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Agricultural Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LUMA

Inspector 1 American Falls

American Falls, ID · On-site

$16.45/hr

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment ... Operate forklift to stage sample containers for inspection. With forklift, unload incoming samples ...

LUMA

INSPECTOR 2 CALDWELL

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$17.45/hr

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment ... Under direction, inspect and determine grade of commodities according to Federal and State ...

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Agricultural Inspector information

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$35.5K

$56.2K

$76K

How much do agricultural inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for agricultural inspector in the United States is $56,240.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an agricultural inspector do?

An agricultural inspector evaluates farms, facilities, and imported goods to ensure compliance with safety and pest control regulations. They inspect crops, livestock, and equipment, often using tools like inspection reports and sampling techniques, and may require certification or training in agriculture or pest management. Their work helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases that could harm agriculture and the environment.

What is the highest paid job in agriculture?

The highest paid jobs in agriculture are often executive roles such as Agricultural Managers or Farm Owners, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized roles like Agricultural Engineers or Food Scientists with advanced degrees and certifications can also earn high salaries, especially in research or management positions.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

Among agricultural inspectors, those specializing in food safety, quality control, or working in high-demand sectors tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or supervisory roles also typically receive higher pay. Salary can vary based on location, employer, and level of responsibility.

How long does it take to become an USDA inspector?

Becoming an USDA inspector typically requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, food science, or biology, along with relevant work experience. The process can take several years, including education, training, and passing required exams, with on-the-job training provided after hiring.

What is the difference between Agricultural Inspector vs Pest Control Technician?

AspectAgricultural InspectorPest Control Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles require agricultural or related certificationsHigh school diploma; pest control licenses or certifications often required
Work EnvironmentInspecting farms, food processing plants, and agricultural facilitiesApplying pesticides and treatments in residential, commercial, or agricultural settings
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, agricultural companies, food safety organizationsPest control companies, property management, agricultural sectors

While both roles involve inspection and certification, Agricultural Inspectors focus on ensuring compliance with agricultural standards and food safety, often working in farms and food facilities. Pest Control Technicians primarily focus on controlling pests through treatments, working in various environments including residential and commercial properties. Both require certifications but serve different purposes within the agricultural and pest management industries.

What Does an Agricultural Inspector Do?

An agricultural inspector monitors farms and other agricultural production facilities to ensure that the location complies with all health and safety regulations. Their duties include inspecting meat and produce for quality, visiting a farm or plant to make sure that the facility meets federal standards, and write reports about their findings. Career qualifications for an agricultural inspector include a high school diploma or GED, although an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in biology, agricultural science, or a related field may be preferred. Additional job skills include an eye for detail and strong written communication.

What are some common challenges Agricultural Inspectors face when conducting field inspections?

Agricultural Inspectors often encounter challenges such as inclement weather, difficult terrain, and the need to adapt to varying schedules based on harvest periods. They must also balance maintaining regulatory compliance with building cooperative relationships with farmers and producers, which can sometimes be delicate. Additionally, staying updated on changing regulations and new agricultural technologies is essential to ensure accurate and effective inspections.

What are Agricultural Inspectors?

Agricultural Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that agricultural products, facilities, and processes comply with government regulations and safety standards. They inspect crops, livestock, food processing plants, and equipment to identify potential hazards, diseases, or violations of laws. Their work helps to maintain food safety, protect public health, and support the integrity of the agricultural industry. Inspectors may also collect samples for laboratory analysis, review documentation, and educate producers about best practices and compliance requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Agricultural Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Agricultural Inspector, you need a solid understanding of agricultural science, food safety regulations, and inspection procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, data management systems, and regulatory compliance software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and integrity are crucial soft skills for accurately assessing compliance and interacting with producers. These skills ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products while maintaining public health standards and regulatory compliance.
More about Agricultural Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Agricultural Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Agricultural Inspector job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Agricultural Inspector jobs? The most popular types of Agricultural Inspector jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Agricultural Inspector jobs? The top employers for Agricultural Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Agricultural Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Agricultural Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Agricultural Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Agricultural Inspector jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Agricultural Inspector jobs? For Agricultural Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Agricultural Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Agricultural Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,240 per year, or $27 per hour.

Inspector 1 American Falls

LUMA

American Falls, ID • On-site

$16.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment through promotion, education, and regulation."
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a benefited Inspector 1 position to work in the American Falls District Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Office within the Division of Agricultural Inspections.
Referred lists will be pulled periodically. Apply as soon as possible to ensure you will be considered for this position. This job announcement will be closed if the position is filled prior to the closing date.
SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: This non-classified position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Night shift positions are eligible for additional SHIFT pay during eligible work shifts.
Incumbents in these positions work in a high-volume production setting until all samples are processed. Work involves exposure to extreme cold and heat, wet and humid environments, dust, dirt, exhaust fumes, poorly ventilated areas, noise and odors. Work requires standing for prolonged periods. Incumbents must communicate effectively while exercising tact and diplomacy and work independently with minimal supervision. Incumbents must keep work area in safe condition and report any hazards to supervisor. May involve irregular work hours, (partial days and/or long hours), days and times and a rotation to multiple locations. Incumbents will receive on-the-job training in proper sampling and safety procedures. Personal protective equipment may be required. Depending on the facility, incumbents may be required to purchase protective shoes and/or wear ear protection, hard hats, safety glasses, etc.
Example of Duties:
General duties may include the following:
  • Forklift operating: Operate forklift to stage sample containers for inspection. With forklift, unload incoming samples from trucks; move containers to inspection station and place in production states by date and lot number; maintain awareness of flow of samples through inspection station, and select next appropriate sample according to date and lot number; remove and relocate empty containers; perform minor maintenance on forklifts; assist inspectors by physically lifting heavy items. May require maneuvering a forklift to loading docks across heavy traffic, around cramped, crowded plants, and over drainage gratings and slick floors inside the inspection station; perform related duties as required.
  • Grading/Raw Lab Technician: Simultaneously work with a crew of graders to examine product externally and internally according to standards pertaining to size, shape, varietal characteristics, appearance and degree of imperfection using visual inspection, paring knives, small scales and size rings; place commodities in bins by grades and unusable portions; answer questions from new graders on grading procedures and grading decisions; be responsible for accurately determining the grade of commodities for all lots or loads specified for inspection; assign initial grade to commodities according to Federal and State standards and contract specifications; sample commodity to determine the raw product's attributes; complete equipment maintenance and sanitation duties; enter testing data into proprietary database. Incumbent may be rotated on an as needed basis between internal and external grading assignments; perform related duties as required.
  • Sampling: Use sample tray or automatic sampling apparatus to take appropriate number of samples according to size of bulk load; follow specific sampling procedures to minimize product damage and to ensure accuracy of sample; place appropriate number of samples in composite sample container; label container by date and contract number and attach identification tags; seal container to ensure sample integrity; may assist in contract or dockside inspection by lifting and weighing samples; record sample weights on note sheets; some positions may be required to place sub-samples in sacks which may weigh up to 100 pounds then carry sacks to pallets.
  • Auditing: Drive to various, sometimes remote, locations; conduct an opening meeting with the auditee; review auditee's food safety plan; use appropriate checklist to interview the auditee and the auditee's employees to determine adherence to their plan, to the checklist/audit scheme requirements and their risk analysis, logs, test results, training records and/or other documentation; tour the fields, storage buildings, and/or packing facilities; document findings; note and explain non-conformances; write Corrective Action Reports (CAR); conduct a closing meeting, review findings, answer questions, and leave CARs; digitally enter and submit the audit to the Ag. Program Manager for review; perform related duties as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Benefited Inspector 1 positions may:
  • Train as an Inspector 2 or Inspector 3
  • Perform duties as a Seed Inspector, Grasshopper Scout, Insect Trapping Scout, Invasive Species Surveyor, Redfish Inspector, Roving Inspector, Hydrilla Inspector, Field Inspector, Field Inspection Team Lead, Field Inspection Supervisor, North Idaho Panhandle Technician, Japanese Beetle Trapper and/or Egg Inspector throughout the year
  • Temporarily supervise during certain times of the year

Minimum Qualifications:
These qualifications are mandatory requirements.
Any combination of ability, education, training or experience that demonstrates competence in each of the following:
  • With or without reasonable accommodation, physical ability to:
    • Stand for prolonged periods of time
    • Work in extreme cold and heat, wet and humid environments around dirt, fumes, poorly ventilated areas, noise and odors
    • Collect, lift and carry samples weighing up to 35 pounds
    • Intermittently bend, squat, twist and reach above shoulder level
    • Pass a color test
  • Have sufficient vision, touch and balance to perform the inspection and grading duties
  • Manual dexterity including the ability to toss, pull, push, lift, carry, and cut commodities
  • Ability to:
    • Follow written and verbal instructions and accurately complete time sheets and other required documentation
    • Write or print neatly and legibly
    • Verify and copy information
    • Perform basic math computations (add and subtract) and count accurately
  • Must be able to read and write in English
  • May obtain an Inspector Aide license from USDA
  • May obtain a USDA FV-200(acquired with on-the-job training and evaluation)
  • Possess a valid driver's license and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance
  • Within two weeks of hire, pass a vocational training course, be certified as a Forklift Operator, maintain the Forklift Operator certification and be able to operate a forklift
  • Basic computer skills

Supplemental Information:
DESIRABLE AREAS: These qualifications are not required; however, are desired in a candidate.
  • Ability to collect, lift, carry, and push/pull heavy objects weighing up to 80 pounds
  • Ability to explain grading procedures to others
  • Demonstrated ability to identify various internal and external defects
  • Experience with the practices and procedures involved in handling and rotating large containers while operating a forklift
  • Good knowledge of:
    • Federal and State grading procedures and standards
    • Various grades and their requirements
BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION
We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.
EXCELLENT BENEFITS
  • Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance-employee only coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision & $11.00/month for dental
  • generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start
  • 11 paid holidays a year
  • paid parental leave
  • multiple savings plans, optional 401K, and optional 457
  • basic life insurance for employee and family
    1. employee covered at one times their annual salary
    2. spouse covered at $10,000
    3. child covered at $5,000
  • wellness programs
  • ongoing training opportunities
  • an opportunity for student loan forgiveness
  • and more!

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture!
If you have questions,
please contact us at:
jobs@isda.idaho.gov or at (208) 332-8520
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
Candidates who reach the final hiring stage will be required to participate in a criminal background check. Having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate applicants from consideration but may be considered as part of the hiring process.

About Luma

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Monica, CA, US

Year founded

2002

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