Meat & Poultry Inspector I

The Meat and Poultry Inspection 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. 

The selected applicant will complete an extensive Meat and Poultry Inspection training program which consists of six 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 will serve as the Inspector in Charge at four processing establishments in Chowan and Pasquotank counties. Processing activities include inspection of raw ground, raw not ground, heat-treated not fully cooked-not shelf stable, and fully cooked-not shelf stable products.

Daily duties include conducting ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection of slaughtered livestock; observing the humane handling of said livestock; evaluating plants sanitation procedures and practices; verifying the implementation of plants 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.  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.  

As part of the onboarding process, new hires must pass a Federal background check and present a REAL ID-compliant drivers license or other acceptable forms of identification to obtain necessary Federal credentials.

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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. 

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• Accurate color vision. Will be tested at the time of the interview.
• Critical communication between management, establishment personnel, and inspector requires candidate to be proficient in the English language and to have accurate and effective oral and written communication skills (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).
• 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.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidates 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 veterans/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 Pilots License or a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Drivers 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.