CONSUMER PROTECTION INSPECTOR

Opening Date:

June 06, 2025

Closing Date:

June 20, 2025

Location:

Augusta 

Position #:

00500-0979

Position Type:

Full Time 

Class Code:

9103

Grade/Salary:

Grade 23 - $49,275.20 - $69,139.20 Per Year

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is recruiting to fill the position of Consumer Protection Inspector whose primary location is out of Augusta, Maine.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position will register and approve labels for animal feed, fertilizer, and soil amendment products distributed in the state in accordance with the national standards set by the Association of American Plant Food Officials, Inc. (AAPFCO) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The position conducts random sampling of bulk and bagged fertilizer for testing and compliance with the guaranteed analysis and compiles the annual Fertilizer Program Summary Report. The position must understand and know how to calculate fertilizer Grade formulas and Custom-mix formulas. The position may perform other inspections as required and set forth by State rules, regulations, and division policy. The chosen applicant must be able to gather information, interpret regulations, assess findings to determine non-compliance, and write non-compliance letters in an accurate, descriptive and precise manner. Training and experience in agronomy is essential. Food safety training, knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOP), microbiology and computer literacy is a plus. Good personal hygiene and sanitation habits are expected. 

Some statewide travel is required, including overnight travel.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Celeste Poulin at: Celeste.Poulin@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Four (4) years of education, training, and/or experience in the field of microbiology, agricultural science, food science, applied mechanics, regulatory/law enforcement, or weights & measures.

The successful applicant must have a valid driver’s license, as CPI inspectors use state vehicles to perform inspections. Competency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) products is preferred. 

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees after hire but prior to attaining permanent status in this class): Federal (USDA)/State Inspector License for the products being inspected. 

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter, and a detailed Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.