Dairy Plan Review Officer

To coordinate the enforcement of State food and dairy laws. This advanced professional position evaluates plans and equipment design for dairy and food businesses undergoing new construction, remodeling, or making equipment updates to ensure they meet the State and Federal regulatory requirements. This individual also provides consultation and outreach to business owners on the regulatory requirements, equipment design, and the on-boarding process for new dairy plants. This role also provides support to inspection program staff by providing training, writing standards and interpretations, and by supporting enforcement actions, including providing on-site guidance and consultation in the field.

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.

Three (3) or more years of experience conducting dairy plant regulatory work (i.e., investigation, variance and HACCP, compliance, plan review, inspections) in dairy processing and manufacturing establishments

OR

A Bachelor's degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS two (2) years of experience conducting dairy plant regulatory work (i.e., investigation, variance and HACCP, compliance, plan review, inspections) in dairy processing and manufacturing establishments
NOTE: A Master's degree in a/an biological, physical, animal or food science or environmental health degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of required experience.

AND

• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable Minnesota food safety laws and rules.
• Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree such as a MPA, MBA, MS, MPH, or higher in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field.
• Experience reviewing construction plans, process flows, and/or engineering designs for manufacturing processes, equipment and systems.
• Experience conducting training or outreach activities, including the development of presentations.
• Experience leading or coordinating projects.
• Demonstrated skill and experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of MDA’s Dairy inspection program SOP’s and regulatory approaches.
• Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.

Physical Requirements

Food Standard Compliance Officers conduct investigations and inspections in the field as needed to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and rules. 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 move/transport food products during investigation and inspection work.
4. Traverse uneven and/or slippery walking surfaces.
5. Work in wet, hot, and cold environmental conditions.
6. Work in office and field locations.
7. Detect shades of product color to make appropriate product acceptability decisions.
8. Communicate effectively with supervisors and workers in both office and field workplace locations that may be noisy environments.
9. Detect product abnormalities through a sense of smell.

This position will require occasional travel statewide, including occasional overnight stays for meetings and in-plant inspection work with inspection staff and to evaluate systems and equipment.