Dairy Plant Specialist
Date Posted: May 21, 2026
Requisition ID: 478149
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46205
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Board of Animal Health:
Creating a healthy, disease-free environment for Indiana's 31 million animals is no small feat. BOAH's team of veterinarians and animal health inspectors travel to all corners of the state to investigate possible outbreaks of disease and advise animal owners about disease prevention.
Role Overview:
The inspector in this role will conduct inspections and compliance activity in Central Indiana, focussed on Marion County and adjacent counties (Boone, Hamilton, Madison, Hendricks, Hancock, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby).
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
?The essential elements of the job duties:
Conduct milk sanitation inspections of milk production, processing, pasteurization, packaging, storing and distribution facilities, equipment, and processes.
Conduct inspections of facilities that manufacture single service containers and closures for milk products.
Conduct inspections of milk transport vehicles and loading and unloading processes.
Collect and submit product samples from producers and processors for chemical and biological testing.
Evaluate product labels for compliance with state and federal standards.
Review blueprints and specifications of proposed construction and remodeling projects.
Prepare technical reports of inspections and document findings. Communicate with appropriate stakeholders and work with licenses to resolve adverse findings.
Review and evaluate Dairy Division documents, records, and files for compliance with State law, including the requirements of the U. S. Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
Consult and make recommendations on the results of the inspections, milk survey findings, certifications, and approvals.
Work with Indiana Milk Rating Officers and U.S. Food and Drug Administration Regional Milk Specialists on state and federal inspections of milk production, processing, pasteurization, packaging, storing, distribution, and single service container/closure facilities.
Investigate consumer complaints related to milk and milk products and assist in food product recalls.
Investigate reports of food-born illnesses related to milk products.
Respond to hazardous events affecting milk and milk related supplies.
Embargo milk and milk products when situations require the immediate removal of product from the market.
Participate as a speaker or panel member at dairy industry meetings or discussion groups.
Appear as an expert witness in court proceedings when required.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Must hold a valid Indiana Driver's license.
Extensive knowledge of milk production, processing, pasteurization, packaging, storing and distribution requirements.
Extensive knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations.
Extensive knowledge of food protection principles and practices, including bacteriology, microbiology, chemistry, food science, engineering, and computer technology.
Specialized knowledge of and the ability to operate testing equipment required in field of specialization.
Specialized knowledge of and the ability to review and make recommendations of plans and other drawings of facility construction and layout, equipment, and processing engineering.
Specialized knowledge of inspection and investigation methods, procedures, and techniques.
Ability to observe, evaluate and recognize potential adverse sanitation conditions, record keeping processes or law violations and prepare reports documenting findings.
Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
A degree is not required. However, at least 4+ years of experience in biological science, chemistry, food science, nutrition, microbiology, agriculture, public administration, mathematics, engineering, environmental health, public health or a related field applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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