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Meat Scientist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Meat Scientist information

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$34.8K

$85.4K

$150.3K

How much do meat scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for meat scientist in Iowa is $85,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,900.00 and $93,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a meat scientist do?

A Meat Scientist studies the properties, quality, safety, and processing of meat products. They work to enhance meat production efficiency, improve product quality, ensure food safety, and develop new meat products. Their role involves research, testing, and collaboration with farmers, processors, and regulatory agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat scientist?

To thrive as a Meat Scientist, you need a strong background in food science, animal science, or a related field, with expertise in meat processing, microbiology, and quality assurance. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations (like HACCP), and analytical testing software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are highly valued in this role. These capabilities are critical for ensuring meat product quality, safety, and innovation within the food industry.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a meat scientist?

Meat Scientists often begin in research, product development, or quality assurance roles within food production companies or research organizations. As you gain experience, there are opportunities to advance to senior scientist, project manager, or leadership positions overseeing teams or entire R&D departments. Some professionals also transition into regulatory affairs, technical sales, or academic research. Career growth is often driven by gaining hands-on experience, earning advanced degrees, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards. This field offers a dynamic environment where innovation and collaboration can open doors to diverse career paths.

How do you become a meat scientist?

To become a meat scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in meat science, animal science, food science, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced research roles. Gaining experience through internships, understanding meat processing techniques, and developing skills in microbiology and food safety are also important for this profession.

How much does a meat scientist make?

A meat scientist's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in research or management roles.

What are popular job titles related to Meat Scientist jobs in Iowa?

For Meat Scientist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Meat Scientist jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Scientist jobs in Iowa are:

Meat Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Scientist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,437 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance NSIS Technologist

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Denison, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 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!
THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As a valued member of our Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FS/QA) team, you'll play a key role in maintaining the highest standards of food safety. You'll conduct routine sanitation checks, ensuring that HACCP and USDA regulations are consistently followed. Your work will directly impact the safe delivery of our top-quality products from renowned brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous, all the way to our customers and consumers.
In this role, you'll be responsible for performing NSIS procedures. The New Swine Inspection System (NSIS), developed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), is designed to create a more flexible, efficient, and fully integrated meat inspection system. Unlike traditional methods, NSIS shifts more control to the establishment, with Agency personnel focusing on carcass and verification activities. As an NSIS Technologist, you'll conduct critical inspections of live hogs, heads, carcasses, and viscera. You'll be on the front lines, identifying and controlling potential food safety hazards related to pathological conditions and contamination during processing, ensuring the safety and quality of our products every step of the way.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The below 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.
  • Disease, Contamination & Compliance: You will recognize and identify diseases, consumer concerns, and contamination in pork/swine, ensuring compliance with Federal Regulations, Directives, and Guidelines.
  • Product Monitoring & Documentation: You will ensure products meet RTC pork definitions, communicate with helpers to use the correct tags/markings, and verify inspection documentation with USDA officials and Plant Management.
  • Collaboration & Problem-Solving: You will work with other departments to implement procedure changes, address non-compliance issues, and apply your technical knowledge to prevent and resolve product/process failures.
  • Quality Control & Continuous Improvement: You will interpret customer specifications, apply subjective quality decisions (appearance, texture, etc.), and continuously improve product quality through attention to processes and ongoing improvements.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:
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.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED), required
  • For internal candidates with 4+ years of experience with the company, the Company has the discretion to waive educational requirements.
  • Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
  • Technical Skills & Documentation: Ability to follow written and verbal directions, create and interpret technical documents (quality specs, safety rules, manuals), use monitoring equipment, and work with software like spreadsheets, presentations, and word processing.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and addressing inquiries from customers or regulatory agencies. Ability to make decisions, problem-solve, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, fostering positive relationships and a team-oriented atmosphere.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • 2+ years' experience (Harvest processing, USDA inspector, or FSQA) in a related field, preferred.
  • Bilingual skills are a valuable asset, allowing you to communicate effectively in diverse, multicultural environments and enhance team collaboration.
  • Quality Assurance & Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of quality assurance principles, food science, meat processing, and USDA regulations. Ability to uphold regulatory and company standards while interpreting and applying corrective actions and regulatory expectations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks and stand for prolonged period of time.
  • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to identify color properly to detect abnormalities.
  • Exposed to temperatures ranging from below 40 - above 90 degrees, working in warm and cold area simultaneously.
  • Continually stand and use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
  • Some Responsibilities will require work in livestock areas with and around live animals.
  • Must process fine motor skills and hand eye coordination for handling inspection tools, knives and detailed examinations.

IndSPR-Ops
Relocation Package AvailableNo
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.

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