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Grain Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Grain Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$43.3K

$62.9K

How much do grain inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for grain inspector in Iowa is $43,339.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,800.00 and $54,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grain inspector?

Grain inspectors are professionals who examine and grade grains such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and rice to ensure they meet quality and safety standards set by government agencies or industry guidelines. They sample grain shipments, check for moisture content, foreign materials, and signs of pests or disease, and issue official inspection certificates. Their work helps maintain the integrity of the grain supply chain and ensures fair trading practices between buyers and sellers.

What does a grain inspector do?

The duties of a grain inspector include inspecting containers, trucks, and railcars to ensure they meet requirements for carrying grain, ensuring they do not have leaks, infestations, or other issues. You are in charge of quality control and take samples of each grain load and test it using federal grain inspection procedures outlined by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA). Other responsibilities include preparing for grading by running a number of tests and awarding each load with a corresponding grade based on moisture content, weight, and foreign material presence. Other tests may be required such as for measuring mycotoxins, proteins and oil, and more. You document all tests that you run and keep a record of all results and grades.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grain inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grain Inspector, you need a solid understanding of agricultural practices, grain quality standards, and sampling procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Experience with grading equipment, moisture meters, and government or industry-specific inspection software is typically required. Attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accurate assessments and interacting with farmers and buyers. These skills and qualifications are vital to maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and fair trade within the grain industry.

What are some common challenges faced by grain inspectors during the harvest season, and how can they be effectively managed?

During the harvest season, Grain Inspectors often face increased workloads and tighter deadlines due to the high volume of grain that needs to be evaluated quickly and accurately. Adapting to varying environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures or dust, is another challenge. Effective time management, teamwork, and clear communication with farmers and facility staff are essential for maintaining accuracy and efficiency. Employers typically provide additional training and support during peak periods to help inspectors manage these demands.

What is the difference between Grain Inspector vs Grain Sampler?

AspectGrain InspectorGrain Sampler
CertificationsOften requires USDA or state certificationsMay require similar certifications, but less comprehensive
Work EnvironmentInspecting grain at storage facilities, mills, or portsCollecting samples at storage sites, during transport, or at processing plants
Industry UsageUsed in grain grading, quality control, and regulatory compliancePrimarily involved in sampling for testing and analysis

While both roles involve working with grain, a Grain Inspector focuses on evaluating grain quality and grading, often requiring certifications and regulatory knowledge. A Grain Sampler primarily collects samples for testing, which may be part of the inspection process but involves less certification. Both roles are essential in the grain industry and often work together to ensure quality and compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Grain Inspector jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Grain Inspector jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Grain Inspector jobs in Iowa?

For Grain Inspector jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grain Inspector jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Grain Inspector jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Grain Inspector jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Grain Inspector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Grain Inspector jobs in IA?

For Grain Inspector jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Grain Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,339 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Grain Elevator Operator Allerton, Ia - (TEMPORARY/SEASONAL)

Smithfield Foods

Allerton, IA

$19.80/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

Compensation $19.80 hourly.

This position is responsible for assisting in the implementation of work schedules, safety programs, logistics and record keeping in conjunction with the facility manager. Performs all aspects of grain handling and facility operations.

Core Respossibilities
  • Weigh and grade both inbound and outbound grain and grain products proficiently in an effort to ensure all products meet SFD specifications. Prepares scale receipts and enters deliveries into database.
  • Operate loading/unloading equipment to ship or receive grain products.
  • Inspect grain facilities daily to ensure equipment maintains proper condition of stored grains.
  • Help facility manager schedule logistics as they pertain to inbound and outbound grain.
  • Maintain and handle inventories to maximize SFD profitability including grain movements, condition, blending of grain/grain products.
  • Identify any problems or improvements and work with facility manager to find solutions.
  • Deal proficiently with customers on a daily basis.
  • Assist in implementing any specific work or safety programs set forth by SFD.
  • Responsible for being in compliance with all environmental laws and procedures to which Smithfield Foods and Smithfield Hog Production subscribes.
  • Report all environmental issues immediately to supervisor.
  • Read and understand the company's emergency notification process and will be responsible for reviewing that policy at their work site.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
  • Ability to understand and comply with all safety policies and practices.
  • Verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills.
  • Effective communication with grain customers.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team.
  • Available to work extended weekday and weekend hours during grain harvest seasons.
  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
  • Regularly work at elevated heights.
  • Routinely exposed to moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions.
  • Must be able to tolerate cold, heat, grain dust, grain/mill odors, and noisy conditions.
Relocation Package Available No

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.