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Meat Science Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Surlean Foods

QA Manager

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

Additional duties may be assigned by VP of FSQA and/or FSQA Technical Services Manager JOB QUALIFICATIONS/ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS * BS in Food Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, Biology or ...

Surlean Foods

QA Manager

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

Additional duties may be assigned by VP of FSQA and/or FSQA Technical Services Manager JOB QUALIFICATIONS/ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS * BS in Food Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, Biology or ...

Surlean Foods

QA Manager

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$95 - $130/hr

Additional duties may be assigned by VP of FSQA and/or FSQA Technical Services Manager JOB QUALIFICATIONS/ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS * BS in Food Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, Biology or ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying ...

University of Arizona

Food Specialist II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.15 - $22.69/hr

... Sciences at the University of Arizona is seeking a Food Specialist II. This position performs non-routine and precision functions in slaughtering, meat packing, or wholesale establishments.

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How much do meat science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat science in Arizona is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is meat science?

A Meat Science job involves the study of meat production, processing, safety, and quality control. Professionals in this field work in various roles, including research, product development, food safety, and quality assurance. They apply principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to improve meat products and ensure they meet industry and regulatory standards. Careers in meat science can be found in the food industry, government agencies, and academia.

What does someone in meat science do?

Professionals in Meat Science often split their time between laboratory analysis, quality assurance activities, and collaboration with production teams to ensure product safety and quality. Daily tasks may include conducting tests on meat samples, monitoring processing conditions, analyzing sensory qualities, and implementing food safety protocols. They also frequently document results, develop new processing methods, and may assist with training staff on best practices. Working closely with other departments such as R&D, operations, and regulatory affairs is common to maintain compliance and innovate product offerings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in meat science?

To thrive in Meat Science, you need a deep understanding of animal biology, food safety, and meat processing, typically supported by a degree in animal science, food science, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, HACCP certification, and specialized meat quality assessment systems is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are key soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the production of safe, high-quality meat products while enabling effective collaboration with production, research, and regulatory teams.

How much does a meat scientist make?

A meat scientist's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in food safety or quality assurance may earn higher salaries, and many work in research facilities, processing plants, or academia.

What can you do with a meat science degree?

A meat science degree prepares individuals for careers in meat processing, quality assurance, research, and product development within the meat industry. Graduates can work as meat graders, quality control technicians, research scientists, or in regulatory roles, often requiring knowledge of food safety standards and processing techniques.

What are popular job titles related to Meat Science jobs in Arizona?

For Meat Science jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Meat Science jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Science jobs in Arizona are:

Meat Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Science job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,735 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

QA Manager

Surlean Foods

Tolleson, AZ • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the food safety culture in the facility

  • Verify and approve quality checks in the automated Compliance System and manage food safety and quality records

  • Lead investigations of foreign material issues and customer complaints, and manage the hold log and product disposition

Job description

PURPOSE OF ROLE
The Food Safety amp; Quality Assurance Manager performs numerous essential functions to ensure the safety and quality of all raw and cooked products used and produced by the plant. The FSQA Manager must exhibit a strong work ethic and leadership skills to keep the FSQA department disciplined and focused on being proactive and not reactive. FSQA Manager reports to the V.P. of FSQA.
PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES
  • Lead the food safety culture in the facility
  • Enforce the company’s Good Manufacturing Practices Policy
  • Verification and Validation of HACCP/FSMA
  • Verify and approve quality checks in our automated Compliance System
  • Work with the FSQA Technical Services Manager to reassess and revise all QA Policies for compliance with Regulatory (USDA/FDA/APHIS/Export), BRC Standards and Customer Expectations
  • Build and maintain relationship with Regulatory Bodies (i.e. On-Site USDA Inspectors)
  • Lead the investigation and documentation of foreign material issues
  • Lead the investigation and documentation of customer complaints
  • Monitor sanitation standard operating procedures and document SSOP’s in accordance with the company program
  • Manage the Environmental Program (environmental sampling of equipment, drains and raw and finished products)
  • Manage pre-operational inspection of equipment and facilities
  • Build professional working relationships with all Department Leaders and plant employees
  • Monitor and document food security and safety
  • Assign FSQA Supervisor tasks and support scheduling of QA Techs
  • Review food safety and quality records
  • Manage the hold log and lead investigations to determine disposition of product and root cause of hold
  • Ensure all 3rd party lab results are reviewed and acted upon
  • Monitor internal physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of raw and finished products
  • Responsible for understanding lab equipment use and PMs to keep in good-as-new condition (i.e. FOSS Meat Scans, pH meters, Temperature Monitoring Equipment, etc.)
  • Train staff on company policies and expectations and HACCP/FSMA
  • Manage all plant audits
  • Coordinates audit corrective actions
  • Be reachable by phone 24/7
  • Be flexible with shift hours to support the QA Team as needed for preop and 2nd shift
  • Additional duties may be assigned by VP of FSQA and/or FSQA Technical Services Manager
JOB QUALIFICATIONS/ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • BS in Food Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, Biology or related field is required (Extensive background and experience can be reviewed and assessed)
  • 5 years’ experience in food safety amp; quality
  • Meat protein background preferred
  • HACCP/FSMA Knowledge
  • BRC Knowledge preferred
  • RTE experience required for high risk facilities
  • Frequently stands, lifts 50 lbs., walks, reaches, stoops, bends, handles product, smells, listens, speaks and sees
  • Basic computer skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Must be able to work in extreme temperature
  • Must be a team player and be able to work cross-functionally
  • Must be able to work unsupervised
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The temperature ranges from 0 degrees in freezers to 110 degrees in the cook rooms. There is exposure to equipment and machinery that are considered to be hazardous. Potential electrical, chemical, and heat hazards are also present. The level of noise is high and constant. Floors are damp and slick. There is forklift traffic present.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Hard hats, ear plugs or muffs, frocks, non-porous steel toe boots, hair nets, and beard nets must be worn at all times within the plant. Cotton and Latex gloves must be worn when handling product or contacting sanitary surfaces at all times for personal safety and product quality.
EMERGENCY TASK AND JOB ASSIGNMENT:
  1. FSQA Manager will be responsible for assigning tasks, verifying task completion, and reviewing all records and HACCP paperwork when completed.
  2. In the event that the FSQA Manager is not available the QA Supervisor will be responsible for assigning tasks, verifying task completion, and reviewing all records and HACCP paperwork when completed.

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