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Meat And Poultry Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTOR Job Location: Address: Animal Services Division / Meat and Poultry Inspection Program 1110 W. Washington Street. Suite 450 , Phoenix AZ 85007 Posting Details: Salary: $44 ...

PUBLIC HEALTH SANITARIAN

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTOR Job Location: Address: Animal Services Division / Meat and Poultry Inspection Program 1110 W. Washington Street. Suite 450 , Phoenix AZ 85007 Posting Details: Salary: $44 ...

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How much do meat and poultry inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat and poultry inspector in the United States is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Meat and Poultry Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of food safety regulations, inspection procedures, and relevant scientific principles, usually supported by a high school diploma or higher education in food science or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and USDA or FSIS regulatory systems is essential. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors effectively identify issues and interact with facility staff. These competencies are crucial to ensure public health by maintaining safety and quality standards in meat and poultry production.

What is a meat and poultry inspector?

Meat and Poultry Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and related products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled according to government regulations. They examine animals before and after slaughter to check for signs of disease and contamination. Inspectors also monitor processing plants to ensure sanitary conditions, proper handling, and adherence to safety standards. Their work helps protect public health by preventing unsafe meat and poultry products from reaching consumers.

What is the difference between Meat And Poultry Inspector vs Meat Processing Worker?

AspectMeat And Poultry InspectorMeat Processing Worker
CredentialsFood safety certifications, state or federal inspection trainingMinimal certifications, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentInspection stations, processing plants, regulatory settingsProcessing lines, slaughterhouses, packaging areas
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, meat processing companies

Meat And Poultry Inspectors focus on ensuring meat safety and compliance with regulations, often working in inspection roles within processing plants or government agencies. Meat Processing Workers handle the physical tasks of processing meat products, working directly on the production line. While both roles are essential in the meat industry, they differ mainly in responsibilities, certifications, and work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by meat and poultry inspectors on the job?

Meat and Poultry Inspectors frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining strict compliance with evolving food safety regulations and managing high-volume production environments. They must remain vigilant for potential hazards while working in cold, loud, and fast-paced facilities. Additionally, inspectors often navigate difficult conversations when enforcing standards with plant staff, requiring strong communication and conflict-resolution skills. The role demands both attention to detail and the ability to stay current with industry best practices.
More about Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs
What states have the most Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs? For Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Meat & Poultry Inspector I

State of North Carolina

Guilford, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


State Of North Carolina rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 50 rated states


Job description

Agency
Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services
Division
Agriculture Consumer Service
Job Classification Title
Meat & Poultry Insp I (S)
Position Number
60012332
Grade
NC09
About Us
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.
Description of Work
A Sign-on bonus of $2,500 may be offered to the successful applicant(s) of this posting. To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system, subject to the State Human Resources Act
The Meat and Poultry Inspection Division enforces State and Federal laws designed to ensure meat and poultry products sold to consumers are wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled. The division inspects approximately 150 plants statewide for red meat slaughter/processing and poultry processing and operates a program "at least equal to" the USDA, Food Safety Inspection Service.
Successful applicants who are new to MPID will complete an extensive Meat and Poultry Inspection training program that consists of 6 weeks of on-the-job training, 6 weeks of classroom training, and occasional follow-up training to address changes to policies and regulatory requirements.
Position will serve as an Inspector in Charge at three processing establishments in Alamance, Forsyth and Guilford Counties. Processing activities include inspection of raw ground, raw not ground, and heat-treated not fully cooked not shelf stable.
Daily duties include conducting ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection of slaughtered livestock; observing the humane handling of said livestock; evaluating plant's sanitation procedures and practices; verifying the implementation of plant's Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans; collecting and submitting samples for microbiological analysis; verifying the accuracy of product labels; and other inspection activities as required. Working conditions include a noisy industrial environment; varying environmental conditions within the facility ranging from sub-freezing to extreme humidity; and standing, climbing, and kneeling on elevated platforms for extended periods of time.
The inspections, observations, and findings are generated by, and recorded in, a web-based information system. If a plant is not meeting regulatory requirements, the inspector must communicate this noncompliance to plant management. Inspector will document the noncompliance and follow enforcement actions up to and including suspending plant operations until regulatory requirements are met.
The establishments on this assignment operate as early as 7:00 am and as late as 5:00 pm. This position must be onsite during operational hours. Occasional holiday, weekend, and overtime work may be required. Relief duties at other establishments should be expected.
As part of the onboarding process, new hires must pass a Federal background check and present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of identification to obtain necessary Federal credentials.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range- $41,206-$60,000
  • Accurate color vision. Will be tested at the time of the interview.
  • Critical communication between management, establishment personnel, and inspector requires candidate to be proficient in the English language and to have accurate and effective oral and written communication skills (will be given a writing test at the time of the interview).
  • Computer skills to create basic documents, communicate through email, and enter data into State and Federal systems (the writing test will be given on a computer).
  • Ability to work independently (without direct supervision).
  • Must be able to work in the vicinity of live animals and in direct contact with meat and poultry products derived from cattle, swine, sheep, goats, ratites, chicken and turkeys

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.
Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application.Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.
* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and four years of experience in the inspection, production, management or sale of meat and/or poultry; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Necessary Special Requirements: Successful completion of required Meat and Poultry Inspection Training Programs.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Toni Lynn Tooley
Recruiter Email: agr.workday@ncagr.gov

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About State of North Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of North Carolina is not a traditional company, but rather the governmental body serving the state. From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, this body provides a broad variety of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation and conservation. Originally established when the region first became a state in 1789, the government of North Carolina has been dedicated to the service of its residents ever since. Its website, nc.gov, provides a portal through which the public can access information and services. The core mission of the body is to ensure the welfare, safety, and prosperity of North Carolina's citizens.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1789