Consumer Product Safety Jobs
- Aside from clerical and administrative positions, the majority of jobs available at the CPSC are product safety investigator positions. The federal government employs the CPSC workers to protect Americans from harm and death because of products on the market that are dangerous or not meeting government compliance codes. When products like these are found, they must be removed from store shelves and recalled by the manufacturer.
- As a professional product safety investigator, you will have the responsibility of physically inspecting a variety of different businesses, including retail stores, wholesale warehouses, manufacturers and others that either produce or sell products to the public. Doing an on-site inspection, you will note the company's production methods, labeling procedures and quality control practices. You will look specifically for products that could be a hazard to the public and write reports about the visit.
- Product safety investigators must also investigate injuries or deaths from consumer products and must keep a working relationship with coroners and medical examiners. In addition, you also might interview store or warehouse managers, police and fire officials. Product safety commissioners must also keep up with changing laws set by Congress on product safety issues. These professionals often implement education programs to inform the public of risks and also act as a media consultant with prepared interviews with the press.
- As a product safety investigator, you need a four-year bachelor's degree. In addition, the position requires at least one additional year of graduate studies. The average pay scale for these product safety jobs can vary depending on level of experience and expertise. According to USA Jobs, salaries for these workers can range from $41,631 a year up to $80,093 annually. Background checks are also required for all job candidates.