Feed Regulatory Inspector - Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor

Working Title: Feed Regulatory Inspector - Agricultural Specialist or Agricultural Advisor
Job Class: Agricultural Advisor
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID: 97199
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 10/05/2026.
Date Posted: 09/28/2026
Closing Date: 10/14/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Agriculture-MAPE
Division/Unit: Food and Feed Safety Division / Commercial Feed Program
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Travel Required: Yes
Agricultural Specialist Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
Agricultural Advisor Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
Job Class Option: Feed
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.
Agricultural Specialist - This entry level position within the Food and Feed Safety Division exists to achieve Program goals, objectives, and outcomes by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) performs inspections, licensing, regulatory reviews, compliance, and enforcement activities in commercial feed facilities, for assurance and general enforcement of applicable State and federal laws and regulations; (2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to feed manufacturing, handling, labeling, storage, distribution, usage and other feed related issues to include compliance with applicable State and federal laws and regulations; and (3) under general supervisory direction and oversight, performs investigations and response activities.
Agricultural Advisor - This advanced level position within the Food and Feed Safety Division exists to achieve Program goals, objectives, and outcomes by establishing and carrying out a detailed work plan that effectively (1) conducts inspections, licensing investigation, response, compliance, and enforcement activities in commercial feed facilities, for assurance and general enforcement of applicable State and federal laws and regulations including licensed medicated feed mills and full-scope preventive controls; (2) provides information and technical assistance for clientele with respect to commercial feed manufacturing, and other feed related issues to include compliance with applicable State and federal laws and regulations; (3) performs investigation and response activities; and (4) provides training and assessment on inspection, sampling, compliance, licensing, investigation, and response activities for State and regulatory staff.
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: https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1447-remoteworker.pdf
This position performs work in an area including portions of the following counties: Big Stone, Chippewa, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wilkin, and Yellow Medicine. However, work assignments may be made throughout the state as needed to achieve program goals.
NOTE: Candidate must live in or relocate to within 35 miles of the inspection territory within 6 months of date of hire.
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 (1) year of experience performing animal feed regulatory work (inspection, investigation, sampling, labeling review and use, compliance); or equivalent experience performing animal feed work, such as feed manufacturing, formulation, distribution, storage, labeling and use, ingredients, or technology in production, processing, or consultative settings.
OR
An associate’s degree in general science, natural science, animal or agricultural science, veterinary science, feed science, or closely related field PLUS six (6) months of experience as described above.
OR
A bachelor’s degree in general science, natural science, animal or agricultural science, veterinary science, feed science, or closely related field.
AND
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
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 (2) years of experience performing animal feed regulatory work (inspection, investigation, labeling review and use, compliance); or equivalent experience performing animal feed work, such as manufacturing, formulation, distribution, storage, labeling and use, ingredients, or technology in production, processing, or consultative settings.
OR
An associate’s degree in general science, natural science, animal or agricultural science, veterinary science, feed science, or closely related field PLUS 18 months of experience as described above.
OR
A bachelor’s degree in one of the fields listed above PLUS one (1) year of experience as described above.
AND
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of commercial feed laws and regulations.
Must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Agricultural Specialist
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a field listed from an accredited institution.
More than one (1) year of experience performing animal feed regulatory work (i.e., inspections, investigation, labeling review and use, response, compliance, sampling).
Demonstrated knowledge and application of commercial feed laws and regulations.
Experience in animal production agriculture, such as feed formulation, livestock nutrition, or basic animal health practices.
Knowledge and understanding of AAFCO Official Feed Terms, Common or Unusual Ingredient Names and Ingredient Definitions.
Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Agricultural Advisor
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a field listed from an accredited institution.
More than two (2) years of experience performing feed regulatory work (i.e., inspection, investigation, labeling review and use, response, compliance, sampling).
Experience training and/or assessing regulatory oversight by regulatory staff.
Experience in animal production agriculture, such as feed formulation, livestock nutrition, or basic animal health practices.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of AAFCO Official Feed Terms, Common or Unusual Ingredient Names and Ingredient Definitions.
Experience collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience, skill, and comfort with public speaking.
Physical Requirements
Agricultural Specialists and Agricultural Advisors conduct inspections and investigations in the field as needed to ensure compliance with applicable State and federal 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.
Must be able to lift at least up to 60 lbs.
Position self to collect/move/transport feed products during investigation, sampling, and inspection work.
Traverse uneven and/or slippery walking surfaces.
Work in wet, hot, and cold environmental conditions.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and workers in both office and field workplace locations that may be noisy environments.
Adhere to agency safety policies, including but not limited to safe operation of motor vehicles and prohibited confined space entry.
Additi

Work arrangement
Yes