About the opportunity
As a Consumer Safety Inspector, you will ensure that regulated establishments produce safe food products by executing inspection methods, determining non-compliance with regulatory requirements, and initiating enforcement actions. You will verify that meat and poultry slaughter and processing establishments adhere to Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans. The role involves reviewing records, conducting hands-on verification, and communicating findings to plant managers and owners. You will also perform health and safety sampling for microbes and contaminants, and coordinate with other federal agencies regarding import compliance and animal health restrictions. This position requires working in a hazardous environment and performing physical tasks.
Salary and benefits
- $5,000 sign-on bonus with a two-year service agreement
- Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual (CSALA)
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program eligibility
- Accelerated Promotion Program
- Referral bonus awards of $1,000 for eligible employees
- Federal employee benefits package
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must meet specialized experience or education requirements for the specific GS grade level
- Must be physically and medically able to perform essential job functions
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Must be able to stand, walk on slippery/uneven surfaces, climb stairs/ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs
- Must have normal sense of touch and specific vision/color-distinguishing capabilities
Required documents
- Resume (maximum 2 pages) including personal information, education, and detailed work experience
- College transcripts (unofficial accepted for application; official required if selected)
- Proof of foreign education accreditation (if applicable)
- DD-214 or certification of expected discharge for Veterans' Preference
- SF-15 and supporting documentation for 10-point Veterans' Preference (if applicable)
- Proof of CTAP/RPL/ICTAP eligibility (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on 2026-11-25
How to apply
- Read the full announcement and instructions on USAJOBS
- Click 'Apply' to complete the Assessment Questionnaire
- Upload a resume (strictly limited to 2 pages) and all required supporting documents
- Verify that documents transfer correctly into the agency's staffing system
- Monitor application status via your USAJOBS account
Additional information
- The position requires a 1-year probationary period
- Subject to continuous automated record checks under Trusted Workforce 2.0
- Work environment is hazardous
- Shifts and species will vary based on assignment
- Employee may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Raleigh District
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 professional experience in food inspection, quality control, or public health safety environments.
- Individuals comfortable working in industrial, hazardous, and physically demanding environments.
- Applicants who possess strong communication skills for explaining regulatory requirements to industry stakeholders.
What should you think carefully about?
- The resume is strictly limited to two pages; exceeding this will result in disqualification.
- The role involves significant physical requirements, including lifting up to 50 lbs and working on slippery surfaces.
- The position requires a pre-employment physical and is subject to a one-year probationary period.
- The work location is in Wilkesboro, NC, but employees may be detailed to other plants within the Raleigh District.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is ideal for individuals seeking a stable career in federal public health and food safety. It provides a clear pathway for professional development through an accelerated promotion program and offers immediate financial incentives, making it a strong entry point for those with relevant technical or scientific backgrounds looking to transition into government service.
Our take
This is a highly structured federal role suitable for candidates with relevant food safety or inspection experience who are prepared for the physical demands of the job. Applicants must pay close attention to the two-page resume limit and ensure all required documentation is submitted by the deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
