Food Safety Program Specialist

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture is seeking a Food Safety Program Specialist to strengthen Pennsylvania's manufactured food programs. You will evaluate, plan, and provide regulatory support to improve safety in food production and distribution across the Commonwealth.

The role involves developing policies and training materials, overseeing inspections, coordinating with FDA, obtaining necessary credentials, and delivering training to inspectors and industry partners.

Qualifications

• Two years as a Food Inspector 2 or four years of experience in inspection of food establishments or processing facilities, and a bachelor’s degree in food science, food technology, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Program Development: Create policies, procedures, and training materials to support continuous improvement of manufactured food programs
• Inspection Oversight: Support uniform inspection practices, review findings, and assist with enforcement actions when needed
• Federal Coordination: Work with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) staff to meet contract requirements, complete reports, and maintain compliance with national standards
• Technical Certification: Obtain and maintain required credentials to perform specialized inspections and support program activities
• Training Support: Develop and deliver training for inspectors, industry partners, and community organizations
• Program Evaluation: Conduct audits and analyze program performance to ensure effectiveness, consistency, and alignment with federal standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science or food technology

Job description

THE POSITION

Are you ready to help protect the safety of Pennsylvania's food supply on a statewide level? Join the Department of Agriculture as a Food Safety Program Specialist and play a key role in strengthening public health across the Commonwealth. This position allows you to support food safety standards while guiding improvements that benefit our valued communities and businesses. Here, you will help shape important regulatory programs that ensure safe food production and distribution. Apply today to step into a role where your expertise supports the well-being of millions!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on strengthening Pennsylvania's manufactured food program through evaluation, planning, and regulatory support. As a Food Safety Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Development: Create policies, procedures, and training materials to support continuous improvement of manufactured food programs
• Inspection Oversight: Support uniform inspection practices, review findings, and assist with enforcement actions when needed
• Federal Coordination: Work with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) staff to meet contract requirements, complete reports, and maintain compliance with national standards
• Technical Certification: Obtain and maintain required credentials to perform specialized inspections and support program activities
• Training Support: Develop and deliver training for inspectors, industry partners, and community organizations
• Program Evaluation: Conduct audits and analyze program performance to ensure effectiveness, consistency, and alignment with federal standards

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description .

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• You will have the option to work from one of the following headquarter offices:
• Region 1 - 13410 Dunham Road, Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335
• Region 2 - 542 County Farm Road, Montoursville, Pennsylvania 17754-9685
• Region 4 - 226 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601
• Region 6 - 2301 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110
• Region 7 - 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426
• This position warrants overnight out-of-state travel for participation in trainings and conferences. Frequency of overnight in-state travel is dependent upon the location of the incumbent's headquarter office, at minimum participation at monthly in-person meetings in Harrisburg is required of this position. A state pool car is available in Harrisburg for travel or access to rental cars as necessary for travel. A state car is not directly assigned to this position.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the assigned headquarters office location. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview .
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• Two years as a Food Inspector 2 ( Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) ; or
• Four years of experience in the inspection of food establishments or food processing facilities, and a bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirement

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Other Requirements

• You must meet the PA residency requirement . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S.
• 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.