Working Title: Dairy Inspection Sampler
Job Class: Dairy Inspector 1
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID : 94911
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Part-Time
Regular/Temporary : Temporary
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 07/15/2026
Closing Date : 07/24/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Agriculture-MAPE
Division/Unit : Dairy and Meat Inspection Division / DMID Enforcement Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Thursday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
End Date : 12/31/2026
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 is a part-time (32 hours/week) temporary position anticipated to last through December 31, 2026.
This position is responsible for sampling milk and dairy products across the state in compliance with State Statutes, rules and policies to ensure safe and wholesome milk and dairy products for the consumer and to assist in maintaining interstate markets for Minnesota's Dairy Industry.
This position is a remote worker position which 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.
This incumbent must be available for daily travel and occasional overnight travel or out of State travel for training.
The incumbent for this position must be located in one of the following counties: Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Isanti, Meeker, Wright, McLeod, Carver, Scott, Rice.
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.
One (1) year of experience working in dairy farm or related field, dairy or food plant in production, dairy or food quality laboratory, dairy or food sampling field or other employment related to the preceding list. NOTE: A bachelor's degree in agricultural science, animal or dairy, food technology or other closely related field may substitute for one year of experience.
Effective oral and written communication skills are sufficient to communicate effectively with the public and dairy industry personnel.
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.
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.
More than two years' experience performing dairy or food inspections for a government agency.
Awareness of State and Federal laws and regulations as they apply to dairy plants.
Experience working with the public in a government enforcement capacity.
Physical Requirements
In this position the dairy inspector will be inspecting dairy farms, dairy plants, and truck tanks on a regular basis. The essential physical capabilities include being able to sit and drive a car for an hour or more, standing for three to four hours, occasional climbing of ladders and stairs, walking, especially on uneven or slippery ground and/or floor structures, pushing/pulling of objects, reaching at or above shoulder level, lifting 20# occasionally during an inspection and 50-60# rarely, and bending. The employee will have 8-12 hours of sedentary office work per week, much of which involves the use of a computer. Other essential functions include driving, walking on uneven surfaces, working in all extremes of weather, capable of written and oral communication, acute vision, a sense of smell, and the ability to hear conversational voice in order to communicate effectively with supervisors and industry personnel.
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
Criminal Background Check
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.
