Working Title: Dairy Inspector
Job Class: Dairy Inspector 1
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID : 89080
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 09/29/2025.
Date Posted : 09/22/2025
Closing Date : 10/01/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Agriculture-MAPE
Division/Unit : Dairy and Meat Inspection Division / Dairy Inspection East Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 9 hour day Monday - Thursday, 4 hour day on Friday
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of State Statutes, rules and policies for the Dairy Division to ensure safe and wholesome milk and dairy products for the consumer and to maintain Interstate markets for Minnesota's Dairy Industry. Implementation is accomplished through inspection, sampling, investigations and other regulatory work.
This is a remote worker position whic is defined as, an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy: https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1447-remoteworker.pdf (HR/LR%20Policy%20%231447%20Remote%20Worker%20Policy:%20https:/mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1447-remoteworker.pdf) .
This position is based out of the inspector's home office and will cover the area in and around the counties of Douglas, Ottertail, Todd and Wadena.
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.
High School diploma or equivalent AND one (1) year of experience working in a dairy or food plant in production, quality control, sanitation, dairy field representative, or on a dairy farm.
Knowledge of milk and its components sufficient to understand milk pricing, quality and product standards. Technical knowledge of the principles used in the production and processing of milk and/or milk products sufficient to evaluate equipment, sanitation, and processing procedures.
Effective oral and written communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with the public. Organizational skills sufficient to make judgment decisions, manage time, schedule job responsibilities, and maintain accurate and detailed records and reports.
Proficient in basic computer applications sufficient to enter data, write reports and correspond with industry.
Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review including the availability for travel and occasional overnight travel.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from and accredited institution in agricultural science, animal or dairy, food technology or other closely related field
Experience performing dairy or food inspections for a government agency
Awareness of State and Federal laws and regulation as they apply to dairy farms and/or dairy plants
Experience working with the public in a government enforcement capacity
Experience working with dairy producers/farmers
Physical Requirements
Ability to position self to collect samples and inspect facilities.
Ability to maintain a stationary or standing position for extended periods of time to perform field work and travel long distances.
Ability to ascend/descend ladders and steps.
Ability to detect product abnormalities to make appropriate product acceptability decisions.
Ability to move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to traverse slippery/uneven surfaces during all @types of weather conditions.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and workers in both office and field workplace locations that may be noisy environments.
At times, the employee will be working alone in remote and potentially hostile environments. All applicable State, Department and Unit safety policies are required to be followed.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Driver's License Check
Conflict of Interest Review
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
