Careers

Description:

The Produce Safety Field Inspector must be able to be commissioned by FDA to perform work concerning present and future environmental issues relating to food safety and must work with industry to bring production/facility sites into compliance with FSMA requirements. 

This position’s purpose is to conduct field inspections and investigations, provide technical assistance, and assist with/participate/conduct outreach and other activities. These activities assist in protecting the public from unsafe or adulterated produce by ensuring compliance with state laws and federal regulations.  

The Produce Safety Field Inspector position will work in collaboration with a wide range of internal and external agencies, farms, and organizations such as produce growers, local health departments, and federal agencies.  The position also partners with Agricultural extension agencies, commodity commissions and associations to achieve regulatory compliance and understanding of the PSR.   

Produce Safety Field Inspectors will assist in the development and improvement of policies, procedures, practices and the federal Produce Safety Regulatory Standards. These actions will be based on practical experience gained and shared by this position.  

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Conduct Produce Safety inspections in accordance with state law and federal regulation.

• Conduct produce safety field investigations and inspections and monitor activity on farms, packing and handling facilities to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to safe growing, harvesting, packing and holding practices of produce. The position may entail up to 80% or more travel for any given month throughout Washington.  
• Scientifically analyze and evaluate food safety production claims and guarantees in order to substantiate PSR requirements; provide scientific guidance and recommendations of appropriate actions pertaining to PSR requirements; and request additional data from producers and/or industry organizations as needed.  
• Determine and evaluate production impacts on environmental systems in order to assess PSR impacts.  
• Regularly confer with and advise the Produce Safety Supervisor on any industry and inspection issues to ensure the appropriate procedures, guidelines, and processes are adhered to, and report egregious conditions to the Produce Safety Supervisor as soon as possible.  
• Write clear reports and give oral updates that match the PSR.
• Ensure industry standards and PSR requirements of applicable assessment procedures are met by reviewing on-farm records to ensure uniformity and accuracy throughout statewide programs.  
• Implement, update, and maintain inspection procedures adhering to state, Federal, and industry standards.  
• Respond to inquiries from industry, by written correspondence or phone, regarding environmental issues related to produce safety compliance. 
• While driving an agency assigned vehicle or approved mode of transportation, travel to various locations throughout the state to attend meetings, training, conferences, and workshops and/or participate in presentations on produce safety analyses related to the Produce Safety Program.
• Use the Inspection tracking system and current database to record all interactions for assigned entities. 
• Work in conjunction with Inspection Analyst and other personnel to maintain database organization and a complete aggregate data set used in reporting and entity verifications. 
• Enter data into current database of inspection results and assignments.  
• Complete an annual inspection calibration with Field Inspector Supervisor. 
• Complete initial and continuing education requirements as assigned. 

Conduct outreach, informational, educational assignments as required.

• Conduct outreach to assist growers in understand their coverage status, prepare them for an inspection, and/or provide general education.
• Develop materials and technical aids for relevant documents or electronic resources to assist in produce safety education. 

Skills/Eligibility:

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in business, microbiology, food science, food technology, biochemistry, dairy science, environmental health or a degree in a closely allied field. Additional experience will substitute for education on a year for year basis.

• One (1) year of professional experience in a public health regulatory, food manufacturing environment, or produce or food-based agriculture industry. Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education. 

• Must have the ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required. FDA Commission qualifications (subject to change, discretion, and further inquiry by FDA): 
  • Meets qualifications for FSCS position duties. 
  • Citizen of U.S.A. 
  • No felonies/misdemeanors

• Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a state or rental vehicle and travel across Washington State to conduct inspections as assigned. 

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with USDA GAP/GHP audits and standards. Prior experience with agricultural environments and food processing.   
• Bi-lingual in Spanish is a plus.