The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is currently hiring Supervisory Consumer Safety Officers through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Seafood Inspection Program.
This is a rare opportunity to oversee critical seafood inspection operations that protect public health, ensure product quality, and support the U.S. seafood industry. With three vacancies available, this permanent, full-time position offers competitive pay, federal benefits, and the chance to lead teams in high-impact locations.
Position Overview: Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer (ZP-4)
- Job Title: Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer
- Series/Grade: ZP-0696-4 (equivalent to GS-13/GS-14 under the DOC Alternative Personnel System)
- Salary Range: $113,356 – $190,627 per year (depending on location and experience)
- Locations: Long Beach, California; Hollywood, Florida; or Seattle, Washington (choose one preferred location during application)
- Number of Vacancies: 3
- Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time, Supervisory
- Telework: Eligible as determined by agency policy
- Travel: Occasional (up to 10% domestic travel)
- Relocation Expenses: Not authorized
- Promotion Potential: None (full performance level is ZP-4)
- Open & Closing Dates: February 13, 2026 – February 19, 2026 (limited 7-day window – apply soon!)
This role falls under the NOAA Seafood Inspection Program (SIP) within the Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce (IATC). It’s open to U.S. Citizens and uses competitive hiring.
Key Responsibilities: What You’ll Do as a Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer
As a regional supervisor in the Seafood Inspection Program, you’ll lead a team delivering essential services to the seafood industry:
- Manage product inspections, facility audits, grading, certifications, and consultative services
- Implement national SIP policies and procedures across your assigned region
- Act as the technical expert for complex inspection, certification, and audit cases
- Assign work, set priorities, evaluate performance, and provide feedback/training to team members
- Ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of inspection services
- Oversee quality assurance protocols and verify adherence to DOC, NOAA, NMFS, and program standards
This position combines leadership, technical expertise in food safety and quality, and hands-on oversight to maintain the integrity of U.S. seafood products.
Qualifications and Requirements
To qualify, you must meet both basic education and specialized experience requirements.
Basic Education Requirement
Bachelor’s or higher degree in quality assurance or a related field, including at least 30 semester hours in areas like:
- Biological sciences
- Food science/technology
- Chemistry
- Pharmacy
- Physical sciences
- Nutrition
- Engineering
- Veterinary medical science
- Or related scientific fields relevant to consumer safety
(Up to 8 semester hours in statistics or computer science/programming may count.)
OR — A combination of qualifying education + appropriate experience.
Submit unofficial transcripts with your application (official required before onboarding). Foreign degrees need equivalency evaluation.
Specialized Experience
One full year equivalent to ZP-3 / GS-12 level, including all of the following:
- Planning or leading projects/teams (assigning work, setting priorities, giving feedback)
- Conducting inspections related to food safety or food quality
- Developing and implementing food safety, inspection, or quality policies
Additional requirements include:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to obtain Moderate Risk Security Clearance (background investigation required)
- Valid state driver’s license
- Financial disclosure (SF-450) required
- One-year supervisory probationary period possible
How to Apply and Evaluation Process
Applications are accepted only through USAJOBS.gov (Job Announcement 857623500-DE). This announcement is for the public (DE = Delegated Examining). A separate announcement (NMFS-26-12885749-ST) exists for status candidates—apply to both if eligible.
Submit:
- Resume (2-page limit, include detailed duties, dates, hours for part-time)
- Unofficial transcripts
- Veterans’ preference documents (if applicable)
- CTAP/ICTAP docs (if applicable)
Evaluation includes your application materials plus a Job Knowledge Test assessing technical competencies like:
- Human Capital Management
- Partnering
- Project Management
- Technical Competence (food safety/inspection focus)
Best-qualified candidates (Gold category) are referred first.
Note: The application window closes quickly on February 19, 2026—don’t delay!
Why Join NOAA’s Seafood Inspection Program?
Federal employment with NOAA offers:
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, retirement, paid leave, etc.)
- Stable, meaningful work protecting consumers and supporting American fisheries
- Leadership role in a respected program with national impact
- Potential for telework and work-life balance
If you’re passionate about seafood safety, food inspection leadership, and public service, this could be your next career move.
Ready to apply? Visit the official listing here: USAJOBS – Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer (Job 857623500)
Job Source – https://www.usajobs.gov/job/857623500