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Meat Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lamb Company

Meat Inspector

Pedricktown, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

The Quality Control Meat Inspector is responsible for ensuring that all meat products meet company, customer, USDA, food safety, and quality requirements throughout receiving, production, packaging ...

LAMB COOPERATIVE INC

Meat Inspector

Pedricktown, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

The Quality Control Meat Inspector is responsible for ensuring that all meat products meet company, customer, USDA, food safety, and quality requirements throughout receiving, production, packaging ...

State of Delaware

Meat Inspector I-II

Dover, DE · On-site

$42K/yr

This position is responsible for independently conducting inspections of meat and meat products in processing and retail environments throughout the state, in accordance with federal and state ...

State of Delaware - AGR/Agriculture

DE · On-site

This position is responsible for\r\nindependently conducting inspections of meat and meat products in processing\r\nand retail environments throughout the state, in accordance with federal and\r ...

Ayam Yook LLC

Meat Processor

Moonachie, NJ · On-site

$16 - $21.45/hr

Inspect and check inventory of meat and supply * Rotate products to reduce the chance of any spoilage of meat to reduce waste and loss of profit Cleaning * Maintain a clean and sterile workspace

Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO)

$54 - $67/hr

For the purposes of this examination, qualifying experience can be gained in jobs such as Environmental Health Technician, Sanitarian for food business, Food Inspector/Investigator, Meat Inspector ...

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How much do meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat 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 inspector?

To thrive as a Meat Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, animal anatomy, and quality control procedures, typically supported by relevant certifications or completion of government-approved training programs. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and digital record-keeping systems is often required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure that meat products are safe for consumption and comply with all regulatory standards.

What are the typical challenges faced by meat inspectors on the job?

Meat Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in cold or fast-paced processing environments, staying vigilant during repetitive inspections, and consistently applying complex food safety regulations. They may also need to handle difficult conversations with plant staff when identifying violations or unsafe practices. Despite these challenges, inspectors play a crucial role in protecting public health and often work alongside other quality assurance professionals. Regular training and a supportive team structure help overcome these challenges and promote professional growth in the field.

How do you become a meat inspector?

To become a meat inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in meat inspection or food safety. Many states require passing a written exam and gaining certification from agencies such as the USDA, which may also involve on-the-job training and periodic recertification.

Is it hard to become a meat inspector?

Becoming a meat inspector typically requires completing relevant education or training, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a certification exam. The process involves understanding food safety standards, inspection procedures, and often includes on-the-job training, making it moderately challenging but achievable with proper preparation.
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Meat Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Inspector job openings in the United States 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 $46,697 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Meat Inspector

The Lamb Company

Pedricktown, NJ • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform incoming and outgoing product inspections to ensure products meet customer specifications, USDA requirements, and company quality standards.

  • Conduct visual, sensory, and physical evaluations of products to verify quality, appearance, and condition.

  • Verify temperatures of products and storage areas and maintain accurate temperature records.

Job description

Position Overview:
The Quality Control Meat Inspector is responsible for ensuring that all meat products meet company, customer, USDA, food safety, and quality requirements throughout receiving, production, packaging, storage, and shipping operations. This role works closely with the Food Safety & Quality Assurance department to inspect products, verify specifications, perform testing, document findings, investigate quality concerns, and support regulatory compliance activities. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and product quality.
Major Responsibilities
  • Perform incoming and outgoing product inspections to ensure products meet customer specifications, USDA requirements, and company quality standards.
  • Conduct visual, sensory, and physical evaluations of products to verify quality, appearance, and condition.
  • Verify temperatures of products and storage areas and maintain accurate temperature records.
  • Inspect packaging, labeling, lot codes, date codes, product weights, and USDA approval requirements.
  • Monitor compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety procedures, sanitation requirements, and workplace safety standards.
  • Perform metal detector verification and other routine quality control checks.
  • Conduct yield testing and record and communicate results.
  • Collect microbiological and product samples for testing and laboratory analysis.
  • Maintain complete and accurate quality documentation, inspection records, and product evaluation reports.
  • Investigate quality deviations, product defects, customer complaints, and non-conforming products.
  • Communicate quality concerns and inspection findings to Food Safety & Quality Assurance Management, Production, Procurement, and Sales teams.
  • Recommend and participate in corrective action activities to address quality and food safety issues.
  • Implement and support product hold, release, and disposition procedures.
  • Assist with returned product inspections, evaluations, and reporting.
  • Support USDA inspectors and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in internal audits, customer audits, and third-party food safety audits.
  • Analyze quality data and identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives, new product launches, and food safety programs.
  • Assist with Food Safety and Quality Assurance training activities.
  • Maintain audit-ready records and documentation at all times.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Key Success Measures
  • Accurate and timely completion of product inspections and quality documentation.
  • Consistent compliance with USDA, GMP, food safety, customer, and regulatory requirements.
  • Effective identification and resolution of quality and food safety concerns.
  • Accuracy in product testing, sampling, yield testing, and verification activities.
  • Successful execution of product hold and release procedures.
  • Maintenance of complete and audit-ready records.
  • Positive outcomes during USDA, customer, internal, and third-party audits.
  • Timely communication of quality concerns and inspection findings.
  • Effective support of corrective action and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Strong collaboration with Production, Procurement, Warehouse, Sales, and Food Safety teams.
  • Reduction of product defects, customer complaints, and non-conforming products.
  • Adherence to company safety, quality, and food safety standards at all times.

Qualifications & Considerations for the Position
  • High School Diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education in Food Science, Quality Assurance, or a related field is an asset.
  • Minimum one (1) year of experience in meat processing, meat inspection, food manufacturing, Food Safety, or Quality Assurance.
  • Knowledge of meat cuts and meat processing operations preferred.
  • Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation, food safety, and quality assurance principles.
  • Familiarity with USDA regulations and meat inspection requirements.
  • Knowledge of HACCP, SQF, GFSI, FSEP, or similar food safety systems is considered an asset.
  • Experience with product testing, sampling, and quality inspection activities.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to collect, evaluate, summarize, and report quality data.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality documentation systems.
  • Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic.

Core Competencies
  • Accountability and Dependability
  • Quality Orientation
  • Results Orientation
  • Teamwork
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem Solving

Core Values
Engagement - Demonstrates enthusiasm, initiative, and commitment to organizational goals.
Innovation - Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and creative solutions.
Professionalism - Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and strong work ethics.
Respect - Values diverse perspectives and maintains positive working relationships.
Working Conditions
  • Ability to regularly lift packaged meat products up to 60 pounds.
  • Work in refrigerated and freezer environments, including coolers (approximately 34°F) and freezers (approximately 0°F to -4°F).
  • Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-toed safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, face masks, and protective clothing.
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements.
  • Manual dexterity required.
  • Fast-paced meat processing and manufacturing environment.
  • Overtime and weekend work may be required.

Pay: $25.00 per hour with a pay increase after 90 days based on a performance evaluation.
Benefits
  • Eligible for discretionary bonus
  • 401(k) company contribution
  • 100% company paid Medical/Dental/Vision/Basic Life Insurance/Short Term and Long-Term disability benefits

For information about the company, go to https://greenstonemeats.com/
Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Greenstone Meats is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.
Greenstone Meats is committed to providing an accessible and barrier-free environment. Accommodations are available on request for candidates throughout the selection process. Please contact Human Resources if accommodation is required
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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