Inspection Specialist

Inspection Specialist

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Posting Date: Jul 17, 2026

Location: Edmonton, AB

Company: Government of Alberta

Job Information
Job Title: Inspection Specialist - Licensing - North 
Job Requisition ID: 85883
Ministry: Agriculture and Irrigation
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Temporary (12 months)
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: August 3, 2026
Classification: Technologies 5
Salary: ​$2,746.42 to $3,617.21 bi-weekly ($71,682- $94,409/year)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is responsible for the policies, legislation, regulations, programs, and services that enable Alberta’s agriculture and food sectors to flourish and contribute to Alberta’s economic recovery and growth. The ministry’s role is diverse, ranging from food safety and industry growth and diversification to increasing investment and supporting growth in rural Alberta. For more information about the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation please visit our website at: https://www.alberta.ca/agriculture-and-irrigation.aspx.
The Trade, Investment and Food Safety (TIFS) Division expands and diversifies Alberta’s food and bioproduct manufacturing sector in local and global markets while also providing effective food safety assurance systems.
Albertans expect safe, wholesome meat products from livestock animals that have been treated with care and respect. Small to medium-sized meat processors licensed by AGI face unique challenges and require support to navigate legislation, understand and meet legislative requirements and meat facility standards, as well as to understand the strategies and supports available to assist the long-term sustainability of their businesses.

Role Responsibilities

Provincially licensed meat facilities play an important role in providing access to high quality locally produced meat products across Alberta, particularly in rural areas. In order to be licensed and maintain the licence, operators are required to meet specific regulatory requirements. Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is responsible for licensing provincial abattoirs (approximately 115), on-farm slaughter operations (approximately 200), mobile butcher facilities (approximately 45) as well as mobile butchers (approximately 180).
Reporting to the Licensing and Compliance Program Specialist, the Inspection Specialist – Licensing is part of a team which supports the licensing functions of the Meat and Dairy Inspection Section (MDIS). The focus of this position is conducting licensing activities and ensuring clear communication to support licence administration and regulatory compliance. The incumbent of this position will guide applicants through the licensing process, assess the applicant to ensure that they meet all requirements for licensing, and conduct assessments and compliance / enforcement action where required. Liaising with other staff and teams in MDIS and AGI is an important component of this role.
A solid understanding of slaughter and meat processing facility design, equipment and food safety program requirements and the varying regulatory standards applicable is fundamental to the success of this position. Travel to rural locations throughout the year and periodic work outdoors is required.

As the Licensing Specialist, your main responsibility will be to work with applicants through the licensing process, including licence application, renewal and licence administration, such as changes to licence status related to compliance with legislation and policies. This includes, but may not be limited to, the following activities:

• Conducting assessments of provincially licensed meat facilities operations to assess compliance to the legislation.
• Assessing and prioritizing non-conformances using a risk and science-based approach that prioritizes the most critical risks.
• Communicating with other MDIS staff regarding matters related to applicant/operator compliance and licence status.
• Collect and submit samples as required to support inspection, enforcement and surveillance activities.
• Providing technical advice for review of construction and renovation plans of meat facilities.
• Liaising and coordination with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that applicants and licensees are knowledgeable of compliant with relevant legislation.
• Participating in projects and initiatives that support the goals of the section, branch and division.
  

Providing Incident and Emergency Response support.
If you are a self-directed, detail-oriented individual with a passion for assisting people in the realms of food safety and meeting regulatory requirements, this position may be for you! 
The Job Description is provided for further details on this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

Drive for Results – Works to exceed goals and partner with others to achieve objectives:

• Holds self and others responsible for results.
• Partners with groups to achieve outcomes.
• Aims to exceed expectations.
  

Agility – Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change

• Takes opportunities to improve work processes.
• Anticipates and adjusts behaviors to change.
• Seeks advice and support to change appropriately.
•  Works creatively within guidelines.
  

Systems Thinking - Considers inter-relationships and emerging trends to attain goals:

• Seeks insight on implications of different options.
• Analyzes long-term outcomes, focus on goals and values.
• Identifies unintended consequences.
  

Build Collaborative Environments – Facilitates open communication and leverages team skill

• Genuinely values and learns from others.
• Facilitates open and respectful conflict resolution.
• Recognizes and appreciates others.

Qualifications

Requirements:
Two (2) year technical diploma in Food Safety, Food Quality, Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Heath or other related field, plus minimum of four (4) years of directly related experience within Provincial or Federal meat inspection or the meat safety/quality industry, or equivalent as described below.
Equivalence: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of 1 year of education for 1 year of experience, or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.
Preference will be given to those with the following:

• Training in HACCP, food safety or food safety systems.
• Extensive knowledge of food safety principles specific to slaughter and meat processing.
• Experience in licensing processes.
• Experience in auditing and conducting food safety and/or quality inspections or assessments.
• Experience in assessing compliance to written food safety programs.

Assets:

• Understanding of regulatory requirements related to, food safety, animal welfare, waste disposal, building codes etc.
• Inspection, root cause analysis and auditing experience including ability to analyze operation activities and identify problems and solutions.
• Understanding of auditing and compliance principles.
• Ability to tailor and provide information pertaining to regulation to clients with diverse food safety knowledge and experience levels.
• Experience and training to dealing with challenging people (e.g. verbal judo training).

The ability to work both independently and as part of a team while demonstrating the Alberta Public Service values of respect, integrity, accountability, and excellence are essential for success in this position.
Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Position Information

• Job Location: Edmonton, J.G.O’Donoghue Building, 7000 113 St, Edmonton, AB.
• Monday to Friday (08:15 am-16:30 pm).
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week.
• Temporary full-time position.

Additional Information:

• This is a temporary full-time position to cover a maternity leave, with the possibility of extension.
• Extended daily working hours (overtime) and/or travel may be required to complete assigned fieldwork.
• Overtime rate will be applicable for all overtime.
• Ability to work under varying field conditions including inclement weather conditions and outside when performing field assessments.
• Candidate must reside within a reasonable distance (within ~ 60 km) of the Edmonton Office (J. G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 113 St, Edmonton, AB).
• A fleet vehicle will be available to use for field work.
• Any relocation costs are the sole responsibility of the successful candidate.
• Candidate may be occasionally required to travel to Southern locations of the province for training and/or cover off.
• Final candidates will be required to provide verification of eligibility to drive a fleet vehicle (a valid Class 5 driver’s licence, a minimum of three years as a Class 5 driver, a current driver’s abstract showing no more than six demerit points, and no criminal code convictions).
• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.
   

Other Application Information

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience align with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written assignment demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• Please indicate employment duration for all roles listed on your resume and whether you worked part-time or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 – June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).
• Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what we have to offer: 

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.

• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP).

• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.

• Professional learning and development. 

• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance. 

How To Apply
Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.
Candidates are required to apply for a job online. Please see Job Application Resoures for information. 
In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 - June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.
It is recommended applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information. It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.
Closing Statement
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.
We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements.
If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Sam Thomas Mathew at Sam.Thomasmathew@gov.ab.ca.

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