Food Safety Program Specialist
Salary: $69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually
Location : Multi-County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-59854-51521
Department: Department of Agriculture
Division: AG Fd Sf Plcy Prgm Div
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 51521
Position Number: 50518210
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: G3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00388190
Bureau / Division: Food Safety Policy and Program Division
Worksite Address: See Work Schedule and Additional Information Section.
Contact Name: Christine Adkins
Contact Phone: 717.772.5921
Contact Email: chadkins@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you ready to help protect the safety of Pennsylvania's food supply on a statewide level? Join the Department of Agriculture as a Food Safety Program Specialist and play a key role in strengthening public health across the Commonwealth. This position allows you to support food safety standards while guiding improvements that benefit our valued communities and businesses. Here, you will help shape important regulatory programs that ensure safe food production and distribution. Apply today to step into a role where your expertise supports the well-being of millions!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on strengthening Pennsylvania's manufactured food program through evaluation, planning, and regulatory support. As a Food Safety Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Special Requirement:
Other Requirements:
How to Apply:
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Special Requirement - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
02
If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Food Inspector 2 for two or more years full-time?
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in the inspection of food establishments or food processing facilities?
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
How much graduate coursework have you completed in food science, food technology, or a closely related field?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.
08
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PREPARE AND DISSEMINATE CORRESPONDANCEPrepare correspondence, technical information, reports, summaries, and responses to inquiries concerning food safety laws or regulations to industry professionals, the general public, individuals within the organization, etc. Develop public information relative to food production, harvesting, processing, and distribution for dissemination through electronic or mass media.Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
10
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
11
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
12
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DEVELOP AND INTERPRET STANDARDS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURESDevelop, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, and standards regarding programs by collecting, researching, and analyzing data to ensure conformity with federal regulations and departmental objectives. Provide recommendations to implement the necessary changes.Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
13
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
14
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - GRANT REQUIREMENTS AND BUDGETSPrepare grant report summaries and budget requests related to food safety as necessary to maintain compliance with grant requirements. Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
16
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
Required Question
Location : Multi-County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-59854-51521
Department: Department of Agriculture
Division: AG Fd Sf Plcy Prgm Div
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 51521
Position Number: 50518210
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: G3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00388190
Bureau / Division: Food Safety Policy and Program Division
Worksite Address: See Work Schedule and Additional Information Section.
Contact Name: Christine Adkins
Contact Phone: 717.772.5921
Contact Email: chadkins@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you ready to help protect the safety of Pennsylvania's food supply on a statewide level? Join the Department of Agriculture as a Food Safety Program Specialist and play a key role in strengthening public health across the Commonwealth. This position allows you to support food safety standards while guiding improvements that benefit our valued communities and businesses. Here, you will help shape important regulatory programs that ensure safe food production and distribution. Apply today to step into a role where your expertise supports the well-being of millions!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on strengthening Pennsylvania's manufactured food program through evaluation, planning, and regulatory support. As a Food Safety Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
- Program Development: Create policies, procedures, and training materials to support continuous improvement of manufactured food programs
- Inspection Oversight: Support uniform inspection practices, review findings, and assist with enforcement actions when needed
- Federal Coordination: Work with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) staff to meet contract requirements, complete reports, and maintain compliance with national standards
- Technical Certification: Obtain and maintain required credentials to perform specialized inspections and support program activities
- Training Support: Develop and deliver training for inspectors, industry partners, and community organizations
- Program Evaluation: Conduct audits and analyze program performance to ensure effectiveness, consistency, and alignment with federal standards
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
- You will have the option to work from one of the following headquarter offices:
- Region 1 - 13410 Dunham Road, Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335
- Region 2 - 542 County Farm Road, Montoursville, Pennsylvania 17754-9685
- Region 4 - 226 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601
- Region 6 - 2301 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110
- Region 7 - 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426
- This position warrants overnight out-of-state travel for participation in trainings and conferences. Frequency of overnight in-state travel is dependent upon the location of the incumbent's headquarter office, at minimum participation at monthly in-person meetings in Harrisburg is required of this position. A state pool car is available in Harrisburg for travel or access to rental cars as necessary for travel. A state car is not directly assigned to this position.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the assigned headquarters office location. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Two years as a Food Inspector 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- Four years of experience in the inspection of food establishments or food processing facilities, and a bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a closely related field; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Special Requirement:
- All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
- You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Special Requirement - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
- Yes
- No
02
If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Food Inspector 2 for two or more years full-time?
- Yes
- No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in the inspection of food establishments or food processing facilities?
- 4 years or more
- 3 but less than 4 years
- 2 but less than 3 years
- 1 but less than 2 years
- Less than 1 year
- None
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
How much graduate coursework have you completed in food science, food technology, or a closely related field?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.
- 30 credits or more
- Less than 30 credits
- None
08
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our
- Yes
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PREPARE AND DISSEMINATE CORRESPONDANCEPrepare correspondence, technical information, reports, summaries, and responses to inquiries concerning food safety laws or regulations to industry professionals, the general public, individuals within the organization, etc. Develop public information relative to food production, harvesting, processing, and distribution for dissemination through electronic or mass media.Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience preparing various correspondence and responding to inquiries CONCERNING FOOD SAFETY, and developing information related to FOOD PRODUCTION, etc. for dissemination through electronic or mass media. I was responsible for the final content of the documents.
- B. I have experience preparing various correspondence, responding to inquiries, or developing information for dissemination through electronic or mass media related to TOPICS OTHER THAN FOOD SAFETY, FOOD PRODUCTION, etc. I was responsible for the final content of the documents.
- C. I have experience ASSISTING OTHERS with preparing various correspondence, responding to inquiries, or developing information for dissemination through electronic or mass media related to ANY TOPIC. Someone else was responsible for the final content of the documents.
- D. I have successfully completed college coursework related to this work behavior such as report writing, business writing, etc.
- E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
10
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
- Your experience preparing correspondence, inquiries, etc. and the topic.
- Your specific duties and level of responsibility.
11
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- College/University
- Course Title(s)
- Credits/Clock Hours
12
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DEVELOP AND INTERPRET STANDARDS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURESDevelop, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, and standards regarding programs by collecting, researching, and analyzing data to ensure conformity with federal regulations and departmental objectives. Provide recommendations to implement the necessary changes.Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience DEVELOPING, INTERPRETING, AND APPLYING policies, procedures, or standards regarding programs by collecting, researching, and analyzing data. I have provided recommendations to implement the necessary changes.
- B. I have experience INTERPRETING OR APPLYING policies, procedures, or standards regarding programs by collecting, researching, and analyzing data. I have provided recommendations to implement the necessary changes.
- C. i have successfully completed college coursework related to this work behavior such as policy development, data analysis, etc.
- D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
13
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
- The name(s) of the employers where you gained this experience.
- Your experience developing policies, procedures, or standards.
- Your experience collecting or analyzing data, and providing recommendations.
- Your specific duties and level of responsibility.
14
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- College/University
- Course Title(s)
- Credits/Clock Hours
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - GRANT REQUIREMENTS AND BUDGETSPrepare grant report summaries and budget requests related to food safety as necessary to maintain compliance with grant requirements. Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience preparing grant report summaries and budget requests RELATED TO FOOD SAFETY to maintain compliance with grant requirements.
- B. I have experience preparing grant report summaries or budget requests UNRELATED TO FOOD SAFETY to maintain compliance with grant requirements.
- C. I have experience ASSISTING OTHERS with preparing grant report summaries or budget requests to remain compliant with grant requirements.
- D. I have successfully completed college coursework related to this work behavior in budgeting, grants, etc.
- E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
16
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
- The name(s) of the employers where you gained this experience.
- Your experience preparing grant report summaries or budget requests and the industry to which they were related.
- Your specific duties and level of responsibility.
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- College/University
- Course Title(s)
- Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question