ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Meat Inspector Jobs in Brandon, SD (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 15, 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 qualifications do I need to be a quality inspector?

To become a meat inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of food safety standards and inspection procedures. Certification from relevant agencies, such as the USDA in the United States, is often required, and experience in food processing or quality control can be beneficial.

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 certification from the USDA or relevant state agencies, which involves passing written exams and gaining practical experience in meat processing facilities.

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 type of inspectors make the most money?

In the meat inspection field, federal meat inspectors typically earn higher salaries than state or local inspectors due to their broader responsibilities and federal certification requirements. Experienced inspectors with specialized skills, such as quality assurance or food safety certifications, also tend to earn higher wages. Salary levels can vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the inspection environment.

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.

How hard is it to become a food inspector?

Becoming a meat inspector typically requires completing relevant education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and obtaining specialized training or certification. Candidates often need to pass written exams and meet physical and background requirements, with some positions requiring experience in food safety or related fields.
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 June 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.

Warehouse Material Handler - 2nd & 3rd Shift

Smithfield Foods

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

$21.45/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:

  • Hourly Competitive Starting Pay - $21.45/hour

  • $0.50/hour shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shift positions

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More

  • Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.

Core Responsibilities:

Warehouse Material Handler assists with all aspects of warehouse functions. Ensures work is completed in a safe manner and within the quality parameters established. This position requires problem solving responsibilities.

  • Receipt of materials into warehouse, including unloading trucks, product check-in with proper markings: Product Code, Count and Date Received, Lot Tags where applicable

  • Organization and put away of new receipts

  • Responsible for accurate documentation of material movement on BOLs, trailer load documents, packing lists, transfer lists: identification, count, signature and date.

  • Assist with receipt entry and processing

  • Assure accurate inventory counts of materials

  • Timely notification of package receipts for other departments and/or delivery to appropriate office location

  • Preparation and loading/unloading of Transfer Lists onto trailers for future production: Verifying correct product pulled, documenting lot information, signature and date on paperwork

  • Enter product transfers and adjustments

  • Housekeeping during and at end of shift

  • Assisting with inventory receipts and accuracy

  • Inventory placement and storage

  • Inventory verification

  • Working in non-climate-controlled warehouse conditions

  • Good housekeeping of warehouse and inventory locations

  • Walking and standing on concrete floors for long periods of time

  • Additional essential functions may be applicable to specific jobs

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

  • Knowledge and experience in Meat Industry is preferred, but not required

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. A minimum of 3 full months of documented experience as a certified fork lift/heavy lift driver will be accepted in lieu of a High School Diploma or GED.

  • Previous powered industrial truck (PIT) experience

  • Must obtain proper powered industrial truck (PIT) certification during initial training phase

  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.

  • Understand and follow both written and verbal instructions

  • Perform basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in all measures, whole numbers, common fractions and decimals

  • Attention to detail and good communication skills, both verbal and written

  • Computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office

  • Competent and trustworthy to comply with federal inspection programs and company safety and health policies

  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

  • Be available to work scheduled hours, which may include mandatory overtime, depending upon production demands

  • Ability to wear proper PPE for work environment

  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Relocation Package Available No

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

Apply