The veterinary and food inspection specialist inspects food designed for human consumption, while also supervising food inspection and combined veterinary service activities.

Tasks:

1. To evaluate packaging, packing and marking requirements
2. To identify unsanitary conditions in food storage facilities and commissary stores
3. To operate and maintain inspection equipment
4. To perform duties in accordance with approved standards of conduct and report suspected fraud
5. To assist in the inspection of food designed for human consumption.
6. To conduct subsistence quality assurance inspections in food handling establishments
7. To conduct sanitary inspections in military and commercial facilities
8. To collect, prepare, and transmit samples to the laboratory for testing

Key skills for veterinary and food inspection specialist:

• Interest in food safety, health, mathematics, chemistry and biology
• Precision
• Technical skills
• Good physical condition
• Analytical thinking

Average salary:

The United Kingdom: £18,849 per year (2012)
The United States of America: $43,000 per year (2014)
Australia: AU$45,000 per year (2012)

Qualifications and training required:

Job training for a veterinary food inspection specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including food safety/protection and quality assurance.

Some of the skills a person will learn are:

Inspection of red meats, poultry, water foods, eggs, dairy products, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Identify unsanitary conditions in food storage facilities.