Developmental Meat Inspector

Role Responsibilities

Are you a recent graduate or early in your career in animal health or food safety? Start building your expertise where it matters most.

As a Developmental Meat Inspector, you’ll receive hands-on training alongside experienced inspectors, gaining real-world experience in food safety, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance while contributing to public health across Alberta.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Front-line Inspection & Compliance
   Conduct ante and post-mortem inspections of food animals (beef, pork, poultry, and alternative livestock) and ensure compliance with provincial legislation and animal welfare standards. Complete inspection reports, address non-compliance, and provide risk-based guidance to operators. 

2. Training Program Support
   Contribute to the continuous improvement of the MDIS Inspectorate Training Program by providing feedback and assisting with the development of training materials and processes. 

3. Technology & Data Management
   Use electronic systems to document inspections, submit data, and support reporting and analytics. Participate in technology-enabled and remote inspection initiatives. 

4. Surveillance & Sampling
   Collect and submit samples for national animal health and microbial surveillance programs, supporting disease monitoring and food safety. 

5. Operational & Team Support
   Assist with compliance inspections, livestock traceability, and regulatory communication. Participate in team initiatives, support OH&S requirements, and contribute to policy, procedures, and continuous improvement activities.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Agility: Inspectors work at a variety of inspected abattoirs with different risks and processes.  Each facility is operated by different people with different personalities and different perspectives and understanding about food safety and livestock welfare. Developmental inspectors need to be able to anticipate, assess and readily adapt. They need to be open to new ideas and to learning different techniques in handling unique facility specific situations.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Developmental Inspectors learn to become comfortable with communication and conflict resolution with operators and make quick decisions that often result in additional costs to the business that operators or workers may not like or agree with. Meat inspectors are part of a regional team and must work collaboratively with other members of the team to deliver inspection service in a professional and consistent manner.
• Creative Problem Solving: Inspectors must often find creative ways to address unique issues. There are a multitude of variables that must be considered and finding a practical and reasonable solution can sometimes be tricky. A risk assessment and evaluation of the situation and its possible solutions, as well as application of compliance principles is required to properly address each problem.
• Drive for Results: Developmental Inspectors set goals for learning and improvement. They are open to continuous learning. They need to remain focused on delivering inspection service in a manner that assures legislation is met day to day and that regulatory documentation is completed and submitted accurately and efficiently.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard: 

• Two (2) year technical diploma in a related field, such as Animal Science, Animal Health/Vet Technology, or Food Safety/Food Science. 

Equivalencies: 

• Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Preference will be given to entry level/new grad candidates committed to on-the job training and professional development.

Assets: 

• Knowledge of animal diseases and pathology.
• Knowledge and understanding of emerging food safety matters, humane handling and regulatory requirements for meat slaughter and processing.
• Some knowledge of animal anatomy, pathology and conditions.
• Knowledge of GMP and HACCP principles and food safety program requirements.
• Some knowledge and understanding of regulatory requirements and Acts and Regulations governing the meat industry and how to apply them.
• Practical knowledge of meat production environments and meat processing techniques.

The successful candidate must successfully complete all in-house training.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

• This is a developmental position, and training will be provided to support your success in the role.
• Term of Employment: Permanent Full time.
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (7.25 hours per day).
• Location: Airdrie (Agriculture Regional Centre, 97 East Lake Ramp N. E., Airdrie, AB T4A 0C3).

 Additional Information:

• Extended working hours (overtime) and/or travel will be required to complete assigned field work.
• Overtime rate will be applicable for all overtime.
• Ability to work under varying site conditions including inclement weather conditions and wet surface areas/environments (e.g. barns, kill floors)
• PPE will be provided.
• In-house training will be provided.
• Candidate must reside within the geographical boundaries of the assigned regional work area and within a reasonable distance (within ~60km) of the Airdrie office (Agriculture Regional Centre, 97 East Lake Ramp N. E., Airdrie, AB T4A 0C3)
• Any relocation costs are the sole responsibility of the successful candidate.
• Candidates may be required to travel to other geographical regions for training and/or cover off for other regions.
• Fleet vehicle will be provided.
• Final candidates will be required to provide verification of eligibility to drive a fleet vehicle (a valid Class 5 driver’s license, a minimum of three years as a Class 5 driver, a current driver’s abstract showing no more than six demerit points, and no criminal code convictions).
• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.
• Final candidates may be invited to participate in a written assignment.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out of provide applicants may obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Position Physical Requirements:

• Requires routine work in an active movement capacity at various abattoir site locations, including but not limited to: Frequent driving alone to job sites, occasional prolonged (2 to 3 hours one way) driving to job sites and extended working hours (occasional work shifts up to 12 hours) to complete assigned field work.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Frequent standing.
• Occasional reaching above shoulder height.
• Occasional climbing of stairs, ladders or lifts.
• Repetitive use of hand tools (knives, steels, etc.).
• Ability to work under varying site conditions, including driving in inclement weather and working within wet surface areas/environments (e.g. stationed on kill floors).

Notes (cont'd)

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.