Animal Service Division / Meat and Poultry Program
Tucson Arizona

Salary: $41600.00 - $44200.00

Grade: 19

Closing Date: May 4 2025

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a Public Health Sanitarian for the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program. The position will be responsible for inspections in Tucson AZ and the surrounding areas.

State meat inspection personnel monitor general plant and equipment sanitation processing sanitation good manufacturing practices during production ante mortem and post mortem inspection at slaughter multi- ingredient formulation the use of approved labeling and laboratory sampling programs.

The position is mandated by law as part of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (ARS 3-2001 through ARS 3-2058) and (ARS 3-2151 through 3-2169) to inspect meat and poultry products produced in the state or imported into the state.

Duties to include but not limited to:

Work independently and to conduct substantial preoperational and operational environmental health inspections for the humane handling of livestock.
Ongoing visual and hands on inspections of animal viscera and organs by incising lymph nodes and palpation surveillance by examining each animal for Tuberculosis Central Nervous System Disorder Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Antibiotic Residue Lymphoma and Pathology of human health concerns.
The position includes compliance with pathogen intervention and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) pest control maintaining food security checks branding of inspected and passed carcasses with the official mark of inspections.
Collect samples for listeria monocytogenes salmonella and E-coli 0157:H7; verifies processing is being performed as per plants Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Plan by direct observation of monitoring procedures reviewing of records for critical times temperatures to ensure no physical chemical or biological hazards exist.
The position requires standing for long periods of time.
Advise on complex aspects of food safety sanitation to county or municipal officials industry representatives; maintain in-plant records and files remain up to date with all directives and recall information coming from Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); take all USDA and Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) mandated training.
You will be required to drive a state vehicle for state business and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
The principles and practices of public health sanitation including food handling and food processing insect and rodent control state laws and regulations pertaining to environmental health
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
Standard Sanitation Operation Procedures (SSOP)
Animal diseases and pathology
Microsoft Outlook Word Excel and Federal computer programs

Skills in:
Analyzing situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
Work effectively with internal and external customers
Prepare concise technical reports
Excellent written/oral communication
Recommending improvements in sanitary practices in the private sector and sanitary programs in the public sector
Applying and interprets Federal State and Agency laws rules regulations and policies
Organoleptic examination of food products
Maintain confidentiality and integrity of propriety formulations or equipment which may be trade secret

Ability to:
Work independently
Work with diverse groups of customers
Multi task in an ever changing work environment while maintaining great customer services and producing results in a timely manner
Maintain confidentiality
Stand for long periods of time
Work in excessive heat and/or cold conditions

Working knowledge of HACCP and SSOP
Experience in the food industry commercial kitchens and red meat/sausage processing or slaughterhouse operations
Basic animal anatomy and knowledge of animal disease and pathology
Meat/Poultry inspection experience
Diversity Training
USDA/Agriculture mandated training
Meat Cutting Techniques

Valid Drivers License

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance deferred compensation plans and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statute. Current contribution rate is 12.00%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.