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Meat Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Meatroom Operator - Days

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Inspect meat blocks for foreign material, spoilage, off odor, green meat and/or excess denaturing. Reverse plate and change knives. Wash down floor and equipment between batches. Shovel scrap meat ...

Meatroom Operator - Days

Dubuque, IA

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Inspect meat blocks for foreign material, spoilage, off odor, green meat and/or excess denaturing. Reverse plate and change knives. Wash down floor and equipment between batches. Shovel scrap meat ...

Meatroom Operator - Days

Dubuque, IA

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Inspect meat blocks for foreign material, spoilage, off odor, green meat and/or excess denaturing. Reverse plate and change knives. Wash down floor and equipment between batches. Shovel scrap meat ...

Meatroom Operator - Days

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Inspect meat blocks for foreign material, spoilage, off odor, green meat and/or excess denaturing. Reverse plate and change knives. Wash down floor and equipment between batches. Shovel scrap meat ...

Meatroom Operator - Days

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Inspect meat blocks for foreign material, spoilage, off odor, green meat and/or excess denaturing. Reverse plate and change knives. Wash down floor and equipment between batches. Shovel scrap meat ...

Meatroom Operator - Days

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Inspect meat blocks for foreign material, spoilage, off odor, green meat and/or excess denaturing. Reverse plate and change knives. Wash down floor and equipment between batches. Shovel scrap meat ...

Breaking Plant

New Hampton, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

A-Breaker Machine Operator Inspect liquid egg for imperfections (i.e. bloodspots, meat spots or rots) Pick shell fragments out of cups and discard into inedible bucket Pull trigger handle on cup when ...

A-Breaker Machine Operator Inspect liquid egg for imperfections (i.e. bloodspots, meat spots or rots) Pick shell fragments out of cups and discard into inedible bucket Pull trigger handle on cup when ...

A-Breaker Machine Operator Inspect liquid egg for imperfections (i.e. bloodspots, meat spots or rots) Pick shell fragments out of cups and discard into inedible bucket Pull trigger handle on cup when ...

Prep Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Prepare food for events which includes: cutting of vegetables, fabricating meat, fish & poultry ... Department of Inspections and Appeals. * Assess food items daily to ensure they meet quality ...

Prep Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Prepare food for events which includes: cutting of vegetables, fabricating meat, fish & poultry ... Department of Inspections and Appeals. Assess food items daily to ensure they meet quality ...

Prep Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

... meat, fish & poultry items, soups, sauces, slicing deli meats and other items as assigned and ... Inspections and Appeals. • Assess food items daily to ensure they meet quality standards set ...

Load packages of vacuum sealed meat into boxes * Remove packages (one or two at a time) and inspect labels, product position and overall visual quality, according to order specifications. * Place ...

Load packages of vacuum sealed meat into boxes * Remove packages (one or two at a time) and inspect labels, product position and overall visual quality, according to order specifications. * Place ...

Load packages of vacuum sealed meat into boxes * Remove packages (one or two at a time) and inspect labels, product position and overall visual quality, according to order specifications. * Place ...

Showing results 21-40

Meat Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$18

$21

$23

How much do meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat inspector in Iowa is $21.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $23.03 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Meat Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,861 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Meatroom Operator - Days

Simmons Pet Food Inc

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Simmons Pet Food rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION Safely grind meats for use in various formulas. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Check that grinders are assembled. Prepare meats on meat table in order thrown. Ensure that proper meats are batched for each formula and weight specification by selecting the proper meats for the formula and conveying them to the grinders. Push meats onto conveyors as indicated by each product formula. Inspect meat blocks for foreign material, spoilage, off odor, green meat and/or excess denaturing. Reverse plate and change knives. Wash down floor and equipment between batches. Shovel scrap meat from floor to scrap totes with drainage holes. Clean and stack empty pallets neatly for removal to the designated area. Run the fresh meats side of the meat room. Perform weekly sanitation. Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs, and policies; coordinates work to ensure B.E.S.T practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforces actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization. Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Meat Room Position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describes all the work that may be required of the person in this position. Physical Activities: Must lift up to 50 lbs and stand on feet for entire shift. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Company issued protective wear, Steel Toe Shoes, Slip-resistant boots, Hearing Protection Travel: N/A. Technical Experience: Machine Operation preferred. Industry Experience: Manufacturing or warehouse. Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be able to read, write and understand English Preferred Education: N/A.


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