Meat & Poultry Inspector II

The Meat and Poultry Division enforces State and Federal laws designed to ensure meat and poultry products sold to consumers are wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled.   The division inspects approximately 200 plants statewide for red meat slaughter/processing and poultry processing and operates a program "at least equal to" the USDA, Food Safety Inspection Service. 

Successful applicants who are new to MPID will complete an extensive Meat and Poultry Inspection training program that consists of 6 weeks of on-the-job training, 6 weeks of classroom training, and occasional follow-up training to address changes to policies and regulatory requirements. 

Position serves as Inspector-in-Charge at four inspected processing establishments in Wilkes County.

Along with daily inspection requirements, the processing activities include inspection of Not Heat Treated - Shelf Stable products, Heat Treated - Not Fully Cooked - Not Shelf Stable products, raw intact products and raw non-intact products.

Daily duties include evaluating plant's sanitation procedures and practices; verifying the implementation of plant's Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans; collecting and submitting samples for microbiological analysis; verifying the accuracy of product labels; and other inspection activities as required.  Additional duties at other establishments could include conducting ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection of slaughtered livestock as well as observing the humane handling of said livestock.  Working conditions include a noisy industrial environment; varying environmental conditions within the facility ranging from sub-freezing to extreme humidity; and standing, climbing, and kneeling on elevated platforms for extended periods of time.

The inspections, observations, and findings are generated by, and recorded in, a web-based information system.  If a plant is not meeting regulatory requirements, the inspector must communicate this noncompliance to plant management.  Inspector will document the noncompliance and follow enforcement actions up to and including suspending plant operations until regulatory requirements are met.

The establishments on this assignment operate as early as 6:00 am and as late as 5:00 pm. This position must be onsite during operational hours. Occasional holiday, weekend, and overtime work may be required.  Relief duties at other establishments should be expected.  

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position.  We will not review resumes in lieu of the Experience and Education listed on the application.  

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:

• Accurate color vision. Will be tested at the time of the interview.
• A valid driver's license or must be obtained by date of employment.
• Accurate and effective oral and written communication skills to communicate with supervisors and upper management in the food industry (will be given a writing test at the time of the interview).
• Computer skills to create basic documents, communicate through email, and enter data into State and Federal systems (the writing test will be given on a computer).
• Critical communication between management and inspector requires candidate to be proficient in the English language.
• Ability to work independently (without direct supervision).
• 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, chicken and turkeys.

You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of related experience in the meat and poultry inspection work; or High School or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and five years of experience in the inspection, production, management or sale of meat and/or poultry; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Necessary Special Requirements: 

Successful completion of required Meat and Poultry Inspection Training Programs.

If selected, must successfully complete required training within specified timeframes.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.

 All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.  

  Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.

 Questions regarding this posting?  Contact 919-707-3201.