Recruitment and Retention Incentives

Recruitment Incentives

FSIS recognizes the vital role our mission critical Consumer Safety Inspectors perform while serving on the front lines of our workforce to accomplish our Food Safety mission. We are pleased to offer a recruitment incentive of $5,000 to newly hired permanent employees who sign a two-year service agreement. As of December 5, 2021, this incentive will be offered to a combined total of 500 newly hired Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors in all locations nationwide. 

How will this work? The incentive is paid out within approximately two pay periods of entrance on duty with a signed two-year service agreement. This payment is subject to tax withholding.

Retention Incentives

Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual

New hire Consumer Safety Inspectors may be able to earn extra vacation time. FSIS is offering Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual as a recruitment and retention incentive that allows newly-hired Consumer Safety Inspectors in this occupation to potentially receive credit toward their annual leave (vacation) accrual for directly-related work experience performed either outside the federal government or during active duty in a uniformed service. Newly hired applicants will have their resume evaluated prior to entrance on duty to determine if they meet the requirements for creditable service for annual leave accrual. If their prior work experience meets the requirements, they may be eligible to earn vacation leave at a rate of 6 or 8 hours per pay period rather than the standard 4 hours per pay period for newly hired employees. CSALA must be granted prior to entrance on duty.

* NOTE: Recruitment and retention flexibilities and incentives are offered based on agency staffing needs and budgetary availability. Approved incentives change from time to time and the incentives cited above are the most current offerings. Incentives are subject to tax withholding.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for an entry-level Consumer Safety Inspector position, an applicant must have one year of specialized experience that demonstrates technical skill and knowledge of characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances, or a 4-year degree with at least 24 semester hours of coursework in closely related sciences. Additional details on qualifications are shown on the Do You Qualify for a Federal Inspector Position with the USDA? flyer and on vacancy announcements posted at www.usajobs.gov.