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Meat Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

JBS USA

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Inspect meat or meat products and/or packaging. Stay aware of your surroundings and notify a supervisor if you recognize a hazard. Other duties as assigned. Working Conditions: Production and ...

Jack Link's

Sanitation Specialist - Night shift

Laurens, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned ... Complete pre-inspections prior to FSQ (Quality) doing pre-operation inspections to minimize ...

Jack Links

Sanitation Specialist - Night shift

Laurens, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned ... Complete pre-inspections prior to FSQ (Quality) doing pre-operation inspections to minimize ...

CTI Foods

End of Table

Humboldt, IA · On-site

$25.37/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Inspect meat product for quality, defects, trimming, and visual defects prior to threading and hanging. * Transfer racks safety to designated areas such as smoking rooms, coolers, scales or ...

CTI Foods

End of Table

Humboldt, IA · On-site

$25.37/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Inspect meat product for quality, defects, trimming, and visual defects prior to threading and hanging. * Transfer racks safety to designated areas such as smoking rooms, coolers, scales or ...

Jack Links

Production Worker

Underwood, IA

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer ... Perform standard operating procedures of production and inspection functions as directed.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 17, 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.

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.

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.

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 sometimes gaining experience in meat processing environments, making it a specialized but attainable career path for those with the necessary skills and training.

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.

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 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,861 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

PRODUCTION HOURLY

JBS USA

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description Preview
JBS® Pork is a leader in premium pork products designed to provide customers with a superior eating experience each and every time. Our wide selection of brands including Swift® and Swift Premium®, are well-recognized for their value, freshness and consistency. From our premium fresh natural products to our innovative dry rubbed, ready-to-cook products, JBS Pork offers the solution for your quality pork needs.
JBS is hiring for quality, motivated, people to join the JBS team on our production floor as general laborers.
Applicants should be willing or capable of performing the following jobs in the plant:
Work in an area where livestock is being killed
Work regularly in temperatures are near or below freezing (Coolers, Loading Dock Freezer)
Work in areas with unpleasant odors
Work in damp or cold conditions (20-30 Degrees-Fabrication)
Work in extreme heat (up to 104 degrees in the kill floor)
Work in areas that require you to lift, pull, or push 50 lbs.
Work with sharp knives or a cutting tool
Willing and capable of working overtime when necessary (Heavy Season- August- February
Available to work Day and Nights
Willing and capable of working Saturdays
Willing and capable of working in or around bloody areas, in a fast pace work environment, performing repetitive hand motions and body movements. Physical demanding jobs may take 5 to 6 weeks for the body to fully adjust to the work conditions, work environment, and job descriptions.
LIFTING/ PUSHING/PULLING – 10 lbs. -50 lbs. production
NEUTRAL WRIST- Repetitive hand motions and grasping. < span="">
REACHING – Reaching for product on the conveyor belt with hooks, reaching for boxes, or bags
STANDING – Constant standing for 8 to 10 hours per day, 6 days a week (Loading dock 7 days as needed per schedule.) (2 allowed breaks are scheduled based on the union contract and operational requirements.)
Loading Dock
Heavy Work - Exerting 51 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 26 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 11 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.
Expectations-
Report to work every day at your scheduled start time.
Follow all company policies and procedures.
Follow supervisors and managers instructions.
Have the ability to work with others, and get along with others.
Work to the best of your abilities and have the desire to learn and grow.
Responsibilities:
Use assortment of knives, steel, and a hook to perform job tasks.
Keep knife sharp: develop good knife sharpening skills. Ask for assistance if needed.
Operate heavy equipment.
Bag and Box product.
Must use proper personal protective equipment effectively.
Expected to work hands on at high speed and times to lift over 50 pounds.
Must keep work areas clean and follow proper food safety protocols.
Must adhere to JBS specifications in product to ensure quality of meat.
May have to shave or wash animal meat before packing.
Inspect meat or meat products and/or packaging.
Stay aware of your surroundings and notify a supervisor if you recognize a hazard. < span="">
Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions: 
Production and maintenance settings
Exposure to various chemicals, machinery, and knives
Slippery floors, cold temperatures, and loud ambient noise
Ability to work 50+ hours
Good attendance and safety records 
Relationships:
Internal: Employees on the production line and plant management 
External: USDA and Union 
Comments: The schedule for this position is typically Mon - Fri. Weekend work required as scheduled. During Fall Season, Saturdays are typically scheduled.
EOE, including disability/vets
JBS offers a full range of benefits including health care, life insurance, and a 401 (K) plan.
JBS is an equal opportunity employer.
Our foundation & our strength is in our values
DETERMINATION | SIMPLICITY | AVAILABILITY | HUMILITY | SINCERITY | DISCIPLINE | OWNERS  
 
 
 

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