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Primary Products Inspector

Also known as Food Standards Officer and Quarantine Inspector.

Primary products inspectors examine animals, plants and agricultural produce at farms, abattoirs, processing and packing plants, wholesale markets and places of storage or shipment to ensure they meet government standards of hygiene and quality, and export requirements.

Primary products inspectors may be required to work shifts, including weekends.

TASKS

Primary products inspectors may perform the following tasks:

check produce, live animals and crops for disease, insect or chemical residue and other damage, and reject those of substandard quality
check and grade produce (such as meat, fruit, vegetables, milk, grains, sugar cane and fish) during processing, ensuring ingredients used in processing meet government standards of purity and grading
supervise fumigation of ships and aircraft
supervise the proper disposal of quarantine garbage
examine imported plants, animals and products (timber, seeds and dried fruits, for example) and make quarantine arrangements
ensure commercial fishing regulations are obeyed
inspect livestock before and after slaughter to check that they are fit for human consumption
advise on packing and loading regulations
advise primary producers on economic aspects of disease eradication, and inform producers and the general public of health implications of diseases and impurities
appear in court to give evidence in cases involving breaches of the regulations

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

normal colour vision
confidence when dealing with people
good communication skills
able to make accurate observations
good organisational and supervisory skills
able to handle animals with confidence and patience
aptitude for working with computers

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Meat Inspector - inspects carcasses and internal organs of animals for disease and ensures the meat complies with health requirements.

Australian Quarantine Inspection Service Officer - prevents pests and diseases from entering the country by examining and treating all incoming and outgoing animals, plants, food, humans and machinery. Quarantine inspectors may work at international airports, seaports, mail exchanges and container depots.

Sugarcane Analyst/Auditor - oversees the entire operations of sugarcane analysis programmes to ensure they comply with programme provisions.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a meat inspector you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in meat processing (meat safety). To become a sugarcane analyst/auditor you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in laboratory skills or laboratory techniques. To become a primary products inspector in a field such as dairy or seafood you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in the field of specialisation. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a meat inspector through a traineeship in Meat Processing (Meat Safety).

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

To become a quarantine inspector you must first become an employee of the Department of Agriculture. Once employed, you will be required to participate in on-the-job training. Quarantine inspectors are employed at airports and seaports throughout Australia.

Meat inspectors usually work at establishments that slaughter or process meat for export or domestic consumption.

Employment opportunities for sugarcane analysts/auditors are mainly in Queensland, with limited opportunities in NSW and WA. Sugarcane analysts/auditors work in laboratories located within sugar mills, and most work rostered shifts.