Food Safety Program Specialist

Salary $69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually Location Multi-County, PA Job Type Civil Service Permanent Full-Time Job Number CS-2026-59854-51521 Department Department of Agriculture Division AG Fd Sf Plcy Prgm Div Opening Date 10/27/2026 Closing Date 11/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Job Code 51521 Position Number 50518210 Union Non Union Bargaining Unit G3 Pay Group ST08 Bureau / Division Code 00388190 Bureau / Division Food Safety Policy and Program Division Worksite Address See Work Schedule and Additional Information Section. Contact Name Christine Adkins Contact Phone 717.772.5921 Contact Email [email protected] THE POSITION Are you ready to help protect the safety of Pennsylvania's food supply on a statewide level? Join the Department of Agriculture as a Food Safety Program Specialist and play a key role in strengthening public health across the Commonwealth. This position allows you to support food safety standards while guiding improvements that benefit our valued communities and businesses. Here, you will help shape important regulatory programs that ensure safe food production and distribution. Apply today to step into a role where your expertise supports the well-being of millions! DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position focuses on strengthening Pennsylvania's manufactured food program through evaluation, planning, and regulatory support. As a Food Safety Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties: 1. Program Development: Create policies, procedures, and training materials to support continuous improvement of manufactured food programs 2. Inspection Oversight: Support uniform inspection practices, review findings, and assist with enforcement actions when needed 3. Federal Coordination: Work with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) staff to meet contract requirements, complete reports, and maintain compliance with national standards 4. Technical Certification: Obtain and maintain required credentials to perform specialized inspections and support program activities 5. Training Support: Develop and deliver training for inspectors, industry partners, and community organizations 6. Program Evaluation: Conduct audits and analyze program performance to ensure effectiveness, consistency, and alignment with federal standards Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description . Work Schedule and Additional Information: 1. Full-time employment 2. Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. 3. You will have the option to work from one of the following headquarter offices: 4. Region 1 - 13410 Dunham Road, Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335 5. Region 2 - 542 County Farm Road, Montoursville, Pennsylvania 17754-9685 6. Region 4 - 226 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601 7. Region 6 - 2301 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 8. Region 7 - 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426 9. This position warrants overnight out-of-state travel for participation in trainings and conferences. Frequency of overnight in-state travel is dependent upon the location of the incumbent's headquarter office, at minimum participation at monthly in-person meetings in Harrisburg is required of this position. A state pool car is available in Harrisburg for travel or access to rental cars as necessary for travel. A state car is not directly assigned to this position. 10. Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the assigned headquarters office location. The ability to elework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview. 11. **Salary:**In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. 12. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: 1. Two years as a Food Inspector 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or 2. Four years of experience in the inspection of food establishments or food processing facilities, and a bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a closely related field; or 3. An equivalent combination of experience and training. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: 1. Two years as a Food Inspector 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or 2. Four years of experience in the inspection of food establishments or food processing facilities, and a bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a closely related field; or 3. An equivalent combination of experience and training. Special Requirement: 1. All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent. Other Requirements: 1. You must meet the PA residency requirement . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, ... For full info follow application link. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse can