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Livestock Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Pest Control

Clearfield, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

P erform routine inspections and monitor for pests to determine necessary corrective actions ... Ensure the fair and ethical treatment of livestock, ensuring best industry standards while working ...

Pest Control

Clearfield, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

P erform routine inspections and monitor for pests to determine necessary corrective actions ... Ensure the fair and ethical treatment of livestock, ensuring best industry standards while working ...

Animal Handler

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20.60/hr

This position is responsible for the safe and efficient set up, inspection and operation of ... Processes outgoing livestock. * Communicates clearly with team members and management team.

New

Conduct safety inspections of facilities, equipment, and practices * Ensure compliance with OSHA ... Expect moderate to occasionally loud noise, exposure to livestock, and travel across multiple ...

Conduct safety inspections of facilities, equipment, and practices * Ensure compliance with OSHA ... Expect moderate to occasionally loud noise, exposure to livestock, and travel across multiple ...

Conduct safety inspections of facilities, equipment, and practices * Ensure compliance with OSHA ... Expect moderate to occasionally loud noise, exposure to livestock, and travel across multiple ...

Conduct safety inspections of facilities, equipment, and practices * Ensure compliance with OSHA ... Expect moderate to occasionally loud noise, exposure to livestock, and travel across multiple ...

Support livestock lending activities with inspection reports. Make referrals to the Investment, Real Estate, and Insurance departments. Source, develop and underwrite financing requests for new ...

... livestock lending activities with inspection reports. • Make referrals to the Investment, Real Estate, and Insurance departments. • Source, develop and underwrite financing requests for new ...

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Showing results 1-20

Livestock Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$25

$48

How much do livestock inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for livestock inspector in Iowa is $25.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a livestock inspector?

A Livestock Inspector is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and compliance of livestock with government regulations. They inspect animals for signs of disease, oversee transportation and slaughter procedures, and enforce animal welfare laws. Inspectors may also collect samples for laboratory testing and educate farmers on best practices. Their work helps protect public health, maintain animal welfare standards, and support the agricultural industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a livestock inspector?

To thrive as a Livestock Inspector, you need a solid understanding of animal health, husbandry practices, and relevant agricultural regulations, often supported by a degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and certifications such as USDA accreditation is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain objective are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe and compliant livestock practices, protect public health, and facilitate cooperation between farmers, businesses, and regulatory agencies.

What are the typical work environments and schedules for livestock inspectors?

Livestock Inspectors often spend their time traveling to farms, ranches, slaughterhouses, and animal transport facilities to conduct inspections and enforce animal health standards. Work schedules can vary, with some inspectors working standard business hours and others required to respond to emergencies or conduct inspections outside of typical hours, depending on livestock movement and seasonal demands. The role involves both indoor and outdoor work, sometimes in challenging weather or around large animals, so adaptability and safety awareness are important. Inspectors usually collaborate with veterinarians, farm personnel, regulatory agencies, and sometimes law enforcement to ensure compliance and resolve issues discovered during inspections.

Are livestock inspectors in demand?

Livestock inspectors are in steady demand due to the need for ensuring animal health, safety, and compliance with regulations in the agriculture and food industries. Employment opportunities often depend on government agencies, farms, and processing plants, with certifications in animal health and inspection procedures enhancing job prospects.

What does a livestock inspector do?

A livestock inspector examines animals for health, disease, and compliance with regulations, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards. They inspect farms, slaughterhouses, and transportation processes, often requiring knowledge of animal health and relevant certifications. Their work helps prevent the spread of disease and ensures food safety.

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

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

Infographic showing various Livestock Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,449 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Alley Buyer - 2nd Shift - WATERLOO PORK PLANT

Waterloo, IA


Tyson Foods
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 554 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

297th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks


Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Details:

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for the management of all yards receiving processes to ensure the safe, humane handling of livestock while providing accurate counts and identification including ante-mortem inspection; also, comprehensive knowledge of the live scale process. The individual will be working with FSIS inspectors, Livestock Producers, Livestock Haulers, Livestock Handlers, Maintenance, Procurement, and Plant Operations. The individual in this position must work closely with other Yards and Operations management teams in achieving objectives.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Education: BS degree in Animal Science or Agriculture preferred.

  • Experience: Livestock experience required. Swine or cattle experience preferred.

  • Communication Skills: Must have good verbal and written communication skills and must be able to communicate efficiently with Livestock Haulers and other Team Members. Must be highly motivated in running a successful business.

  • Computer Skills: Basic computer skills required. For example, managing spreadsheets and email. This shall include comprehensive knowledge and familiarity with use of the Live Scale.

  • Travel: None

Supervisory Responsibilities: As needed in support of the General Manager Yards and Senior Yard Supervisor. This includes managing Time and Attendance.

Physical Demands Requirements: Bending: Minimal bending is required. Lifting: Minimal amounts of lifting are required to use livestock handling tools. The tools weigh less than 5 pounds. Tattoo hammer is lifted and weighs less than 5 pounds. Push Pull: Some pushing pulling maybe required to open and close gates or move downed hogs and to tattoo hogs. Reaching: Reaching with the livestock handling tools is required to move hogs as well as to tattoo hogs. Grasping: A full hand grasp is used when holding livestock handling tools tattoo hammer and gates. Standing: Team members are required to stand or walk for the entire shift. Force: Minimal force is required for most tasks. Moderate to heavy force may be needed when assisting in humanly loading downed hogs into the skid loader bucket for transport .

Work Duty: Team members may be required to wear hard hat, steel toe boots, or hearing protection. The temperature of the work area is seasonal and depends on outside temperatures may reach in excess of 95 F. The team member performing this position understands that the functions performed could affect product safety legality and quality systems. The General Yards Manager or Senior Yards Supervisor will keep the team member apprised on job functions to meet the above requirements. The team member will complete the necessary qualification requirements for the job assigned.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Work Shift:

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.


The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.


Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.


We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.


If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.


Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.



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