Launch Your Career as a Compliance Specialist with the USDA
Are you looking to apply your expertise in food safety and enforcement to protect public health on a national scale? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently hiring for a Compliance Specialist within the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in Urbandale, Iowa. This high-impact role is essential for ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products meet rigorous federal safety standards.
Job Responsibilities
The Compliance Specialist is tasked with a wide range of duties designed to uphold regulatory compliance. You will:
- Manage complex enforcement casework in federal and administrative court systems.
- Analyze investigative reports to ensure evidence is sufficient for legal or administrative actions.
- Draft legal and administrative documents, such as warnings, complaints, and settlement agreements.
- Represent the agency in meetings with government partners, trade associations, and regulated industry stakeholders.
- Provide subject-matter expertise during investigations involving animal and food science, HACCP, and sanitation standards.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must demonstrate the following:
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.
- Documentation: A resume strictly limited to two pages.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Probation: All new hires must complete a one-year probationary period.
Skills Comparison
| Skill Category | Key Competencies |
|---|---|
| Enforcement | Investigative reporting, case preparation, regulatory action |
| Communication | Technical writing, stakeholder liaison, public presentation |
| Analysis | Hazard Analysis (HACCP), critical thinking, data evaluation |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $107,301 to $139,493 per year. As a federal employee, you will also receive a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Federal Retirement (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency match
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Telework options for work-life balance
Application Tips
Applying for federal positions requires attention to detail. Always ensure your resume directly addresses the 'Major Duties' listed in the announcement. Because there is a strict two-page limit, focus on quantifying your impact—use bullet points to highlight your enforcement success stories. Finally, double-check your application packet before hitting the 'Submit' button to ensure all required federal documents (such as your latest SF-50) are included.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the primary focus of this role? A: The role focuses on developing and executing agency-wide criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement programs to uphold food safety regulations.
Q: How do I request a reasonable accommodation? A: Requests for accommodations regarding the assessment process must be made prior to beginning the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Q: Is there an educational requirement? A: There is no educational requirement for this role, as the focus is on qualifying specialized professional experience.
Becoming a Compliance Specialist with the USDA is a significant step for those looking to combine their legal, regulatory, and food science skills to serve the public interest. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a challenging and rewarding career in federal enforcement, ensure your application is submitted by the closing date.
Why This Compliance Specialist Job Matters
Protect the nation's food supply by joining the frontline of regulatory enforcement as a Compliance Specialist with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Compliance Specialist Job Overview
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking a dedicated Compliance Specialist to join the Enforcement Operations Staff. This pivotal role involves overseeing complex enforcement programs to ensure public health and safety. You will manage critical regulatory casework, collaborate with law enforcement partners, and support the integrity of the nation's meat, poultry, and egg products supply chain.
Requirements for Compliance Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period upon hiring.
- Ability to provide documentation for all claimed qualifications, including relevant performance appraisals and SF-50s for current federal employees.
Preferred Qualifications for Compliance Specialist
- Extensive knowledge of meat, poultry, and egg statutes and related food safety regulations.
- Experience with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
- Proven history of managing complex enforcement actions, investigations, and case file preparation.
- Strong ability to communicate statutory and regulatory findings to diverse stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Compliance Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Compliance Specialist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement and instructions.
- Click the apply link to initiate your application in the system.
- Answer all online assessment questions.
- Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages) and all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application package before 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
- Monitor your email for USA Hire assessment instructions and status updates.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages; longer resumes will result in disqualification.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in supported formats (PDF, Word, etc.).
- Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessment when prompted.
- Use your USAJOBS account to track the status of your application after submission.
- Verify that your SF-50 and performance appraisals are included if you are a current or former federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a college degree required for this role?
No, there are no specific educational requirements; however, you must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must not exceed two pages. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Can I work remotely?
The position is telework-eligible, but it is based in Urbandale, Iowa, and is not classified as a fully remote position.
Job from Food Safety And Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service is the public health agency within the USDA responsible for ensuring that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. By joining the FSIS, you become part of a dedicated team of professionals focused on scientific integrity, regulatory excellence, and the protection of American consumers.