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Meat Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Link Snacks

Production Worker

Underwood, IA · On-site

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks. 1st Shift - Monday - Thursday 5 ... Perform standard operating procedures of production and inspection functions as directed.

New

Jack Links

Production Worker

Underwood, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks. 1st Shift - Monday - Thursday 5 ... Perform standard operating procedures of production and inspection functions as directed.

Jack Links

Production Worker

Underwood, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks. 1st Shift - Monday - Thursday 5 ... Perform standard operating procedures of production and inspection functions as directed.

Perdue Farms

Quality Assurance Tech

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats division leverages our core strengths in poultry while ... Inspect equipment for cleanliness and proper working conditions prior to start up and record ...

Perdue Farms

Quality Assurance Tech

Sioux City, IA

Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats division leverages our core strengths in poultry while ... Inspect equipment for cleanliness and proper working conditions prior to start up and record ...

Boyd Gaming

Employee Cafeteria Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Inspect equipment, cold meats, seafood, and produce to ensure product quality standards are met. * Maintain established inventory levels and order stock. * Ensure proper product rotation, storage ...

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All JobsMeat Inspector JobsMeat Inspector Jobs in Iowa

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:

Meat Inspector jobs near you
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.

General Utility - 1st Shift

Fair Oaks Foods, LLC

Davenport, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The position General Utility is the entry level production role. It is not bound by one specific role within the production area, but rather a description of a number of duties within this job classification. The is a general labor role.
Responsibilities
All employees are required to contribute to production operations by complying with policies and procedures for meat processing; Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations, etc.
All employees are required to contribute to a safe and sanitary work environment by complying with established procedures and rules.
Job responsibilities throughout the facility include but are not limited to the following:
  • Maintain all production areas in clean and sanitary conditions. Communicate any issues that are leading to unsanitary conditions in a timely manner to Supervisor and/or Foreman
    • Remove product and packing materials from the floor
    • Properly dispose of and track inedible product
    • Separate and remove trash and recycling from production areas
    • Stage production area with empty containers for the following shift
  • Assist with Preparing / Disassembling equipment for the operation, of meat-processing or for sanitation.
  • Assist with the collection, opening, and reuse of rework ensuring proper identification of product and line to eliminate cross-contamination and allergen concerns
  • Assist in relieving co-workers for breaks, which may mean assisting in another position
  • Accurately complete any assigned paperwork
  • Assisting in accurately training new employees
  • Prior to leaving at the end of production, check in with the area Foreman and or Supervisor for additional shutdown activities that need to be performed
  • Visual inspection of cases to ensure cases are labeled and have a clear legible code date.
  • Make required adjustments to machinery to facilitate smooth production including but not limited to changing tape, code dates, ink, paper, film, cardboard, or pallets
  • Operate a manual hand jack as needed
  • Communicate all equipment malfunctions in a timely manner
  • Prepare supplies and work station for the next shift.
  • Stage ingredients in 50lb containers to maintain product flow
  • Arrange meat as instructed and per specification
  • Comb, hang, transport, and stack product continuously
  • Inspect for quality specifications of product on a conveyor belt.
  • Perform job duties accurately and efficiently at expected rates
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent in training or experience.
  • The ability to read, write and speak English.
  • Must be dependable and detail-oriented.
  • Must be able to follow directions and work under minimal supervision.
  • Communicate effectively and clearly in a timely manner.
  • Must be willing to work weekends and overtime hours as the company necessitates.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment safely.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
This job operates in a manufacturing environment. The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and high, precarious places. The employee is frequently exposed to colder (30 degrees) and/or warmer temperature areas. The noise level in the work environment is usually high.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear as defined below.
  • Standard of 10 hours shifts and longer as the company requires
  • Standing and/or walking constantly throughout the shift
  • Lifting /Carrying a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Use both hands as necessary
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Fair Oaks Foods assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices, which include all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to “legally protected categories” such as: race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.

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