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INSPECTOR I

Date: Nov 18, 2025

Req ID: 54079

Location:

Jonesboro, AR, US, 72404

Category: ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPT

Anticipated Starting Salary: $43,088

Position Number: 22094767

County: Craighead; Greene; Jackson; Lawrence; Poinsett; Randolph

Posting End Date: Open Until Filled

Anticipated Starting Salary: $43,088

Meat Inspection

Hiring Authority:

#1 Natural Resources Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone: 501/516-7946

Email: [email protected]

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

Position Information

Job Series:Inspectors and Investigators – Inspectors

Classification:Inspector I

Class Code:IIN01P

Pay Grade:SGS04

Salary Range:$43,088 – $63,770

Job Summary

The Inspector I is a junior professional responsible for conducting routine inspections and evaluations to ensure that facilities, projects, or operational procedures adhere to established internal standards and regulatory guidelines. Under close supervision, this role serves as a foundational position in quality assurance and safety management. The Inspector I gathers and documents critical information, identifies potential risks or nonconformities, and supports more experienced inspectors and management teams in upholding compliance, safety, and quality within the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections of facilities, equipment, or projects to ensure adherence to established codes, standards, and safety regulations. Utilize pre-determined standardized checklists and inspection protocols to document findings accurately. Prepare clear and concise inspection reports outlining observations, discrepancies, and recommended corrective actions. Maintain accurate records of inspection activities and follow up on pending issues. Work under the supervision of senior inspectors or quality assurance managers, assisting in coordinating and prioritizing inspection tasks. Communicate effectively with team members and departments to relay inspection results and support corrective initiatives. Follow established guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe and compliant work environment. Demonstrate a commitment to learning and applying industry-specific standards and best practices. Participate in on-the-job training sessions to develop a deeper understanding of inspection techniques and regulatory requirements. Stay informed about emerging practices, tools, or technologies that can enhance inspection accuracy and efficiency.

Knowledge and Skills

Acute attention to detail and strong observational skills. Basic computer skills, including familiarity with data entry and reporting software. Effective verbal and written communication skills for clear documentation and collaboration. A proactive attitude and willingness to learn from experienced professionals.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED. This role is designed as a learning opportunity, with structured training provided to develop technical proficiency and practical knowledge over time.

Licensure/Certifications

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Accurate color vision. Will be tested at the time of the interview.

+ Accurate and effective oral and written communicate with supervisors and upper management in the food industry.

+ Computer skills to create basic documents, communicate through email, and enter data into State and Federal systems.

+ Critical communication between management, and inspector requires candidate to be proficient in the English language.

+ Ability to work independently (without direct supervision).

+ Must be able to work in the vicinity of live animals and in direct contact with meat products derived from cattle, swine, sheep, and goats.

Agency Specific Information:

The State Meat Inspection Division enforces state and federal laws designed to ensure meat products sold to consumers are wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled. The division inspects plants statewide for red meat slaughter/processing and operates a program “equal to” the USDA, Food Safety Inspection Service.

The impact of this work is to ensure overall meat and food safety and consumer protection by assuring these products are wholesome, properly labeled, unadulterated and safe for human consumption.

This selected applicant will complete and extensive Meat Inspection training program which consists of six weeks of on-the-job training, 6 weeks of classroom training and occasional follow-up training to address changes to policies and regulatory requirements.

Position will serve as an Inspector in Charge at inspected slaughter/processing establishments. Along with daily inspection requirements for the slaughtering of cattle and swine, processing activities include inspection of fully cooked not shelf stable products.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market:Jonesboro