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.

Job Summary

Agricultural Specialist - This entry level position within the Food and Feed Safety Division exists to achieve Program goals, objectives, and outcomes by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) performs inspections, compliance, and enforcement activities in food establishments, for assurance and general enforcement of State food safety laws and regulations; (2) under general supervisory direction and oversight, performs licensing, investigations and response activities; and (3) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to retail food safety issues or compliance with state retail food safety laws and regulations.

Agricultural Advisor - This advanced level position within the Food and Feed Safety Division exists to achieve Program goals, objectives, and outcomes by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) conducts inspections, licensing, investigations, response, compliance, and enforcement activities in food establishments, for assurance and general enforcement of State food safety laws and regulations; (2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to retail food safety issues or compliance with State retail food safety laws and regulations; and (3) provides training and assessment on inspection, sampling, compliance, licensing, investigation, and response activities for State Agricultural Specialists and local retail food regulatory staff.

This position is a remote worker position which is defined as an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy: https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1447-remoteworker.pdf

This position primarily performs work in an area including portions of the following counties: Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore, and Houston. However, work assignments may be made throughout the state as needed to achieve program goals.

NOTE:  Candidate must live in or relocate to within 35 miles of the inspection territory within 6 months of date of hire.

Qualifications

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.

Agricultural Specialist - To qualify for the Agricultural Specialist level, applicants must meet the following qualifications

One (1) year of experience conducting environmental health or food safety regulatory work (inspection, investigation, HACCP/Food Safety Plan review); or equivalent experience performing technical food safety, sanitation, or quality-controlled work in food production, processing, or environmental health settings.

OR

An associate’s degree in general science, natural science, agricultural or animal science, food science, environmental science, or a closely related field PLUS six (6) months of experience as described above.

OR

A bachelor’s degree in general science, natural science, agricultural or animal science, food science, environmental science, or a closely related field.

AND

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Agricultural Advisor - To qualify for the Agricultural Advisor level, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Two (2) years of experience conducting food safety regulatory work (inspection, investigation, HACCP or specialized process review); or equivalent experience performing advanced food safety, quality assurance, or compliance work in food manufacturing or regulatory environments, including responsibility for identifying violations, recommending corrective actions, or conducting technical reviews.

OR

An associate’s degree in general science, natural science, agricultural or animal science, food science, environmental science, or a directly related field PLUS 18 months of experience as described above.

OR

A bachelor’s degree in one of the fields listed above PLUS one (1) year of experience as described above.

AND

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of applicable Minnesota food safety laws and regulations
• Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review
• Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment

Preferred Qualifications

Agricultural Specialist

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in a field listed from an accredited institution.
• Certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota the National Environmental Health Association.
• Retail Foods Regulator Certification (RFRC) from the Association of Food and Drug Officials.
• More than one (1) year of experience with public health regulatory work (i.e., inspection, compliance, enforcement, retail HACCP verification) in retail food establishments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable Minnesota food safety laws and regulations.
• Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Agricultural Advisor

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in a field listed from an accredited institution.
• Certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association,
• Retail Foods Regulator Certification (FSRC) from the Association of Food and Drug Officials.
• More than two (2) years of experience with regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, response, retail HACCP) in retail food establishments.
• Experience training and/or assessing risk-based inspections of regulatory staff.
• Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.

Physical Requirements

Agricultural Specialists and Agricultural Advisors conduct inspection and enforcement activities in the field as needed to ensure compliance with State food safety laws and regulations. The work requires the ability to:

1. Occasionally maintain a stationary position for extended periods of time such as prolonged standing or sitting.
2. Ascend, descend ladders and steps.
3. Position self to collect/move/transport food products during investigation, sampling, and inspection work.
4. Traverse uneven and/or slippery walking surfaces.
5. Work in wet, hot, and cold environmental conditions.
6. Detect shades of product color to make appropriate product acceptability decisions.
7. Communicate effectively with supervisors and workers in both office and field workplace locations that may be noisy environments.
8. Detect product abnormalities through a sense of smell.
9. Adhere to agency safety policies, including but not limited to safe operation of motor vehicles and prohibited confined space entry.

Additional Requirements

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

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:

1. SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
   1. Employment Reference Check
   2. Driver’s License Check
   3. Conflict of Interest Review
   4. Criminal Background Check

Application Details

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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Vonda Canaan at [email protected] or 651-201-6294.

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 [email protected].

About Minnesota Department of Agriculture 

(Include brief description of agency -- limit to two sentences)

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.