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NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

Food Inspector Trainee 1 (NY HELPS)

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Food Inspector 1 / Food Inspector Trainee 1 Salary: Base pay range $53,764.00/yr - $85,138.00/yr.

Description Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

Position Information The Department is seeking a permanent Food Inspector 1 or Trainee to conduct food safety inspections of food establishments in Albany County, NY. Responsibilities include preventing fraud, adulteration and misrepresentation in the processing, packaging, storage, distribution and sale of food. You will educate food establishment operators on applicable laws, sample food products to verify controls, labeling and contents, and issue written notices, letters and reports citing violations and enforcement actions. The role is full‑time (40 hrs/week, Monday‑Friday) and may be based from home with required travel within an assigned region.

Travel Requirements Extensive travel is required. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle or must demonstrate ability to meet transportation requirements. Overnight out‑of‑state trips may be required for training commitments.

Minimum Qualifications

120 semester credit hours, including 24 credit hours in chemistry, microbiology, food quality control, epidemiology, entomology, food technology, food science, food processing technology, food sanitation, dairy science, biology, environmental sanitation, environmental health, human physiology, genetics, animal science, nutrition/dietetics, or medical sciences;

OR 60 semester credit hours, including 24 credit hours in the same subject list, plus two years of experience in environmental health protection and sanitation of food establishments, or quality control of food products at a wholesale food manufacturing facility.

Advanced Placement

One additional year of experience related to application of scientific techniques in sanitation or quality control qualifies for appointment to Food Inspector Trainee 2 and reduces the traineeship by one year.

Two additional years of experience qualify for the full performance title, Food Inspector 1, Grade 18.

Examples of Acceptable Experience

Environmental Health Technician

Sanitarian for food business

Food Inspector/Investigator

Meat Inspector

Quality Control Technician for a food processing plant or food warehouse

Laboratory Technician with experience in food or dairy product analysis

Examples of Unacceptable Experience

Food Service Worker

Restaurant or Food Store Manager

Chef, Butcher, Caterer

Food Warehouse Foreperson, Management

Food Comptroller, Beverage Comptroller

Food Production line worker, Banquet Manager, Steward

Food Equipment Salesperson, Food and Sanitation Equipment Salesperson

Food Broker, Pesticide Applicator

Alternate Minimum Qualifications

Transfer Qualifications under Section 70.1 for Food Inspector Trainee 1 and 2 (e.g., Farm Products Grading Inspector 1–2, Dairy Products Specialist 1).

Transfer Qualifications under Section 70.4 require one year in a Grade 11 title or higher plus credit and experience criteria identical to the main minimum qualifications, and a passing score on the most recent Food Inspector 1 examination.

Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4

Previous permanent state employees who resigned may be reinstated within one year of separation without further examination. Those separated for more than one year may be reinstated upon approval of the Civil Service Commission.

55‑b/c Qualifications

Same credit hour and experience requirements as the main minimum qualifications.

Advanced placement and experience rules as above.

NY HELPS Program

Position may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment (no examination required).

Non‑competitive status may convert to competitive status within one year of permanent appointment.

Employees can participate in promotion examinations while in NY HELPS.

Salary

Food Inspector Trainee 1 – starting salary $53,764/yr.

After first year of traineeship, advance to Trainee 2 (SG‑16) with starting salary $59,994/yr.

After second year, advance to Food Inspector 1, Grade 18 (SG‑18) with starting salary $66,951/yr.

Performance advances may increase salary to salary rate $85,138/yr over time.

Benefits

Health insurance options, free dental and vision coverage, NYS Pension Plan membership.

Paid time off: 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, 13 paid holidays in first year.

Possibility to qualify for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Senior‑Level and Employment Type

Seniority Level: Internship

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Function: General Business, Industries: Government Administration

Additional Information Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets by 2x.

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