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Meat Grader Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Employee meat purchase program Responsibilities Export Auditor responsibilities include but are not ... Audit grade changes for export products and programs * Saturday hours required when scheduled

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Meat Grader information

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$8

$15

$27

How much do meat grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat grader in Kansas is $15.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.29 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Meat Grader vs Meat Inspector?

AspectMeat GraderMeat Inspector
CertificationsMeat grading certifications, USDA approvalUSDA certification, food safety training
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, grading stationsProcessing plants, regulatory agencies
Employer & Industry UsageMeat packing companies, USDAGovernment agencies, USDA, meat processing facilities

Meat Graders evaluate meat quality based on marbling, color, and texture, assigning grades for sale and processing. Meat Inspectors focus on ensuring meat safety, inspecting for contamination, disease, and compliance with health standards. While both roles work in meat processing environments and require USDA certifications, Meat Graders concentrate on quality grading, whereas Meat Inspectors prioritize safety and regulatory compliance.

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

To excel as a Meat Grader, you need a solid understanding of meat quality standards, anatomy, and grading procedures, often obtained through on-the-job training or vocational courses. Familiarity with grading tools, inspection equipment, and regulatory systems like USDA grading standards is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately assessing products and working with processing teams. These skills ensure consistent product quality, compliance with regulations, and help maintain consumer trust in the food supply chain.

What is a meat grader?

Meat graders are professionals responsible for evaluating the quality and safety of meat products in processing plants and slaughterhouses. They inspect meat for factors such as texture, color, marbling, and fat distribution, assigning grades based on established standards. Their assessments help ensure that meat sold to consumers meets quality and safety requirements, and the grades influence pricing and marketability. Meat graders typically work for government agencies or meat processing companies and require training in food safety and inspection procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by meat graders in their daily work?

Meat graders often face challenges such as working in cold environments for extended periods, maintaining concentration while inspecting large volumes of meat, and adhering to strict food safety and quality standards. The role requires keen attention to detail, as even minor inconsistencies can affect grading accuracy. Collaboration with butchers, quality assurance staff, and production teams is essential to ensure that grading aligns with both regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
What are popular job titles related to Meat Grader jobs in Kansas? For Meat Grader jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Meat Grader job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,691 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Meat Department Manager

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Mcconnell Air Force Base, KS • On-site

$43K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Meat Department Managers order, receive, cut/process, store, display, price, and account for all meat products purchased for resale.
Read the entire announcement before starting the application process.
Qualifications:You must meet qualifications and requirements by the announcement closing date.
Your resume (and/or transcript if necessary) must clearly show that you meet the qualifications (i.e., specialized experience and/or education requirements) for the grade level(s) for which you are applying.
At the GS-7, 8, 9 and 10 grade levels, you can meet the minimum qualifications through specialized experience, education, or a combination of the two. To calculate the combination, divide your total months of specialized experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. If they total 100%, you meet the minimum qualifications through a combination of specialized experience and education.
Specialized experience is written to the lowest equivalent grade level that meets the minimum experience requirement. What does this mean to applicants? Example: An applicant has one year of specialized experience at the GS-8 grade level and wants to apply for a GS-9. The GS-9 requires specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7. Since the applicant has specialized experience at a higher grade (i.e., GS-8) than is required (i.e., GS-7), the applicant may apply for the GS-9.
Specialized experience is demonstrated knowledge of retail procurement and distribution methods; principles, procedures, and techniques of retail food merchandising and retail food store management, and developments in commercial retail food store items, equipment, and practices. Examples of creditable qualifying specialized experience include:
  • Managing a commissary store, supermarket, or similar type of commercial retail food store.
  • Managing a department in a retail food store.
  • Planning, standardizing, or controlling operations in an assigned group of retail food stores.
  • Developing, interpreting, or applying policies, procedures, and operating standards for use in a retail food store.
  • Providing technical advice on merchandising and operational matters pertaining to grocery, meats, and produce supplies, as well as front-end operations.

You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including volunteer work done through National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
Education used to qualify for this position, in whole or in part, must have equipped you with the knowledge and ability to perform the work of the position, as evidenced by on-the-job-training in food retail management or an internship or practicum in food retail management. Transcripts are required if relying on education to qualify. See Required Documents for more information.
Qualifications
For GS-7: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level OR (B) one full year of graduate level education with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position; or superior academic achievement, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
For GS-8: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level OR (B) one and one-half years of graduate level education with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
For GS-9: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level OR (B) master's or equivalent degree, or two full years of progressively higher graduate level education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D. (if related) with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
For GS-10: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-8 grade level OR (B) two and one-half years of progressively higher graduate level education leading to such a degree with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
Physical requirements: (1) Lift, push, pull, carry, and handle commissary products weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally over 40 pounds with assistance. (2) Stand, stoop, kneel, bend, and climb for prolonged periods. You will attest to your ability to perform these physical requirements in the Questionnaire.
You must also meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the announcement close date.
Time-in-grade applies to the promotion of current and former federal employees who hold or have held a permanent GS position in either the competitive or excepted service in the previous 52 weeks. Your application package must contain proof you meet this requirement. See Required Documents for more information.
  • For GS-7: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-5.
  • For GS-8: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-6.
  • For GS-9: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-7.
  • For GS-10: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-8.

Time after competitive appointment. Current federal civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since being selected for a non-temporary appointment from a competitive examination register of eligible candidates (an announcement opened to the public) or under a direct hire authority.
As part of the online application process, you will respond to a series of questions designed to evaluate your possession of these competencies:
  • Commissary Operations
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Safety Procedures
  • Supervision

Overtime: Occasional
Bargaining Unit Status: Not covered
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
Obligated Position: If obligated, you occupying the position is subject to the former incumbent returning. If the former incumbent does not return to the position, your occupancy may become permanent. Tentative job offers identify if the position you are offered is obligated.
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No. DoD criteria not met.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives Offered: NoneEducation:Transcripts. Required when using education to meet qualifications or when education is required.
Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.
Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.

When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course by course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities.
Employment Type: OTHER

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