Job Information
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Food Inspection Technician (Permanent) - Schuylkill, Carbon, Monroe Counties in Pennsylvania
Food Inspection Technician (Permanent) - Schuylkill, Carbon, Monroe Counties
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Food Inspection Technician (Permanent) - Schuylkill, Carbon, Monroe Counties
Salary
$44,890.00 - $67,678.00 Annually
Location
*Home Headquartered, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2024-93239-55520
Department
Department of Agriculture
Division
AG Fd Sf Div
Opening Date
09/11/2024
Closing Date
9/25/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
55520
Position Number
00075605
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
G1
Pay Group
ST05
Bureau / Division Code
00046311
Bureau / Division
Food Safety Division
Worksite Address
Home Headquartered
Contact Name
OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email
RA-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Do you possess expertise in food safety regulations? If so, this opportunity could be perfect for you! The Division of Food Safety is on the lookout for a Food Inspection Technician to help protect the health of both Pennsylvanians and visitors by monitoring various restaurants, retail food establishments, and food production sites across the state to ensure compliance with food safety standards. If this challenging position appeals to you, we invite you to apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will engage in technical activities within an agricultural inspection program to assess adherence to state and federal regulations regarding grade, purity, quality, and sanitation standards. Your responsibilities will include conducting various food safety inspections across multiple establishments, such as dairy plants, farms, and food processing facilities, which encompass handling, bottling, packaging, and distribution operations, as well as wholesale, retail, and storage sites like shellfish plants, food vending operations, and school cafeterias. Furthermore, you will assist in evaluating plans, blueprints, and materials related to the construction and modification of dairy systems, including water supply and pipeline milking systems, to ensure compliance with established standards. Additionally, you will support the review of blueprints and applications for the licensing of new food establishments to confirm that their designs meet Commonwealth laws and regulations.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00075605) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
Position will be home headquartered if applicant lives in Schuylkill, Carbon, Monroe or County. If applicant does not live in Schuylkill, Carbon, Monroe or County, the assigned state vehicle must be parked in one of these counties and the work day will start at 8:00 AM at the location of the assigned state vehicle.
The selected candidate may need to travel to counties other than counties listed on this posting to assist with coverage of various specialty inspection types, specifically Dairy and Milk regulated facilities.
Occasional overtime and overnight travel may be required for training and facilities operating on non work days and outside of work hours
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
A bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, chemistry, microbiology, or a closely related field; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Special Requirement:
This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov .
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
your score may be lower than deserved.
you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
Yes
No
02
If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Are you currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in food science, food technology, chemistry, microbiology, or a closely related field, and expect to confer your degree within the next 3 months? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
Yes
No
04
If you answered YES to the question above, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.
05
If you answered NO to question #2 above, how much college-level coursework have you completed in food science, food technology, chemistry, microbiology, or a closely related field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
A. 120 or more credits
B. 90 but less than 120 credits
C. 60 but less than 90 credits
D. A conferred Associate's Degree
E. 30 but less than 60 credits
F. Less than 30 credits
G. None
06
How many years of full-time para-professional or technical level experience do you possess in the fields of food science, food technology, chemistry, microbiology, or a closely related field?
A. 4 or more years
B. 3 but less than 4 years
C. 2 but less than 3 years
D. 1 but less than 2 years
E. Less than 1 year
F. None
07
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
08
Do you possess professional level experience in the fields of food science, food technology, chemistry, microbiology, or a closely related field?
Yes
No
09
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
10
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – BLUEPRINTS AND PLANSAssists in reviewing plans, blueprints, materials for construction, installation and/or modification of dairy systems such as a dairy farm's water supply and pipeline milking systems, to ensure that they are in compliance with minimum standards; or assists in reviewing blueprints included in the applications for the licensure of newly opened food establishments to make sure that the facility's design is in compliance with Commonwealth laws and regulations, National Sanitation Foundation standards, and Federal regulations.Levels of PerformanceSelect one "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience reviewing or assisting in the review of blueprints of DAIRY SYSTEMS OR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS for compliance with safety standards and other regulations; OR I have MORE THAN 2 relevant college-level courses in areas such as Dairy Technology, Food Technology, Food Laws and Regulations, Sanitation Management, Dairy Design, or Pasteurized Operator Training.
B. I have experience reviewing or assisting in the review of blueprints for facilities OTHER THAN DAIRY SYSTEMS OR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS; OR I have 1 OR 2 RELEVANT college-level courses in areas such as Dairy Technology, Food Technology, Food Laws and Regulations, Sanitation Management, Dairy Design, or Pasteurized Operator Training.
C. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
12
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of facility for which you reviewed blueprints.
The actual duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.
13
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – INSPECTIONAssists in the inspection of dairy plants, equipment, and farms in handling, processing, bottling, packaging, and distribution operations; or food wholesale, retail, manufacturing, and storage facilities such as shellfish plants, food vending operations, retail food stores, public eating and drinking establishments, school cafeterias, catering facilities, eating facilities at summer camps and campgrounds, organic product operations, maple product operations, and seasonal farm labor camps for adherence to established laws, regulations, and standards of sanitation.Levels of PerformanceSelect one "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience inspecting or assisting in the inspection of food establishments or dairy operations for compliance with established laws, regulations, and standards; OR I have performed technical work in quality control in a food processing plant, dairy plant, or farm; OR I have HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) Program compliance training or experience; OR I have MORE THAN 2 RELEVANT college-level courses in areas such as Agricultural Science, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Dairy Science, Food Science, Food Safety, Food Engineering, Food Facility Inspections, Food Manufacturing Practices, Microbiology, Nutrition, or Bacteriology.
B. I have worked on a dairy farm checking barns and milking parlors for cleanliness and maintenance; OR I have worked as a milk machine operator and was responsible for maintaining required levels of sanitation; OR I have worked in a milk processing plant processing milk or milk products; OR I have worked as a food handler, i.e., cook, meat cutter, food production worker involved in mixing ingredients for food products (excluding work strictly involved in packaging food); OR I have 1 OR 2 RELEVANT college-level courses in areas such as Agricultural Science, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Dairy Science, Food Science, Food Safety, Food Engineering, Food Facility Inspections, Food Manufacturing Practices, Microbiology, Nutrition, or Bacteriology.
C. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
15
In the text box below, you must describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of facility you inspected.
The actual duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.
16
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – FORMAL PRESENTATIONSAssists in preparing and conducting formal presentations related to the food industry for organizations such as farm industry organizations, schools, civic groups, restaurant workers, etc., by accompanying and observing a sanitarian in performing the task and giving part of the presentation under the sanitarian's direction; and/or giving presentations using previously prepared materials under the observation of a journeyman level sanitarian.Levels of PerformanceSelect one "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience PREPARING OR ASSISTING IN THE PREPARATION of formal presentations or training sessions AND I have CONDUCTED OR ASSISTED IN CONDUCTING formal presentations or training sessions; OR I have MORE THAN 2 RELEVANT college-level courses in areas such as Public Speaking, Communications, or Speech.
B. I have experience CONDUCTING OR ASSISTING IN CONDUCTING formal presentations or training sessions using materials prepared by someone else; OR I have experience in PREPARING OR ASSISTING IN PREPARING formal presentations or training sessions but I have not conducted any presentations or training; OR I have 1 OR 2 RELEVANT college-level courses in areas such as Public Speaking, Communications, or Speech.
C. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
18
In the text box below, you must describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of presentation(s) or training session(s) you conducted.
The type(s) of materials you prepared for the presentation or training session.
Your level of responsibility.
19
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
20
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – COMPUTER USAGEUses computers to enter and retrieve alphanumeric data gathered during inspections and investigations, to run software programs designed specifically for the dairy and food industry, and to maintain a record-keeping system documenting activities and actions related to milk and food sanitation activities.Levels of PerformanceSelect one "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience USING computers INCLUDING the use of software relative to word processing, email, and data analysis (such as Access, Excel, etc.); OR I have MORE THAN 2 RELEVANT college-level courses in areas such as Computer Science, Computer Technology, Spreadsheet Software, Word Processing, or Database Management.
B. I have SOME KNOWLEDGE of computers and have used them on a limited basis in my work; OR I have 1 OR 2 RELEVANT college-level courses in areas such as Computer Science, Computer Technology, Spreadsheet Software, Word Processing, or Database Management.
C. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
21
In the text box below, you must describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of computer software you used.
The actual duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.
22
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
23
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – REPORTSAssists in preparing written narrative and statistical reports (bacteria count reports, problem facility reports, comparative reports), records, and/or correspondence pertaining to inspections and other activities related to the food or milk industry.Levels of PerformanceSelect one "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience preparing or assisting in the preparation of formal narrative or statistical reports and/or correspondence; OR I have MORE THAN 2 RELEVANT college-level courses in areas such as Technical Writing, Data Analysis, Statistics, Biostatistics, Inspection Report Writing, or Investigative Report Writing.
B. I have experience preparing informational graphs, forms, or checklists BUT NO experience preparing or assisting in the preparation of formal narrative or statistical reports; OR I have 1 OR 2 RELEVANT college-level courses in areas such as Technical Writing, Data Analysis, Statistics, Biostatistics, Inspection Report Writing, or Investigative Report Writing.
C. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
24
In the text box below, you must describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of written reports and/or correspondence you prepared.
The actual duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.
25
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Agency
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov