Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor

Working Title: Retail Food Specialist or Retail Food Advisor
Job Class: Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 89891
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 11/04/2025
• Date Posted: 10/29/2025
• Closing Date: 11/18/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Agriculture-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Food and Feed Safety Division / Retail Food Safety A Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range - Agricultural Specialist: $ $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
• Salary Range - Agricultural Advisor: $ $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
• Job Class Option: Food
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position is a remote worker position which is defined as, an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy:

This position performs work in an inspection territory including portions of the following counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona.
NOTE: Candidate must live in or relocate to within 35 miles of the inspection territory within 6 months of date of hire.
Agricultural Specialist
- This position exists to achieve Program goals and objectives by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) performs inspections, investigations, compliance, and enforcement activities in food establishments, for assurance and general enforcement of State food safety laws and regulations; and (2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to retail food safety issues or compliance with state retail food safety laws and regulations.

Agricultural Advisor
- This position exists to achieve Program goals and objectives by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) performs inspections, investigations, compliance, and enforcement activities in food establishments, for assurance and general enforcement of State food safety laws and regulations; (2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to retail food safety issues or compliance with State retail food safety laws and regulations; and (3) provides inspection training and evaluation for State and local retail food regulatory staff.

Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Agricultural Specialist
- To qualify for the Agricultural Specialist level, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

One year experience conducting environmental health regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in environmental health quality assurance.

OR

A bachelor's degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in science courses.

AND

• Must be educationally qualified to obtain certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
• Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Agricultural Advisor
- To qualify for the Agricultural Advisor level, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Two years of experience conducting retail food regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance

OR

A bachelor's degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS one (1) year of experience conducting retail food regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance

OR

A master's degree in biological or physical science, food science, nutrition, environmental health, or closely related field PLUS 6 months of experience conducting food regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP); or equivalent experience in industry food safety quality assurance

AND

• Must currently possess and maintain certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental
• Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• This position requires the ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment. Health Association.

Preferred Qualifications
Agricultural Specialist:

• Certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with the State of Minnesota and/or the National Environmental Health Association.
• An advanced degree such as a MS, MPH, or higher.
• Experience with regulatory work (i.e., inspection, plan review, investigation, compliance, enforcement, retail HACCP) in retail food establishments.
• Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Agricultural Advisor:

• An advanced degree such as a MS, MPH, or higher.
• More than two (2) years of experience with regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, plan review, retail HACCP) in retail food establishments.
• Experience training and/or evaluating risk-based inspections of internal and external regulatory staff.
• Experience leading or coordinating projects.
• Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements
Agricultural Specialists and Agricultural Advisors conduct inspections and investigations in the field as needed to ensure compliance with State food safety laws and regulations. The work requires the ability to:

• Occasionally maintain a stationary position for extended periods of time such as prolonged standing or sitting.
• Ascend, descend ladders and steps.
• Position self to move/transport food products during investigation and inspection work.
• Traverse uneven and/or slippery walking surfaces.
• Work in wet, hot, and cold environmental conditions.
• Detect shades of product color to make appropriate product acceptability decisions.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and workers in both office and field workplace locations that may be noisy environments.
• Detect product abnormalities through a sense of smell.

Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Driver's License Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

How To Apply
Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at or email For additional information about the application process, go to

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Vonda Canaan at or

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date toJennifer Romero at

About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans' quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year

• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

• Fertility care, including IVF

• Diabetes care

• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children

• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children

• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies
based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at or email and let us know the support you need.