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Poultry Meat Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

$40K/yr

... as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food or beverages for human consumption, or other ... examinations (e.g. identifying abnormalities in the product or production environment and ...

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Poultry Meat Examiner information

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$33K

$67.1K

$109.5K

How much do poultry meat examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for poultry meat examiner in the United States is $67,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Poultry Meat Examiners, and how can they be effectively managed on the job?

Poultry Meat Examiners often face the challenge of maintaining focus and accuracy while inspecting large volumes of poultry products on fast-paced processing lines. Adhering strictly to food safety regulations and identifying subtle signs of contamination or disease requires strong attention to detail and stamina. To manage these challenges, examiners typically receive thorough training, use protective equipment, and work in teams to rotate tasks, ensuring both efficiency and worker well-being. Regular breaks and open communication with supervisors also help sustain high standards and reduce fatigue.

What is a Poultry Meat Examiner?

A Poultry Meat Examiner is a trained professional responsible for inspecting poultry carcasses and parts to ensure they meet safety and quality standards set by regulatory agencies. Their main duties include identifying signs of disease, contamination, or other issues that would make the meat unfit for consumption. They work in processing plants, often alongside veterinarians and food safety inspectors, to uphold public health. This role requires attention to detail and knowledge of food safety regulations. Poultry Meat Examiners play a vital role in maintaining the quality and safety of the poultry products that reach consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Poultry Meat Examiner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Poultry Meat Examiner, you need a solid understanding of food safety, anatomy, and inspection procedures, typically gained through specialized training or certification in meat inspection. Familiarity with inspection tools, regulatory documentation systems, and sometimes USDA certification is commonly required. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills are crucial for accurately identifying issues and reporting findings. These abilities ensure compliance with safety standards and help protect public health by preventing contaminated products from reaching consumers.

What is the difference between Poultry Meat Examiner vs Poultry Processing Technician?

AspectPoultry Meat ExaminerPoultry Processing Technician
CertificationsFood safety, inspection certificationsFood safety, processing certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection facilities, processing plantsProcessing plants, slaughterhouses
Job FocusInspecting poultry for quality and safetyProcessing poultry products, operating equipment
Employer & IndustryFood inspection agencies, processing companiesMeat processing plants, poultry farms

While both roles work within poultry processing environments, Poultry Meat Examiners focus on inspecting poultry for safety and quality, ensuring compliance with health standards. Poultry Processing Technicians handle the processing and packaging of poultry products, operating machinery and preparing products for distribution.

More about Poultry Meat Examiner jobs
What job categories do people searching Poultry Meat Examiner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Poultry Meat Examiner jobs are:
Poultry Meat Examiner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Poultry Meat Examiner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,054 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

MEAT & POULTRY INSPECTOR I (Charleston/Ripley, WV)

WV Department of Agriculture

Ripley, WV • On-site

$43K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Position Description
Job Title: Meat and Poultry Inspector I
Division: Animal Health
Headquarters: Charleston/Ripley, WV
Reports To: Circuit II Supervisor
Supervisory Responsibility: None
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Nature of Work:
Under direct supervision of a Circuit Supervisor and/or Program Manager, the Meat and Poultry Inspector I is responsible for applying the laws, regulations, policies, and inspection methods concerned with antemortem and postmortem inspection and limited meat and poultry processing at commercial processing plants and slaughterhouses. Must complete an intensive training program divided into two components: 1) inspection requirements associated with the slaughter of livestock and poultry; 2) pathogen reduction principles associated with food processing and more complex processing inspections.
Continuation of employment is contingent upon completing the aforementioned training and scoring a minimum of 80% on the tests.
Examples of Work:
  • Maintain continuing instruction/education and supplementary supervision in the application of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and inspection methods.
  • Examine heads, viscera, and carcasses of slaughtered meat producing animals for diseased or abnormal conditions. Tag suspect parts for a more thorough inspection and final disposition by a Public Health Veterinarian.
  • Observe and inspect cutting, boning, and trimming operations; byproducts; handling of viscera; inedible handling; and refrigeration of parts and carcasses.
  • Observe the removal of localized defects in carcasses and parts; monitor that facility staff is following standard operating procedures for cleaning and disinfecting equipment.
  • Observe the branding of carcasses passed without restriction; maintain required control over the carcasses and parts passed under restriction or condemned.
  • Verify that slaughter operations comply with Pathogen Reduction requirements.
  • Verify pre-operational and operational sanitation inspections at commercial meat and poultry processing plants and slaughterhouses.
  • Enforce compliance with Sanitation Standard Operational Procedures (SSOP).
  • Review HACCP plans, records, and supporting documents for compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Conduct inspections of processing operations, and on a limited basis, review processing formulae, procedures, technologies, ingredients, letters of guarantee, and labels.
  • Select random product samples for laboratory examination and analysis, both economic and microbiological.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Extensive travel to inspected plants (5 days per week regularly; weekends/holidays infrequently) to perform duties under difficult environmental conditions (heat, high humidity, sharp objects, slippery floors, etc.). Requires the ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull, and handle objects, and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires well-developed manual dexterity, contact with animal blood and body fluids, and occasional indirect contact with ingesta and chemical substances. Requires excellent vision and color recognition.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge or ability to learn meat and poultry inspection laws, regulations, policies, directives, and other documents pertaining to inspection.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems and their application in the meat and poultry industry.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn Sanitation Standard Operational Procedures (SSOP) and their application in the meat and poultry industry.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn slaughtering, meat and poultry procedures and technologies.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn the normal appearance and behavior of animals.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn the appearance of healthy carcasses and parts.
  • Ability to work in a noisy, hot, humid room under hazardous conditions such as slippery floors, suspended carcasses, and sharp, rotating pats of equipment.
  • Ability to use a knife with skillful dexterity.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to use a personal computer or laptop; access and use the Public Health Information System.
  • Ability to effectively deal with plant managers; including cases of controversy.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
College education in animal science, meat science, microbiology, or a closely related field is preferred.
Substitutions:
High School diploma or GED required; VoTech Certification of additional training in slaughter of animals and/or meat processing preferred or a high school diploma and extensive experience in food inspection and practical application of pathogen reduction and HACCP systems at commercial establishments.
Licenses/ Certifications:
Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA, FSIS) training equivalent for plant inspection certification must be completed. Must obtain a USDA Linc Pass.
Additional Requirements:
  • Valid driver's license is required.
  • Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
  • Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
  • Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner of Agriculture and designees.
West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.

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