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
Working Title
Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor
Job Class
Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor
Agency
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job Details
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 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Salary Range - Agricultural Advisor: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $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
Work Description 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 based out of the Orville L. Freeman building in St. Paul, MN, and may be eligible for telework with supervisory approval.
This position performs work in an inspection territory including portions of the following counties: Scott, Dakota, Washington, Rice, and Goodhue.
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, for assurance and general enforcement of State food safety laws and regulations; (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; and (3) provides inspection training and evaluation for State and local retail food regulatory staff.
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.
Agricultural Specialist
One year experience conducting environmental health regulatory work (i.e., 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 closely related field that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in science courses.
AND
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.
Agricultural Advisor
Two years of experience conducting retail food regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance.
OR
A bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS one (1) year of experience conducting retail food regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance.
OR
A master’s degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS 6 months of experience conducting food regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance.
AND
Must currently possess and maintain 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.
Preferred Qualifications - Agricultural Specialist
Certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
An advanced degree such as a MS, MPH, or higher.
Experience with regulatory work (i.e., inspection, plan review, investigation, compliance, enforcement, retail HACCP) in retail food establishments.
Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications - Agricultural Advisor
An advanced degree such as a MS, MPH, or higher.
More than two (2) years of experience with regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP) in retail food establishments.
Experience training and/or evaluating risk‑based inspections of internal and external regulatory staff.
Experience leading or coordinating projects.
Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Physical Requirements Agricultural Specialists and Agricultural Advisors conduct inspections and investigations in the field as needed to ensure compliance with State food safety laws and regulations.
The work requires the ability to:
Occasionally maintain a stationary position for extended periods of time such as prolonged standing or sitting.
Ascend, descend ladders and steps.
Position self to move/transport food products during investigation and inspection work.
Traverse uneven and/or slippery walking surfaces.
Work in wet, hot, and cold environmental conditions.
Detect shades of product color to make appropriate product acceptability decisions.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and workers in both office and field workplace locations that may be noisy environments.
Detect product abnormalities through a sense of smell.
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.
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Driver’s License Check
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.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Vonda Canaan at vonda.canaan@state.mn.us or 651-201-6294.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, 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
About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Mission 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.
Three General Areas of Responsibility
Protecting our food supply;
Protecting our natural resources; and,
Cultivating our agricultural economy.
Benefits As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
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 that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being
Support to Reach Career Goals
Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Work/Life Support
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Equal Opportunity Employers Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
Applicants With Disabilities Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
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Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor
Job Class
Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor
Agency
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job Details
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 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Salary Range - Agricultural Advisor: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $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
Work Description 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 based out of the Orville L. Freeman building in St. Paul, MN, and may be eligible for telework with supervisory approval.
This position performs work in an inspection territory including portions of the following counties: Scott, Dakota, Washington, Rice, and Goodhue.
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, for assurance and general enforcement of State food safety laws and regulations; (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; and (3) provides inspection training and evaluation for State and local retail food regulatory staff.
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.
Agricultural Specialist
One year experience conducting environmental health regulatory work (i.e., 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 closely related field that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in science courses.
AND
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.
Agricultural Advisor
Two years of experience conducting retail food regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance.
OR
A bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS one (1) year of experience conducting retail food regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance.
OR
A master’s degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS 6 months of experience conducting food regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance.
AND
Must currently possess and maintain 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.
Preferred Qualifications - Agricultural Specialist
Certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
An advanced degree such as a MS, MPH, or higher.
Experience with regulatory work (i.e., inspection, plan review, investigation, compliance, enforcement, retail HACCP) in retail food establishments.
Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications - Agricultural Advisor
An advanced degree such as a MS, MPH, or higher.
More than two (2) years of experience with regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP) in retail food establishments.
Experience training and/or evaluating risk‑based inspections of internal and external regulatory staff.
Experience leading or coordinating projects.
Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Physical Requirements Agricultural Specialists and Agricultural Advisors conduct inspections and investigations in the field as needed to ensure compliance with State food safety laws and regulations.
The work requires the ability to:
Occasionally maintain a stationary position for extended periods of time such as prolonged standing or sitting.
Ascend, descend ladders and steps.
Position self to move/transport food products during investigation and inspection work.
Traverse uneven and/or slippery walking surfaces.
Work in wet, hot, and cold environmental conditions.
Detect shades of product color to make appropriate product acceptability decisions.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and workers in both office and field workplace locations that may be noisy environments.
Detect product abnormalities through a sense of smell.
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.
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Driver’s License Check
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.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Vonda Canaan at vonda.canaan@state.mn.us or 651-201-6294.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, 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
About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Mission 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.
Three General Areas of Responsibility
Protecting our food supply;
Protecting our natural resources; and,
Cultivating our agricultural economy.
Benefits As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
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 that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being
Support to Reach Career Goals
Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Work/Life Support
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Equal Opportunity Employers Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
Applicants With Disabilities Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
#J-18808-Ljbffr