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Poultry Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachoco USA Poultry Litter Service Technician is responsible for carrying out the poultry litter ... Perform basic inspections and maintenance of the tractor and equipment before and after each job.

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Poultry Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do poultry inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for poultry inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Poultry Inspector?

As a Poultry Inspector, your day-to-day work typically involves examining poultry products for signs of disease, contamination, or quality issues, reviewing processing procedures, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. You may take samples for laboratory analysis, monitor sanitary conditions, and document findings in detailed inspection reports. Collaboration with plant workers, supervisors, and regulatory officials is common to address any concerns and support corrective actions. The role often requires a mix of time spent on the production floor and performing administrative tasks, making adaptability a valuable asset.

What qualifications do I need to be a quality inspector?

Poultry inspectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education or specialized training in food safety or quality assurance. Certification from agencies such as the USDA or relevant state departments can enhance job prospects, and knowledge of food processing, safety standards, and inspection tools is essential.

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

To thrive as a Poultry Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety, animal health regulations, and quality control, often supported by a degree or coursework in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and standardized reporting systems is typically required, along with any relevant local or federal certification. Strong attention to detail, good communication, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are key soft skills for this position. These skills ensure accurate inspections, regulatory compliance, and the safety and quality of poultry products.

What is a Poultry Inspector job?

A Poultry Inspector is responsible for ensuring that poultry products meet safety and quality standards before reaching consumers. They examine birds for signs of disease, check processing facilities for compliance with regulations, and enforce sanitation guidelines. Inspectors work for government agencies or private companies and must be knowledgeable about food safety laws. Their role helps protect public health by preventing contaminated or unsafe poultry products from entering the market.

Is it hard to become a food inspector?

Becoming a poultry inspector typically requires completing relevant education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a certification exam. The process involves understanding food safety standards, often including on-the-job training and sometimes additional certifications, making it a manageable career path for those interested in food safety and inspection roles.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

In the poultry industry, senior or specialized poultry inspectors, such as quality assurance managers or lead inspectors, tend to earn higher salaries due to their experience and expertise. These roles often require advanced certifications and oversight responsibilities, which contribute to increased compensation compared to entry-level positions.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Poultry inspectors typically do not earn $2000 a day; their salaries are usually much lower, often ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate executives, or certain high-level consultants, which often require advanced education, certifications, and experience.
More about Poultry Inspector jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Poultry Inspector jobs? The most popular types of Poultry Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Poultry Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Poultry Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Poultry Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Poultry Inspector jobs are:
Infographic showing various Poultry Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Meat & Poultry Inspector Trainee - Circuit 3-3 - Iroquois Co.

Meat & Poultry Inspector Trainee - Circuit 3-3 - Iroquois Co.

State of Illinois

Springfield, IL • On-site

$4.3K - $5.7K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Of Illinois rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Requisition ID: 56009 
Opening Date:
06/09/2026
Closing Date:
06/23/2026
Agency:
Department of Agriculture
Class Title: 
MEAT & POULTRY INSP TRAINEE - 26075 
Skill Option: 
None 
Bilingual Option: 
None
Salary:
Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $4373 a month; Full Range $4373 - $5703 a month
Job Type:
Salaried
Category: 
Full Time 
County:
Iroquois; Champaign; Ford; Kankakee; Livingston; Vermilion
Number of Vacancies:
1
Bargaining Unit Code: 
RC029 Paraprofessional Investigatory & Law Enforcement Employees, Meat and Poultry Inspectors, and Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainees, IFPE. The RC-033 bargaining unit merged into RC-029 bargaining unit effective May 15, 2014.
Merit Comp Code: 

This position serves in a regional capacity. Persons serving in this role are required to assume residency in one of the Counties identified under the Conditions of Employment section which includes Iroquois, Kankakee, Ford, Livingston, Vermillion or Champaign County, and will be required to work from their home location as a base of daily operational headquarters to service their designated worksites.

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger-something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule-flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainee for Iroquois County.  Meat and Poultry Inspectors are essential employees on the front lines of protecting our food production system.  Candidates for this trainee position will complete a training program of up to 12 months. We invite qualified applicants to apply for this position to help the Department of Agriculture ensure the production of safe and wholesome meat and poultry products. 

The Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainee for Iroquois County.  Meat and Poultry Inspectors are essential employees on the front lines of protecting our food production system.  Candidates for this trainee position will complete a training program of up to 12 months. We invite qualified applicants to apply for this position to help the Department of Agriculture ensure the production of safe and wholesome meat and poultry products. 

Essential Functions
  • Under direct supervision, participates in an agency sponsored training program for a period of six to twelve months; receives orientation, classroom instruction and on-the-job training in slaughter of animals and poultry and processing of meat and poultry products; acquires knowledge of techniques and procedures utilized in meat and poultry inspection to maintain state and federal standards; receives controlled assignments under the close supervision of veterinary and supervisory personnel. Travels to sites to perform inspections.
  • Under close supervision, performs antemortem inspection of live animals and/or poultry prior to slaughter for the presence of conditions indicative of abnormalities or diseases.
  • Successfully completes the Employee Development Guide for basic meat inspection and State of Illinois Department of Agriculture's slaughter and processing training courses to become familiar with provisions of food inspection laws, regulations, manuals and inspection procedures.
  • Travels to, attends, and participates in workshops, meetings, institutes, and other activities which will provide meaningful learning experiences for use in meat and poultry inspection.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to high school, preferably with courses in algebra, biology or chemistry.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prefers knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of education beyond high school in the following order: Associate degree, Bachelor's degree, Advanced degree.
  • Prefers completion of education beyond high school with a bachelor's or advanced degree in the fields of science or agriculture.
  • Prefers experience in the butchering, slaughtering, and/or processing of animals for food.
  • Prefers experience observing the postmortem exam of animals.
  • Prefers working knowledge of the principles of Hazard Analysis - Critical Control Point Plans (HACCP).
  • Prefers experience filling out HACCP records. 
  • Prefers working knowledge of Sanitation and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
  • Prefers elementary knowledge of disease or abnormal conditions of animals, poultry, carcasses, or meat and poultry products.
  • Prefers elementary knowledge of how to identify adulterated product.
Conditions of Employment
  1. Requires completion of a name-based background screening and self-disclosure of criminal history.
  2. Requires the ability to successfully pass a preemployment physical
  3. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
  4. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
  5. This position is considered light work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(b)). Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. This job may require a good deal of walking or standing or involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls.
  6. This position requires residency in one of the following counties: Iroquois, Ford, Kankakee, Livingston, Vermillion or Champaign County.
  7. Requires ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant odors in slaughterhouses and in meat preparation areas, to extreme cold in meat lockers and heat in processing areas.
  8. Requires ability to use safety practices around dangerous meat cutting and processing machinery.
  9. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm daily work hours may vary
Headquarter Location: 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Iroquois
Agency Contact: Bureau of Human Resources
Email: AGR.HumanResources@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-785-5099
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers an annual budget of approximately $200 million and employs more than 400 people statewide, with several hundred more seasonal employees hired during the summer to support the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair.  Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the State's land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed, and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the State's horse racing programs.

AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.  

AGR offers a robust benefit package including; 

  • Monday-Friday work schedule
  • Flexible work schedules in many program areas
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
  • 12 Weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Pension Plan
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
  • Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually
  • Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service
  • Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date
  • Thirteen - Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).


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About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

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