Minnesota, with a day shift and travel to Swift, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Renville, and McLeod counties. A valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a dairy or food plant production, quality control, sanitation, dairy field representation, or on a dairy farm.
• Knowledge of milk and its components sufficient to understand pricing, quality and product standards.
• Technical knowledge of milk production/processing principles to evaluate equipment, sanitation, and processing procedures.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Active/valid driver's license with acceptable MVR.

Responsibilities

• Implement and enforce State Statutes, rules, and policies for the Dairy Division to ensure safe dairy products and protect interstate markets.
• Conduct inspections, sampling, investigations, and other regulatory work.
• Remote worker position within Minnesota; travel to assigned counties as required.

Skills

Dairy experience

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in agricultural science or related field

Job description

Job Class: Dairy Inspector 1

• Job ID: 96792
• Full/Part Time: Full Time
• Regular/Temporary:
• Who May Apply: Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 09/16/2026.
• Date Posted: 09/10/2026
• Closing Date: 09/24/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Dairy and Meat Inspection Division / Dairy Inspection Central Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Dairy Inspector

Job Class: Dairy Inspector 1

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 96792
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full Time
• Regular/Temporary:
• Who May Apply: Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 09/16/2026.
• Date Posted: 09/10/2026
• Closing Date: 09/24/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Dairy and Meat Inspection Division / Dairy Inspection Central Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of State Statutes, rules and policies for the Dairy Division to ensure safe and wholesome milk and dairy products for the consumer and to maintain Interstate markets for Minnesota's Dairy Industry. Implementation is accomplished through inspection, sampling, investigations and other regulatory work.

This position is a remote worker position which is defined as, an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy: https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1447-remoteworker.pdf The current territory for this position will be Swift, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Renville, and McLeod.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• One (1) year of experience working in a dairy or food plant in production, quality control, sanitation, dairy field representative, or on a dairy farm. NOTE: A bachelor's degree in agricultural science, animal or dairy, food technology or other closely related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• Knowledge of milk and its components sufficient to understand milk pricing, quality and product standards.
• Technical knowledge of the principles used in the production and processing of milk and/or milk products sufficient to evaluate equipment, sanitation, and processing procedures.
• Effective oral and written communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with the public.
• Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agricultural science, animal or dairy, food technology or other closely related field
• Experience performing dairy or food inspections for a government agency
• Awareness of State and Federal laws and regulation as they apply to dairy farms and/or dairy plants
• Experience working with the public in a government enforcement capacity
• Experience working with dairy producers/farmers

Physical Requirements

In this position the dairy inspector will be inspecting dairy farms, dairy plants, and truck tanks on a regular basis. The essential physical capabilities include being able to sit and drive a car for an hour or more, standing for three to four hours, occasional climbing of ladders and stairs, walking, especially on uneven or slippery ground and/or floor structures, pushing/pulling of objects, reaching at or above shoulder level, lifting 20# occasionally during an inspection and 50-60# rarely, and bending. The employee will have 8-12 hours of sedentary office work per week, much of which involves the use of a computer. Other essential functions include driving, walking on uneven surfaces, working in all extremes of weather, capable of written and oral communication, acute vision, a sense of smell, and the ability to hear conversational voice in order to communicate effectively with supervisors and industry personnel.

Additional Requirements

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Driver’s License Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal Background Check

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact John Wolf at [e-mail] or 507-676-6933.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jennifer Romero at [e-mail]

About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.