Veterinarian

Veterinarian (NS)

Join Our Team as a Veterinarian – Protecting North Carolina's Food Supply. Are you passionate about food safety, animal health, and making a meaningful impact on public health? The Meat and Poultry Inspection Division (MPID) is looking for a dedicated veterinarian to play a critical role in safeguarding North Carolina's food supply.

About Us: MPID enforces state and federal laws to ensure that meat and poultry products sold to consumers are wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled. Our program operates at a standard "at least equal to" the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service, with inspections conducted at over 200 red meat slaughter and red meat and poultry processing plants across North Carolina.

Why This Role Matters: As an MPID veterinarian, you'll be on the front lines of food safety, working to prevent diseased animals from entering the food chain and protecting public health nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform veterinary dispositions at red meat slaughter facilities to ensure animal health and food safety
• Assess compliance with humane handling regulations at inspected establishments
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis, including residues, pathology, and antimicrobial resistance monitoring (NARMS)
• Review food safety systems to ensure regulatory compliance
• Conduct audits of registered meat handlers and verify proper practices
• Sign and verify export documentation to support safe global food trade

What We Offer:

• Home-based position with a State-owned vehicle for official travel
• A dynamic work environment with varied hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays, holidays, and overtime as needed
• Travel opportunities within North Carolina for inspections and reviews (occasional overnight stays required)
• The chance to make a real impact on public health and food safety

Primary territory includes eastern NC with occasional duties in other areas of the state (Beaufort, Cumberland, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Johnston, Jones, Nash, Pender, Robeson, Wayne, and Wilson). Requirements for county of residence to be discussed during the interview.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

• Ability to apply knowledge of pathological conditions in both live animals and at post-mortem when assessing public health risk
• Ability to read, comprehend and apply various Federal and State laws and regulations regarding humane handling, food safety, and veterinary public health
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with farmers, establishment owners and operators, government personnel (Local, State and Federal), and other agency representatives to accomplish goals
• Must be able to work in the vicinity of live animals and in direct contact with meat and poultry products derived from cattle, swine, sheep, goats, ratites, chickens and turkeys
• Must have normal color vision or must correct color vision deficiencies prior to employment (will be tested at the time of interview)

Minimum Education and Experience: Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Licensed or eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of North Carolina. Necessary Special requirements: Must successfully complete required training within specified timeframes and have a valid driver's license by date of employment.

EEO Statement: The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.