Central Office and Labels

                             Job Description:   Inspector VII - Performs highly advanced monitoring and coordination of daily meat and poultry inspection operations at State inspected meat and/or poultry slaughtering and/or processing establishments located throughout the State of Texas. Consults with and advises the general public, meat industry representatives, local and state government officials, health professionals, and program staff on all aspects of meat and poultry inspection, food safety and labeling. Assists in maintaining the Texas State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program in a status that is at least equal to the inspection program conducted nationwide by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

Assists with coordination and oversight of product and environmental sampling programs in state-inspected establishments. Reviews and approves label sketches submitted by establishments via inspection personnel using program established methods of label approval process and AI when warranted. May produce and provide training materials for program personnel. Assist with requisition of program supplies and purchases. Other central office duties as requested.

Works under limited supervision of the Meat Safety Assurance Assistant Director; has extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

                             Essential Job Functions:(55%) Reviews and approves label sketches submitted by establishments via inspection personnel using program established label approval process and AI when warranted. Use of FSIS materials and MSA Directives along with the 9 CFR labeling regulations in the approval process. Provide guidance and training to field staff regarding proper label review and submission process and provide responses to their labeling regulatory questions. Collect, review, and track data related to inspection work; make recommendations to Circuit Supervisors and In-Plant Inspection personnel regarding labels and sampling results; and provide performance data and management control data to higher management. Review reports related to inspection of meat and/or poultry slaughter and/or processing establishments, summarize trends, and report findings to the Director and Assistant Director. Review completed Public Health Inspection System (PHIS) schedules, noncompliance reports, Food Safety Assessments, IPPS, and other documentation to verify work meets expectations.

                             (30%) Respond to telephonic inquiries pertaining to the Federal and State meat and inspection requirements. Assist with Inspector Basics course as requested. Requisition requests for program supplies and purchases. Organize and distribute program sample results in Share Point for field personnel. Fed Ex and other shipping methods billing and payments. Overtime reimbursement notifications and billing to inspected establishments. Assist with the design and participate in training programs for MSA inspection staff; present training on new procedures and processes to MSA inspection and supervisory staff; develop and/or present training to Texas meat and/or poultry industry personnel and municipal, county, and state regulatory officials. LBB data collection and correlation for MSA under Consumer Protection Group.

                             Assist in maintaining the Texas Meat and Poultry Inspection Program in a status that is at least equal to the inspection program conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). Researches and reviews FSIS directives, notices, policies, procedures, regulations, etc. and recommends program equivalents as appropriate. Participates in annual self-assessment and assists with FSIS on-site audits. Other duties as assigned.

                             (10%) Serve as a secondary overseer of the assignment and use of program computers, including inventory control. Provide assistance to users with inspection related issues with software such as Public Health Information System (PHIS), and Assurance Net.

(5%) Performs duties as a permanent member of the Enterprise/Agency/Division/Meat Safety Assurance Unit (MSA) Emergency Response Team on an "as needed" basis.

Registrations, Licensure

    Requirements or Certifications required: None

                             Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of all phases of meat inspection to include slaughter operations, processing, and meat fabrication procedures. Through knowledge of State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, and directives pertaining to meat and poultry operations and products, including the Texas Meat and Poultry Inspection Act, Federal Meat and Poultry Inspection Acts and Regulations. Thorough knowledge of the operation principles of the meat industry, including Sanitation Performance Standards (SPS), Sanitary Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), the regulatory process for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) based inspections, Pathogen Reduction and Control.

Through knowledge of microbiological and economic sampling procedures of meat and poultry products and slaughter and/or processing environments. Knowledge of responsibilities of agencies with overlapping authority. Knowledge of the Public Health Information System (PHIS), and CAPPS.

Skill in verbal and written communication and the ability to communicate effectively and intelligently with program staff, regulated industry, trade associations, and the public. Skill in organizing, preparing, and presenting information in both verbal and written form. Skill in public speaking, correlation, and training. Skill in applying basic mathematics using addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, fractions, decimals, percentages, parts per million, and weights/measures. Skill in editing, reviewing label submissions, and communicating those to inspection personnel effectively.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret correspondence, technical data, reports, applications, and regulations. Ability to prepare concise reports and business correspondence.  Ability to independently analyze new situations and respond with sound technical judgments. Ability to deal with people in a tactful manner and to explain proper interpretation of requirements pertaining to rules and regulations. Ability to communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and interact professionally with all levels of the program, agency, government and industry. Ability to function as a project team leader and/or as a member of a team.

Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines. Ability to use computer word processing, spreadsheets, on-line computer training, Adobe Pro and remote mail programs. Ability to program and work with AI is desired. Ability to move up to 25 lbs. during inspections, supply management or special investigations.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Candidate must possess either 5 years experience of meat/food safety inspection experience OR one year meat/food safety inspection experience provided they possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in an applicable field of Food Science, Animal Science, Biology, or similar related field.

Completion of the Inspection Methods Course (or similar (Inspector Basics)) and the Enforcement, Investigation, and Analysis Officer Course (or similar) is strongly preferred. A successful candidate who has not completed these courses would be expected to do so at the first opportunity.

Though this position posting is based in the Austin, TX area, the potential may exist for this position to be located in an alternate location.