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Meat Inspector Jobs in Brandon, SD (NOW HIRING)

Renner Corner Meats

Butcher/Meat Cutter

Renner, SD

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Receive and inspect incoming livestock or carcasses to ensure quality and freshness. Prepare and portion meat products for wholesale and retail sales, ensuring accurate weights and consistent quality.

Apply Early

Smithfield Foods

Electrical Technician

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$29.85 - $37.55/hr

We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products ... Conduct routine audits and equipment inspections. * Maintain open and professional line of ...

Smithfield Foods

Electrical Technician

Sioux Falls, SD

$29.85 - $37.55/hr

We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products ... Conduct routine audits and equipment inspections.Maintain open and professional line of ...

All JobsMeat Inspector JobsMeat Inspector Jobs in Brandon, SD

Meat Inspector information

See Brandon, SD salary details

$19

$22

$25

How much do meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat inspector in Brandon, SD is $22.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Meat Inspector position, and why are they important?

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.

What is a Meat Inspector job?

A Meat Inspector is responsible for ensuring that meat products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They examine livestock, carcasses, and packaging processes to identify potential contamination, disease, or defects. Inspectors follow government regulations and may work in slaughterhouses, processing plants, or distribution centers. Their role is crucial in protecting public health and maintaining food safety standards.

What cities near Brandon, SD are hiring for Meat Inspector jobs? Cities near Brandon, SD with the most Meat Inspector job openings:
Meat Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Inspector job openings in Brandon, SD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,978 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Animal Industry Livestock/Meat Inspector

Animal Industry Livestock/Meat Inspector

State of South Dakota

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

$24.22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

State Of South Dakota rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states

Job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 36552
Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources - Animal Industry Board
Location:Mitchell, SD; Yankton, SD; Sioux Falls, SDSalary: $24.22 Hourly
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: 07/21/2026
This Animal Industry Livestock/Meat Inspector will inspect livestock slaughter procedures, processing plants, processed meats, recipes, labels, lockers, imported animals, and/or conducts statewide reviews of meat plant inspections or livestock disease control to identify violations, recommend actions, and ensure compliance with state and federal rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
This position requires daily and overnight travel to cover inspection as needed.
This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
This is a Full-Time position with the Animal Industry Board, within the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. For more information on the Animal Industry Board, please visit https://aib.sd.gov/.
Licenses and Certifications:
The applicant must maintain a South Dakota driver's license.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Knowledge of or a background in animal science or the livestock/meat industry is preferred. A background in agriculture would be beneficial. Works a 40 hour work week, must be flexible in scheduling work. Requires travel and some overnight stays. Incumbent will need to be open to relocation if inspection duties require. Daily travel will be required.
Knowledge of:
  • Animal Agriculture;
  • Animal Anatomy;
  • Meat Inspection;
  • Livestock Diseases;
  • Livestock Slaughter Procedures.

Ability to:
  • communicate both verbally and in writing;
  • write concise and accurate reports;
  • follow verbal and written instructions;
  • recognize general animal health;
  • observe livestock slaughter operations;
  • think critically when evaluating processes;
  • deal tactfully with others;
  • travel.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.
This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4BJ
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

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