Meat Compliance Investigation Officer

Summary Statement The Delaware Department of Agriculture is currently seeking a Meat Compliance Investigation Officer. This position performs inspection of meat and meat products, poultry and poultry products, and fish and fish products to determine compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relating to standards of wholesomeness, purity, quality, quantity, and sanitation prior to release into commerce. Meat Compliance Investigation Officers work with facilities/plants to verify that Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans include innovative approaches to controlling pathogens, comply with all regulations, and address food safety hazards and risks. Meat Compliance Investigation Officers serve as a technical resource for facilities to update and improve sanitation and food safety practices. Essential Functions Conducts examinations of livestock such as cattle, bison, swine, goats, sheep, and lambs to be slaughtered for evidence of disease, injury or abnormalities; segregates suspect animals for veterinary confirmation; rejects animals in an unfit condition. Supervises proper disposition of contaminated animals. Conducts examination of slaughtered livestock (i.e., carcass, organs, etc.), passing those fit for consumption and rejecting or retaining for state or federal veterinarian's attention those which show evidence of conditions which might render them unfit for human consumption; submits blood and tissue specimens as necessary for laboratory analysis. Inspects the preparation, cooking, curing including smoking, canning or freezing of meat, poultry and/or fish products for conformity in kind, quantity, quality and condition to assure adherence to formulation and ingredient label and documents same. Performs sampling tests and exploratory sampling of meat and poultry products for detection of foodborne pathogens and microbes such as Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli; schedules federal testing, packages samples and test materials, and ships to federal lab. Reviews and recommends to U.S.D.A. for approval trade labels prepared for new poultry and meat products; approves generic labels; ensures that the ingredients are listed in the order of their proportion and that the product is properly identified by its label, including allergens. Performs formulation checks to assure safe levels of restricted ingredients. Conducts sanitation inspection of complete facility prior to daily start up of operations as well as during operations; reports noted deficiencies/noncompliance to plant management and/or owners including actions needed for correction, explains legal and regulatory requirements, and defends determinations on noncompliance issues; records those and conducts timely follow-up to ensure compliance; prepares monthly report to U.S.D.A. Verifies meat and poultry slaughter and/or processing establishments’ Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans meet regulatory requirements and are being executed effectively to prevent unsanitary conditions and contamination of product. Identifies violations and issues with compliance including those that pose potential health risk; tags lines, equipment and/or product and/or stops processing. Utilizes the Public Health Information System (PHIS) during domestic, import, and export inspection activities to input, collect, consolidate, and analyze data to detect and respond to foodborne hazards in a real-time manner to protect public health. Encourages establishments to voluntarily implement a food defense plan which includes inside, outside and personnel security measures/practices and training/exercises to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to and recover from intentional contamination of food supply. Utilizes computers to prepare reports and maintain records. Reviews specifications for plant construction/reconstruction for adherence to U.S.D.A. regulations; may recommend modifications; submits plans to U.S.D.A.; inspects approved construction while in progress to ensure compliance. Job Requirements Three years experience in meat or poultry slaughtering OR meat or poultry product inspection OR meat or poultry processing. Knowledge of conducting investigations including conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence and documenting findings. Knowledge of enforcing compliance with agricultural laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures. Possession of a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving). Conditions of Hire Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. A valid driver's license and a successful color vision test are required. A satisfactory background investigation is required by the National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI). Applicants must successfully complete all required training to obtain a Food Inspector License by the end of the one‑year probationary period. Benefits The position offers a comprehensive benefit package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and other benefits. For more information please consult the Delaware Division of Human Resources website. Equity and Inclusion The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce. All employees and applicants must be given equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Delaware