Dairy Plan Review Officer - Food Standards Compliance Office

Working Title: Dairy Plan Review Officer

Job Class: Food Standards Compliance Officer

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 82997
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 01/27/2025.
• Date Posted: 01/21/2025
• Closing Date: 01/30/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Agriculture-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Dairy and Meat Inspection Division / DMID Enforcement Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, occassional
• Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

To coordinate the enforcement of State food and dairy laws. This advanced professional position evaluates plans and equipment design for dairy and food businesses undergoing new construction, remodeling, or making equipment updates to ensure they meet the State and Federal regulatory requirements. This individual also provides consultation and outreach to business owners on the regulatory requirements, equipment design, and the on-boarding process for new dairy plants. This role also provides support to inspection program staff by providing training, writing standards and interpretations, and by supporting enforcement actions, including providing on-site guidance and consultation in the field.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Three (3) or more years of experience conducting dairy plant regulatory work (i.e., investigation, variance and HACCP, compliance, plan review, inspections) in dairy processing and manufacturing establishments

OR

A Bachelor's degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS two (2) years of experience conducting dairy plant regulatory work (i.e., investigation, variance and HACCP, compliance, plan review, inspections) in dairy processing and manufacturing establishments

NOTE: A Master's degree in a/an biological, physical, animal or food science or environmental health degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of required experience.

AND

• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable Minnesota food safety laws and rules.
• Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree such as a MPA, MBA, MS, MPH, or higher in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field.
• Experience reviewing construction plans, process flows, and/or engineering designs for manufacturing processes, equipment and systems.
• Experience conducting training or outreach activities, including the development of presentations.
• Experience leading or coordinating projects.
• Demonstrated skill and experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of MDA’s Dairy inspection program SOP’s and regulatory approaches.
• Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Food Standard Compliance Officers conduct investigations and inspections in the field as needed to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and rules. The work requires the ability to:

• Occasionally maintain a stationary position for extended periods of time such as prolonged standing or sitting.
• Ascend, descend ladders and steps.
• Position self to move/transport food products during investigation and inspection work.
• Traverse uneven and/or slippery walking surfaces.
• Work in wet, hot, and cold environmental conditions.
• Work in office and field locations.
• Detect shades of product color to make appropriate product acceptability decisions.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and workers in both office and field workplace locations that may be noisy environments.
• Detect product abnormalities through a sense of smell.
  
  

This position will require occasional travel statewide, including occasional overnight stays for meetings and in-plant inspection work with inspection staff and to evaluate systems and equipment.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Driver’s License Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
  
  

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nicole Neeser at nicole.neeser@state.mn.us or 651-201-6225.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jennifer Romero at jennifer.romero@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.
  
  

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.