Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and Selective Requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

Does the daily grind have you looking for a new opportunity? Are you seeking a professional level position that gives you the freedom to work independently, manage your own work schedule and provides an opportunity for a good work-life balance? Our team of Food Safety Specialists come from a variety of backgrounds and tend to have a passion for food and public service. They are primarily responsible for conducting risk-based inspections of a variety of food and lodging businesses. Food Safety Specialists work four ten-hour days and begin and end their work day at home. We equip them with a state vehicle, inspection equipment, extensive training, a comprehensive support system and the knowledge they need to thrive.

More about the position:

Food Safety Specialists are assigned inspections in a specific geographic region and are responsible for conducting risk-based inspections using an electronic inspection system. They plan and complete assigned inspections according to policies and procedures. Some inspections are scheduled with the food business; however, most are unannounced. For the technology buffs, some of our inspections are conducted virtually.

During a risk-based inspection our Food Safety Specialists:

• Observe food handling and sanitation practices and behaviors in restaurants, grocery stores, food trucks, food stands, food processing facilities and other food business
• Ask investigative and informational questions to understand food preparation processes from beginning to end
• Identify critical food safety gaps and regulatory violations and work directly with operators to make timely corrections
• Provide food safety education and resources to food businesses

Nationally recognized for innovation, Iowa's food safety regulatory program maintains strong partnerships with government and non-government organizations that share a common purpose: protecting public health. As a member of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Food and Consumer Safety Bureau, the Food Safety Specialist will play a vital role in strengthening relationships, protecting public health and advancing food safety regulatory program standards in Iowa.

Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to one of the following Iowa counties upon acceptance of the position; Polk or Jasper.

Food Science selective is required (12 semester hours in microbiology, biology, food science, chemistry, hospitality management or other science related to food safety OR 6 months of experience applying food science and microbiology knowledge to prepare or process food safely, including but not limited to managing a food establishment's food safety program, quality assurance staff, chef, or management of a food establishment or manufacturing facility; experience applying food safety regulations such as the FDA Food Code or Good Manufacturing Practices; or a combination of both experience and education.

Benefits
The state offers paid vacation, sick time and holidays, a defined benefit retirement plan, health, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance along with flexible spending accounts. For more information, please visit the executive branch employee benefits website.

The State of Iowa is committed to providing an outstanding employment experience. Check out this Benefits Beyond the Paycheck brochure (Download PDF reader).