Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor - Agricultural Specialist or Agric
Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor - Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor
Join to apply for the
Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor - Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor
role at
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job Details
Working Title:
Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor
Job Class:
Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor
Agency:
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID:
89834
Location:
St. Paul
Telework Eligible:
Yes
Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary:
Unlimited
Who May Apply:
Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 11/04/2025.
Date Posted:
10/29/2025
Closing Date:
11/18/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Agriculture-MAPE
Division/Unit:
Food and Fees Safety Division / Retail Food Safety A 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 - Agricultural Specialist:
$25.67 - $37.26 / hour; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Salary Range - Agricultural Advisor:
$28.26 - $41.43 / hour; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
Job Class Option:
Food
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
Position Overview This position is based out of the Orville L. Freeman building in St. Paul, MN, and may be eligible for telework with supervisory approval. The role performs work in an inspection territory including portions of Scott, Dakota, Washington, Rice, and Goodhue counties.
Key Responsibilities Agricultural Specialist
– This position exists to achieve Program goals and objectives by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively: 1) performs inspections, investigations, compliance, and enforcement activities in food establishments, for assurance and general enforcement of State food safety laws and regulations; and 2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to retail food safety issues or compliance with state retail food safety laws and regulations.
Agricultural Advisor
– This position exists to achieve Program goals and objectives by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively: 1) performs inspections, investigations, compliance, and enforcement activities in food establishments; 2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to retail food safety issues; and 3) provides inspection training and evaluation for State and local retail food regulatory staff.
Minimum Qualifications To qualify for the Agricultural Specialist level, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
One year experience conducting environmental health regulatory work (inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP) or equivalent experience in environmental health quality assurance.
Or a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or a closely related field that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in science courses.
Must be educationally qualified to obtain certification as a Registered Sanitarian / Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
To qualify for the Agricultural Advisor level, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Two years of experience conducting retail food regulatory work (inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP) or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance.
Or a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus one year of experience conducting retail food regulatory work.
Or a master’s degree in a related field plus six months of experience.
Must currently possess and maintain certification as RS/REHS with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications Agricultural Specialist:
Certification as RS/REHS.
An advanced degree such as MS or MPH.
Experience with regulatory work in retail food establishments.
Experience collaborating with stakeholders.
Public speaking skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Agricultural Advisor:
Advanced degree (MS, MPH, or higher).
More than two years of experience with regulatory work.
Experience training or evaluating inspection staff.
Experience leading projects.
Experience collaborating with stakeholders.
Public speaking skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Physical Requirements
Occasionally maintain a stationary position for extended periods.
Ascend, descend ladders and steps.
Move/transport food products during inspections.
Traverse uneven or slippery surfaces.
Work in wet, hot, and cold environments.
Detect product color and abnormalities by smell.
Communicate effectively in noisy environments.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor work visas (including STEM OPT extensions). Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
A job offer is contingent upon passing a background check, including
SEMA4 Records Check
(for state employees),
Employment Reference Check ,
Driver’s License Check , and
Conflict of Interest Review .
How to Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to
http://www.mn.gov/careers .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online and email the Job ID#, the Working Title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jennifer Romero at jennifer.romero@state.mn.us.
Contact Vonda Canaan – vonda.canaan@state.mn.us | 651‑201‑6294
About Minnesota Department of Agriculture The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave.
12 paid holidays each year.
Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
Fertility care, including IVF.
Diabetes care.
Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
Pension plan (after working at least three years).
Employer paid life insurance.
Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
Resources supporting well‑being.
Training, classes, and professional development.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. We encourage applications from persons of color, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, people with disabilities, women, and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics.
Applicants With Disabilities Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need assistance, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us.
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Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor - Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor
role at
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job Details
Working Title:
Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor
Job Class:
Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor
Agency:
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID:
89834
Location:
St. Paul
Telework Eligible:
Yes
Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary:
Unlimited
Who May Apply:
Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 11/04/2025.
Date Posted:
10/29/2025
Closing Date:
11/18/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Agriculture-MAPE
Division/Unit:
Food and Fees Safety Division / Retail Food Safety A 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 - Agricultural Specialist:
$25.67 - $37.26 / hour; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Salary Range - Agricultural Advisor:
$28.26 - $41.43 / hour; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
Job Class Option:
Food
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
Position Overview This position is based out of the Orville L. Freeman building in St. Paul, MN, and may be eligible for telework with supervisory approval. The role performs work in an inspection territory including portions of Scott, Dakota, Washington, Rice, and Goodhue counties.
Key Responsibilities Agricultural Specialist
– This position exists to achieve Program goals and objectives by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively: 1) performs inspections, investigations, compliance, and enforcement activities in food establishments, for assurance and general enforcement of State food safety laws and regulations; and 2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to retail food safety issues or compliance with state retail food safety laws and regulations.
Agricultural Advisor
– This position exists to achieve Program goals and objectives by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively: 1) performs inspections, investigations, compliance, and enforcement activities in food establishments; 2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to retail food safety issues; and 3) provides inspection training and evaluation for State and local retail food regulatory staff.
Minimum Qualifications To qualify for the Agricultural Specialist level, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
One year experience conducting environmental health regulatory work (inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP) or equivalent experience in environmental health quality assurance.
Or a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or a closely related field that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in science courses.
Must be educationally qualified to obtain certification as a Registered Sanitarian / Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
To qualify for the Agricultural Advisor level, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Two years of experience conducting retail food regulatory work (inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP) or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance.
Or a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus one year of experience conducting retail food regulatory work.
Or a master’s degree in a related field plus six months of experience.
Must currently possess and maintain certification as RS/REHS with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications Agricultural Specialist:
Certification as RS/REHS.
An advanced degree such as MS or MPH.
Experience with regulatory work in retail food establishments.
Experience collaborating with stakeholders.
Public speaking skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Agricultural Advisor:
Advanced degree (MS, MPH, or higher).
More than two years of experience with regulatory work.
Experience training or evaluating inspection staff.
Experience leading projects.
Experience collaborating with stakeholders.
Public speaking skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Physical Requirements
Occasionally maintain a stationary position for extended periods.
Ascend, descend ladders and steps.
Move/transport food products during inspections.
Traverse uneven or slippery surfaces.
Work in wet, hot, and cold environments.
Detect product color and abnormalities by smell.
Communicate effectively in noisy environments.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor work visas (including STEM OPT extensions). Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
A job offer is contingent upon passing a background check, including
SEMA4 Records Check
(for state employees),
Employment Reference Check ,
Driver’s License Check , and
Conflict of Interest Review .
How to Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to
http://www.mn.gov/careers .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online and email the Job ID#, the Working Title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jennifer Romero at jennifer.romero@state.mn.us.
Contact Vonda Canaan – vonda.canaan@state.mn.us | 651‑201‑6294
About Minnesota Department of Agriculture The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave.
12 paid holidays each year.
Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
Fertility care, including IVF.
Diabetes care.
Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
Pension plan (after working at least three years).
Employer paid life insurance.
Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
Resources supporting well‑being.
Training, classes, and professional development.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. We encourage applications from persons of color, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, people with disabilities, women, and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics.
Applicants With Disabilities Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need assistance, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us.
#J-18808-Ljbffr