STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Consumer Protection Inspector (Food)

Recruitment #180323-2206AR-001

Introduction

The mission of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is to ensure a fair and equitable marketplace as well as safe products and services for consumers in the industries that it regulates. Through Food and Standards, the Department of Consumer Protection regulates all persons and businesses that manufacture or sell food products in the state, and ensures that weighing and measuring devices in Connecticut are accurate. Staff also test motor fuel octane, investigate complaints about gasoline stations and heating fuel, and inspect restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores for cleanliness and safety. 

DCP has a current opportunity for a Consumer Protection Inspector (Food).This position is based at 450 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford. Inspections are in food preparation/storage facilities for food safety purposes.  The incumbent may be called out for additional duties related to food emergencies at night or weekends. The incumbent may have set area but will be expected to travel to other areas to do inspections if the need arises. Travel out of state and long distances in state is required. There are some economic inspections as well related to packaging and labeling of food and pricing.

This position is full time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, however, must be flexible in order to meet the needs of the agency. 

Interested candidates are required to upload a resume with their application submission.

(NOTE: in order to upload documents, you must ensure that your Internet browser's 'pop-up' blocker is off.  Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation into JobAps). Questions about these required documents should be directed to Deborah Craig, 860-713-5313, Deborah.craig@ct.gov

At any point during the recruitment process, state employees may be required to provide the last two (2) years of service ratings while non-state employees may be required to submit two professional references.   

Selection Plan

This is a competitive position. Open to the public.

The selected candidate must be able to successfully pass the Department’s Basic Core Training Curriculum.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Consumer Protection, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in conducting inspections to assess compliance with relevant state and federal laws and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Inspects premises, vehicles, equipment, products, processors and distributors of food and food products to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations and standards to include Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP) evaluations; inspects products for adulteration, correctness of weight and accurate, honest labeling and advertising; investigates complaints including those regarding fraud and misrepresentation in sale of foods purporting to be produced or sold under a recognized certifying organization such as but not limited to kosher, hallal or organic; secures samples for analysis and testing; testifies at hearings and in court; gathers information and writes reports; may inspect and test commercial scales; may assist in training of new inspectors; may speak before the public as assigned; may assist in performing inspections in other regulated areas in emergency situations; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of food processing, production, marketing and distribution; knowledge of food sanitation and bacteriology; knowledge of personal hygiene as related to food production; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of inspection and investigation methods and techniques; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience in the inspection and enforcement of food laws and regulations OR production and distribution of food OR food bacteriology research OR quality control of food.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Safety, or Public Health; 

Experience writing narrative reports,

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite;

Experience working with the public;

Experience understanding and explaining Regulations;

Ability to safely handle a variety of foods and other substances 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift heavy objects such as cases of food, bags of flour or cartons of manufactured goods, exposed to moderately disagreeable conditions and required to work in tiring positions.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.