State of North Dakota

Our mission is to serve, advocate, protect and promote agriculture to benefit everyone. We support agriculture by embracing diversity, innovation, research and trade.

Salary: $4,450–$4,600 per month, plus benefits package.

The Department of Agriculture is seeking a qualified professional to work remotely from home while residing in the North Central region of North Dakota. To best serve the designated inspection sites, preference will be given to candidates living in one of the following counties: Bottineau, Eddy, McHenry, McLean, Pierce, Renville, Rolette, Sheridan, Ward, or Wells. Being based within this preferred area is essential to ensure timely and consistent oversight of meat processing facilities and maintain strong regulatory presence across the region.

As a State Meat Inspector, you will become a vital member of the Livestock Industries Division. The responsibilities of the selected candidate will include:

• Conducting inspections at official state slaughter establishments to oversee slaughtering activities, including ante and postmortem inspections of food animals.
• Ensuring compliance with proper slaughter procedures and assisting plants in developing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), ensuring adherence to approved plans.
• Inspecting official state processing establishments to assess equipment and facility standards, ensuring all processed products are inspected and sourced from approved providers.
• Monitoring meat and poultry processing procedures, reviewing product labels for accuracy, and supporting plants in developing and implementing HACCP plans and SSOP.
• Inspecting custom exempt establishments to verify facility requirements, sanitation practices, and proper handling of meat and poultry products, ensuring non-inspected products are not available for public consumption.
• Providing consultation and educational support to the meat inspection industry, collaborating on educational initiatives with the director and senior meat inspector, and educating establishment personnel on HACCP, SSOP requirements, and regulatory updates.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biological Science, Chemical Science, Food Science, Nutrition, or Physical Science; or an Associate’s degree in one of these fields plus one (1) year of professional food inspection experience, or a high school diploma (or GED) with two (2) years of professional food inspection experience. Candidates must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrate sound judgment, and take initiative. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential, as is basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams). A valid Class D North Dakota driver’s license is required for in-state travel, primarily day trips with occasional overnight stays.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biological Science, Chemical Science, Food Science, Nutrition, or Physical Science is preferred. Candidates with professional experience in meat product slaughter, processing, or livestock handling will be highly regarded. Familiarity with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, a strong understanding of sanitation standards mandated by state and/or federal regulations, and working knowledge of relevant state and federal public health codes related to meat inspection are also preferred.

Application Procedures:

Candidates must complete the online application at www.nd.gov/careers before the closing date at 11:59 PM (CT). Applications should include a resume, cover letter, and college transcript(s) (official or unofficial), if applicable. The cover letter must provide a detailed summary of how your education, work experience, and skills qualify you for this position.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Department of Agriculture does not provide sponsorship for work authorization.

If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please contact recruiter@nd.gov or call 701-328-3290. For additional information or if you require accommodation or assistance with the application process, please contact Shelley Theisen, Human Resource Officer, at 701-328-4757 or toll-free at 1-800-242-7535.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.