Job Details

Working Title: Dairy Inspector 2

Job Class: Dairy Inspector 2

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID : 91451

• 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 through01/27/2026.

• Date Posted : 01/21/2026

• Closing Date : 01/30/2026

• 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, 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes

• Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / 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 ( : 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 position focuses on dairy processing and manufacturing plant inspections along with farm inspections.

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. 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:

This position will be inspecting dairy plants and farms in and around the counties of Nicollet, Brown, Blue Earth, Sibley, LeSueur, Watonwan. Statutory authority for performing inspections at dairy farms and plants follows MN statute 32D and the pasteurized milk ordinance which is adopted as rule.

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.

Two years of experience working in a dairy or food plant in production, quality control, sanitation, equipment review, or a closely related field

OR

A bachelor's degree in agricultural science, animal or dairy, food technology or other closely related field PLUS one year of experience working in a dairy or food plant in production, quality control, sanitation, equipment review, or a closely related field

AND

• 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.

• Knowledge of state and local Federal laws and regulations as they apply to dairy and/or food manufacturing plants.

• Effective oral and written communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with the public and dairy industry personnel.

• 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 regulation as they apply to dairy plants

• Experience working with the public in a government enforcement capacity

• Experience working with dairy producers/farmers

Physical Requirements

In this position the dairy inspector will be inspecting dairy production facilities, dairy farms, haulers/samplers, and truck tanks on a regular basis. Some assignments may involve work in dairy plants. 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 could have up to 8 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:

1. SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)

2. Employment Reference Check

3. Driver's License Check

4. Conflict of Interest Review

5. 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-###-#### or email ...@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.