Dairy West Region Supervisor (Food/Dairy Industry Manager 14

Davenport University
Davenport University

People & HR, Operations

Posted on Oct 22, 2026

Job Description

Food and Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Michigan. Grow with us and make a difference!

The Dairy, Feed, and Produce Division of MDARD has a mission to protect public health by ensuring a safe and wholesome food/feed supply, while working to maintain a viable food and dairy industry. Food safety is the division's top priority. The Dairy Regional Supervisor (Food and Dairy Industry Manager 14) is a field-based position that provides direct supervision of field inspectors and/or specialists in activities of the Dairy Program. Daily activities include direct supervision of assigned dairy inspectors; dairy subject matter resource for staff; staff training; quality assurance; policy development and administration; workload management; complaint investigation; sampling; enforcement; emergency response; the ability to successfully meet internal and external program metrics; and establishing licensing related to dairy laws and milk dairy products. This position also manages activities related to program coordination with state, local, federal and other agencies.

The ideal candidate will possess and be able to demonstrate key position-critical skills and abilities, including: subject matter expertise; knowledge of related laws, policy and procedures; leadership qualities, skills and abilities; the ability to serve as a liaison with industry partners; the ability to exercise professional judgment; the ability to supervise and train staff; enhanced listening and communication skills; the ability to utilize and implement sound decision-making skills; the ability to handle conflict-type situations effectively; and, a professional demeanor and composure in all situations.

This position has a home workstation and requires travel to the office and other sites for required meetings or field work with staff as needed. This position requires the incumbent to live within Michigan.

Position Description

About MDARD:
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of four Bureaus that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public's food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $125.8 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers; and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures.

MDARD is committed to a department-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion program that builds upon our values and invests in our employees. We provide an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.

The State of Michigan offers a competitive benefits package for all career employees that include medical, dental and vision coverage, along with paid parental leave, flexible spending accounts, retirement and much more. Click the following link to learn more:
State of Michigan – Employee Benefits

Required Education and Experience

Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in animal science, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental health, food science/technology, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary science, or a related field including 10 semester (15 term) credits in a combination of biology and/or chemistry courses.

Food And Dairy Industry Manager 14
Five years of professional food and dairy industry experience equivalent to a Food and/or Dairy Industry Field Scientist, including three years equivalent to a Food and/or Dairy Industry Field Scientist P11, two years equivalent to a Food and/or Dairy Industry Field Scientist 12, or one year equivalent to a Food and Dairy Industry Manager 13 or Food and/or Dairy Industry Specialist 13.

Additional Requirements and Information

Please attach a cover letter, resume and official college transcripts to your application. For our purposes, "Official Transcripts" must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred and date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal.

Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further.

Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.

Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.

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