About the opportunity
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), part of the Department of Agriculture, is seeking a Consumer Safety Inspector in Kalaheo, Hawaii. The duties of this position involve ensuring that regulated establishments produce safe food products by executing appropriate inspection methods, determining non-compliance with regulatory requirements, and initiating enforcement actions. Inspectors verify that meat and poultry slaughter and/or processing establishments meet Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans. Responsibilities also include reviewing records, conducting hands-on verification, authorizing or refusing the entry of meat and poultry products, and communicating legal and regulatory requirements to plant managers and owners. The position is performed in a hazardous working environment and requires adherence to strict safety and regulatory guidelines.
Salary and benefits
- $5,000 sign-on bonus paid out in one lump sum (requires a signed two-year service agreement and satisfactory performance)
- Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual (CSALA)
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
- Accelerated Promotion Program
- Referral bonus awards of $1,000
- Salary range of $40,736 to $80,243 per annum
Who can apply?
- Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement
- For GS-05 level: At least 52 weeks of qualifying specialized experience providing knowledge of properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities, or a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in agricultural, biological, or physical sciences, food technology, epidemiology, home economics, pharmacy, engineering, or nutrition, or a combination of education and experience
- For GS-07 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level demonstrating independent execution of standard and recurrent duties, or one full year of directly related graduate education, or a combination of education and experience
- For GS-08 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level, including working with Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts, SSOP, and HACCP principles
- For GS-09 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 level working at a more independent level, or two full years of directly related graduate education or a directly related master's degree
Required documents
- Resume including personal information, education, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, title, series, grade, and relevant work experience (resume must not exceed 2 pages)
- Copies of all relevant college transcripts if education is used to qualify (unofficial copies are sufficient for application)
- Evidence of foreign education accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, if applicable
- DD-214 and SF-15 (if claiming Veterans' Preference)
- Proof of eligibility and SF-50 (if applying as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible surplus or displaced employee)
When to apply
- Date Posted: September 8, 2026
- Application Closing Date: September 21, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
How to apply
- Read the entire announcement and all instructions thoroughly before beginning
- Complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically through USAJOBS by the closing date
- Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire
- Ensure resume does not exceed the two-page limit
- Verify that uploaded documents successfully transfer into the Agency's staffing system
Additional information
- Shifts and species will vary based on assignment
- Selected candidates are required to serve a 1-year probationary period
- Assignment restrictions apply per FSIS Directive 4735.9 regarding family and personal relationships with regulated industry personnel
- Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies cannot request criminal history information until a conditional offer of employment has been made
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with specialized experience in food safety, agricultural, or biological sciences.
- Individuals seeking federal benefits, loan forgiveness, and an accelerated promotion path.
- Applicants comfortable working in a hazardous environment with strict regulatory oversight.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires a two-year service agreement to receive the sign-on bonus.
- Work involves a hazardous environment and varying shifts based on assignment.
- Applicants must be prepared for strict adherence to FSIS safety and regulatory directives.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is ideal for professionals looking to build a career within the Department of Agriculture while utilizing federal benefits like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. It offers a structured path for advancement and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in regulatory compliance and food safety enforcement.
Our take
This position is a strong match for those seeking stable federal employment in Hawaii with clear growth potential, though it is less suitable for those unable to commit to a two-year service agreement or the demands of a hazardous, shift-based work environment.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
