Inspection Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Provincially licensed meat and dairy facilities play an important role in providing access to high quality locally produced meat products across Alberta, particularly in rural areas. In order to be licensed and maintain the licence, operators are required to meet specific regulatory requirements. Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is responsible for licensing provincial abattoirs (approximately 120), on-farm slaughter operations (approximately 240), mobile butcher facilities (approximately 50) as well as mobile butchers (approximately 200).

Reporting to the Licensing and Compliance Specialist, the Inspection Specialist – Licensing is part of a team which supports the licensing functions of the Meat and Dairy Inspection Section (MDIS). The focus of this position is conducting licensing activities and ensuring clear communication to support licence administration and regulatory compliance. The incumbent of this position will guide applicants through the licensing process, assess the applicant to ensure that they meet all requirements for licensing, and conduct assessments and compliance / enforcement action where required. Liaising with other staff and teams in MDIS and AGI is an important component of this role.

A solid understanding of slaughter, meat processing and dairy processing facility design, equipment and food safety program requirements and the varying regulatory standards applicable is fundamental to the success of this position. Travel to rural locations throughout the year and periodic work outdoors is required.  

As Licensing Specialist your main responsibility will be to work with the applicants through the licensing process, including licence application, renewal and licence administration, such as changes to licence status related to compliance with legislation and policies. This includes, but may not be limited to, the following activities:

• Conducting assessments of provincially licensed meat facilities and dairy processor operations to assess compliance to the legislation.
• Assessing and prioritizing non-conformances using a risk and science-based approach that prioritizes the most critical risks.
• Communicating with other MDIS staff regarding matters related to applicant/operator compliance and licence status.
• Collect and submit samples as required to support inspection, enforcement and surveillance activities. 
• Providing technical advice for review of construction and renovation plans of meat and dairy facilities.
• Liaising and coordination with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that applicants and licensees are knowledgeable of compliant with relevant legislation.
• Participating in projects and initiatives that support the goals of the section, branch and division.
• Providing Incident and Emergency Response support.  

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

If you are a self-directed, detail-oriented individual with a passion for assisting people in the realms of food safety and meeting regulatory requirements, this position may be for you!

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.

Drive for Results – Works to exceed goals and partner with others to achieve objectives:

• Holds self and others responsible for results.
• Partners with groups to achieve outcomes.
• Aims to exceed expectations.

Agility – Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change:

• Takes opportunities to improve work processes.
• Anticipates and adjusts behaviors to change.
• Seeks advice and support to change appropriately.
• Works creatively within guidelines.

Systems Thinking - Considers inter-relationships and emerging trends to attain goals:

• Seeks insight on implications of different options.
• Analyzes long-term outcomes, focus on goals and values.
• Identifies unintended consequences.

Build Collaborative Environments – Facilitates open communication and leverages team skill:

• Genuinely values and learns from others.
• Facilitates open and respectful conflict resolution.
• Recognizes and appreciates others.

Qualifications

Requirements:

Two (2) year technical diploma in Food Safety, Food Quality, Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Heath or other related field, plus minimum of four (4) years of directly related experience within Provincial or Federal meat inspection or the meat safety/quality industry, or equivalent as described below.

Equivalence:  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 those with the following:

• Training in HACCP, food safety or food safety systems. 
• Extensive knowledge of food safety principles specific to slaughter, meat and dairy processing.
• Experience in licensing processes.
• Experience in auditing and conducting food safety and/or quality inspections or assessments. 
• Experience in assessing compliance to written food safety programs. 

Assets:

• Understanding of regulatory requirements related to, food safety, animal welfare, waste disposal, building codes etc.
• Inspection, root cause analysis and auditing experience including ability to analyze operation activities and identify problems and solutions.
• Understanding of auditing and compliance principles.
• Ability to tailor and provide information pertaining to regulation to clients with diverse food safety knowledge and experience levels. 
• Experience and training to dealing with challenging people (e.g. verbal judo training).

The ability to work both independently and as part of a team while demonstrating the Alberta Public Service values of respect, integrity, accountability, and excellence are essential for success in this position.

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

Position Information:

• Job Location: Edmonton.
• Monday to Friday (08:15 am-16:30 pm).
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week.
• Permanent full-time.

Additional Information:

• Extended daily working hours (overtime) and/or travel may be required to complete assigned field work.
• Overtime rate will be applicable for all overtime.
• Ability to work under varying field conditions including inclement weather conditions and outside when performing field assessments.
• Candidate must reside within a reasonable distance (within ~ 60 km) of the Edmonton Office (J. G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 113 St, Edmonton, AB).
• A fleet vehicle will be available to use for field work.
• Any relocation costs are the sole responsibility of the successful candidate.
• Candidate may be occasionally required to travel to Southern locations of the province for training and/or cover off. 
• Final candidates will be required to provide verification of eligibility to drive a fleet vehicle (a valid Class 5 driver’s licence, 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.

Other Application Information:

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience aligns with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• Please indicate employment duration for all roles listed on your resume and whether you worked part-time or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 – June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).
• Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA has 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.