Food Inspector 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS) - Home Processor

Job Overview The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a permanent Food Inspector 1 or Trainee to work within the division of Food Safety and Inspection’s Central Office in Albany, NY. This position will be responsible for processing Home Processor registrations and investigating consumer complaints made against home processors. It also includes responding to questions from regulated establishments as well as the public, assisting in the administration of other food safety programs such as Home Processors, recalls, reviewing Food Lab sample results for violations and, where appropriate, processing penalties for certain violations. Responsibilities Processing Home Processor registrations Investigating consumer complaints made against home processors Responding to questions from regulated establishments and the public Assisting in the administration of food safety programs (Home Processors, recalls) Reviewing Food Lab sample results for violations Processing penalties for certain violations Supporting the Zone Supervisors as requested Work Schedule This is a full‑time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Salary and Advancement The starting salary for the Food Inspector Trainee 1 is $53,764 per year (PEF salary grade SG‑14). After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, the appointee advances to the Trainee 2 level SG‑16 with a starting salary of $59,994. Completion of the second year of the traineeship results in permanent advancement to the Food Inspector 1, SG‑18, with a starting salary of $66,951, without further examination. Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level. The Food Inspector 1, SG‑18 level is eligible for the New York State Performance Evaluation Program, which may result in additional yearly performance advances. Over time, performance advances can increase the base annual salary to the SG‑18 job rate of $85,138 per year. Benefits This is a PEF‑represented position offering a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include cost‑effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and paid time off. First‑year benefits include 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays. Additional benefits include the Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY’s 529 College Savings Program. Qualifications Education: 60 semester credit hours with a minimum of 24 credit hours in chemistry, microbiology, food quality control, epidemiology, entomology, food technology, food science, food processing technology, food sanitation, dairy science, biology, environmental sanitation, environmental health, human physiology, genetics, animal science, nutrition/dietetics, or medical sciences. Experience: Two years of experience where the primary responsibility is in the areas of environmental health protection and sanitation of food establishments, or quality control of food products at a wholesale food manufacturing facility. Additional Experience for Advanced Placement: One year of relevant experience may allow appointment to the Food Inspector Trainee 2, reducing the traineeship time by one year. Two years of such experience may allow appointment to the full performance title, Food Inspector 1, Grade 18. Examples of Acceptable Experience: Environmental Health Technician, Sanitarian for food business, Food Inspector/Investigator, Meat Inspector, Quality Control Technician for a food processing plant or food warehouse, Laboratory Technician with experience conducting analysis of food or dairy products. Examples of Unacceptable Experience: Food Service Worker, Restaurant or Food Store Manager, Chef, Butcher, Caterer, Food Warehouse Foreperson, Food Warehouse Management, Food Comptroller, Beverage Comptroller, Food Production line worker, Banquet Manager, Steward, Food Equipment Salesperson, Food and Sanitation Equipment Salesperson, Food Broker, or Pesticide Applicator. NY HELPS Program This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, the title may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment. Employees hired under NY HELPS will have non‑competitive status converted to competitive status within one year of permanent appointment. Employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. Transfer Qualifications To Food Inspector Trainee 1, NS: One year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law (e.g., Farm Products Grading Inspector 1, G‑14). To Food Inspector Trainee 2, NS: One year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 (e.g., Farm Products Grading Inspector 2, G‑18). To Food Inspector 1, G‑18: One year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 (e.g., Dairy Products Specialist 1, G‑18). Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4 Applicants may be reinstated to their former positions or to positions to which they were eligible for transfer or reassignment without further examination, provided the separation was within one year of the date of their separation. Separation for more than one year requires approval by the state Civil Service Commission. Equal Opportunity Employer The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Department is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary for qualified persons with disabilities. If you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please visit New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets #J-18808-Ljbffr New-York-State-Department-of-Agriculture-and-Markets-