Meat & Poultry Inspector - Southwest, MO - Springfield

State of Missouri; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks paid vacation & 3 weeks paid

13 holidays per year

Health/Dental/Vision insurance

Life insurance

Employer matching retirement plan

Parental leave up to 6 weeks

Total compensation resources

Job summary

The State of Missouri, Missouri Department of Agriculture – Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, seeks an experienced professional to inspect meat and poultry facilities across licensed establishments. You will work with owners and staff to ensure compliance with federal and state meat safety laws.

The role requires strong writing skills, regulatory background, and potentially overnight travel. A valid Missouri driver’s license is essential, with training and long-term field assignments expected.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of environmental public health experience.
• Experience in meat and poultry inspection or related sanitary areas.
• Post-secondary education can substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect meat and poultry processing and slaughter establishments.
• Work with owners, managers, and employees to ensure compliance.
• Enforce Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, and related laws.
• Perform required regulatory tasks and write technical reports.
• Overnight stays and travel may be required; flexible hours for inspections.

Skills

Environmental health

Regulatory enforcement

HACCP knowledge

Technical writing

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Job Location: Southwest, MO

Candidates must be domiciled or willing to relocate to one of the following counties: Christian, Greene and Webster.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (MDA’s MPIP) works closely with meat and poultry processors, livestock producers, and retailers to ensure only safe, wholesome, properly labeled meat and poultry products enter commerce. Through protecting consumer confidence and providing outreach to small businesses, MPIP supports MDA’s mission: to serve, promote, and protect the agricultural producers, processors, and consumers of Missouri’s food, fuel, and fiber products.

The salary indicated represents the current regular pay rate for this position. If the individual selected is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., Years of Service), it will be added to total compensation on their paycheck. A pay differential does not raise base pay.

• The candidate for this position will work in meat and poultry processing and/or slaughter establishments with the owners, managers, and employees of these establishments
• Employees will be required to manage their time wisely in order to complete tasks and meet expectations set by their direct supervisor
• Odd work hours and schedule flexibility will be required with this position in order to meet inspection needs of assigned establishments
• Strong work ethics, ability to stand on their feet for long periods of time, computer skills, technical writing, and reading comprehension are qualities this employee must possess
• Duties will include, but not be limited to, enforcing rules and regulations related to the Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, Methods of Humane Slaughter Act, and Missouri Revised Statutes. A background in HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) and regulatory work will be preferred in this candidate
• Overnight stays may be expected of this employee
• Three-week virtual training or in-person, out-of-state training may also be required of this employee. Additional training will also be provided for this employee as the opportunity or need arises
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Missouri Driver’s License
• Five (5) or more years of professional or technical experience in environmental public health work in one or more of the areas of special qualifying experience listed below. Experience can come from the completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree program and direct work experience.
• meat and poultry inspection (2) food sanitation and protection (3) milk sanitation (4) sewage disposal (5) solid waste disposal (6) lodging sanitation (7) institutional or child care facility sanitation (8) community environmental sanitation (9) water supply (10) general vector control (11) occupational health (12) consumer product safety (13) fire safety (14) hazardous substance risk assessment (15) recreational waters (16) building related illnesses (17) poultry and/or livestock production (18) agriculture education (19) regulatory enforcement (21) or related field.

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid vacation AND 3 weeks paid sick leave
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Insurance: health (medical, dental, vision) and free life insurance
• Retirement: including an employer match on savings plan
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave for birth or adoption
• And several additional resources including the SELF program (formerly EAP), discount websites, and healthy living incentives!

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Notice to Applicants

The Missouri Department Agriculture is unable to sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources.

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