Deputy Director Meat Inspector

Clemson University; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University in Columbia, SC seeks a Director-level supervisor to oversee a statewide meat and poultry inspection program, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and that products are safe and properly labeled.

The role emphasizes directing inspection personnel, policy development, training coordination, and emergency response involvement, requiring strong HACCP, public health, and licensure knowledge.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising statewide inspection programs.
• Knowledge of meat and poultry inspection laws and regulations.
• USDA accreditation and FADD accreditation maintenance.
• State licensure compliance and related procedures.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise inspection personnel in implementing a complex inspection program.
• Develop policies and procedures for enforcement of meat and poultry inspection laws.
• Monitor HACCP systems and sanitation inspections to ensure safe labeling.
• Coordinate staff training and professional development in inspection.

Skills

Inspection leadership

Policy development

Team management

HACCP knowledge

Education

USDA accreditation

FADD accreditation

Tools

PHIS

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Assists in directing and supervising a statewide inspection operation and workforce. Act as Director as necessary. Provides input in developing meat and poultry inspection program, policies, procedures that comply with Federal and State laws and regulation. Ensures meat & poultry products processed under State inspection are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. Other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

30% - Inspection Program Personnel Management:
Directs inspection personnel in implementing a complex, continuously evolving inspection program
performing antemortem and postmortem examinations of food animals, preoperational and operational
sanitary inspections, and reviews of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems to prevent
adulterated products from entering the food chain for human consumption. Direct and indirect supervision
of inspection and compliance personnel. Develops recommendations for the Director.30% - Inspection Program Management:
Provides input in developing policies, rules, and procedures applicable to enforcement of meat and poultry
inspection laws and regulations. Lead role in areas of inspection program management. Directs, monitors
and conducts a preoperational and operational sanitation inspection program and HACCP system to ensure
that food products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.10% - Training and Professional Development:
Assists the Director in preparing training programs for inspection staff in all areas of inspection. Attends
meetings and conferences to stay abreast of developments in veterinary pathology, public health, and
related administrative procedures. Maintains professional state licensure, USDA accreditation, and FADD accreditation.10% - State Emergency Response Team:
Trained as a Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician (FADD). Assist in Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (CULPH) emergency response activities and responsibilities, including foreign animal disease investigations. Actively participate in CULPH State Emergency Response Team trainings, meetings, drills, exercises, and activities as assigned.20% - Product Testing Management:
Monitors product testing required by the pathogen reduction programs. Manages the Public Health
Information System (PHIS) to ensure an accurate and timely database. Prepares and interprets reports from
PHIS for the Director, Area Supervisors and Area Veterinarians. Directs and conducts antemortem and postmortem examinations of food animals, preoperational and operational sanitary inspections, and reviews of HACCP systems.

JOB CODE:

UM13

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Regular FTE Staff

Assists in directing and supervising a statewide inspection operation and workforce. Act as Director as necessary. Provides input in developing meat and poultry inspection program, policies, procedures that comply with Federal and State laws and regulation. Ensures meat & poultry products processed under State inspection are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. Other duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises work of others and may offer recommendations for hiring, termination and pay adjustments but does not have responsibility for making these decisions.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No fiscal responsibility for the department’s budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: 75%Use taste or smell to detect or determine particular flavors or odors: 15%Extends hands or arms in any direction: 30%Move, transport, raise or lower 50 lbs or more: 10%Recognize or inspect visually: 75%Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: 70%Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): 15%Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder): 15%Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: 50%Walk or move about: 25%Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: 75%Stand for Prolonged Period: 25%

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids): 15%Overnight travel: 10%Burn hazards: 5%Electrical hazards: 5%Chemical hazards: 10%Mechanical hazards: 10%Vibration: 5%Noise: 10%Wet and/or humid: 10%Exposure to dust/fumes: 20%Exposure to heat or cold: 10%

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours:

37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range

105,349 - 140,035

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson’s compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

Essential Support - In the event of an emergency closure or modified operations, this position is necessary to maintain/resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

JOB LOCATION:

Columbia, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

January 22, 2027

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency

Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference:

South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.