# Tasks & work activities — agricultural inspector

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 45-2011.00 (Agricultural Inspectors).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Interpret and enforce government acts and regulations and explain required standards to agricultural workers.
- **[Core]** Inspect food products and processing procedures to determine whether products are safe to eat.
- **[Supplemental]** Inspect agricultural commodities or related operations, as well as fish or logging operations, for compliance with laws and regulations governing health, quality, and safety.
- **[Supplemental]** Inspect or test horticultural products or livestock to detect harmful diseases, chemical residues, or infestations and to determine the quality of products or animals.
- **[Supplemental]** Verify that transportation and handling procedures meet regulatory requirements.
- **[Supplemental]** Collect samples from animals, plants, or products and route them to laboratories for microbiological assessment, ingredient verification, or other testing.
- **[Supplemental]** Write reports of findings and recommendations and advise farmers, growers, or processors of corrective action to be taken.
- **[Supplemental]** Inspect the cleanliness and practices of establishment employees.
- **[Supplemental]** Monitor the operations and sanitary conditions of slaughtering or meat processing plants.
- **[Supplemental]** Take emergency actions, such as closing production facilities, if product safety is compromised.
- **[Supplemental]** Monitor the grading performed by company employees to verify conformance to standards.
- **[Supplemental]** Label and seal graded products and issue official grading certificates.
- **[Supplemental]** Examine, weigh, and measure commodities, such as poultry, eggs, meat, or seafood to certify qualities, grades, and weights.
- **[Supplemental]** Compare product recipes with government-approved formulas or recipes to determine acceptability.
- **[Supplemental]** Provide consultative services in areas such as equipment or product evaluation, plant construction or layout, or food safety systems.
- **[Supplemental]** Testify in legal proceedings.

## Detailed work activities

- Advise others on farming or forestry operations, regulations, or equipment.
- Collect biological specimens.
- Examine animals to detect illness, injury or other problems.
- Inspect products or operations to ensure that standards are met.
- Maintain operational records.
- Mark agricultural or forestry products for identification.
- Measure physical characteristics of forestry or agricultural products.
- Package agricultural products for shipment or further processing.
- Send information, materials or documentation.
- Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
- Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns.