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Poultry Meat Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

$49K - $64K/yr

Meat and Poultry Inspector #00427 Job no: 5109303 Work type: Full-Time (Salaried) Location: Lee, Virginia, Scott, Virginia Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources Title: Meat and Poultry ...

New

State of Oklahoma

Meat Inspector

Sulphur, OK · On-site

$25.07/hr

This position is responsible for performing inspections at meat and poultry plants in Oklahoma to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Typical Functions:

Martin Foods

General Production

Houston, TX · On-site

$12/hr

Handle, trim, cut, sort, inspect, or package poultry products as assigned * Maintain consistent ... Previous poultry, meat processing, or manufacturing experience * Knowledge of food safety or USDA ...

Martin Foods LP

General Production

Houston, TX · On-site

$12/hr

Handle, trim, cut, sort, inspect, or package poultry products as assigned * Maintain consistent ... Previous poultry, meat processing, or manufacturing experience * Knowledge of food safety or USDA ...

Martin Foods, L.P.

General Production

Houston, TX

$12/hr

Handle, trim, cut, sort, inspect, or package poultry products as assigned * Maintain consistent ... Previous poultry, meat processing, or manufacturing experience * Knowledge of food safety or USDA ...

Snelling Austin

Meat Cutter / Meat Processor

Austin, TX

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... pork, poultry, etc.) to meet customer and production specifications. * Operate cutting tools, knives, saws, and other meat processing equipment safely and efficiently. * Inspect meat for quality ...

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Poultry Meat Inspector information

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How much do poultry meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for poultry meat inspector in the United States is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a poultry meat inspector?

Poultry Meat Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining poultry before and after slaughter to ensure the meat is safe for human consumption. They check for signs of disease, contamination, and proper handling according to food safety regulations. Their work helps prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers and supports public health efforts. Inspectors may work for government agencies or private companies in processing plants.

What is the difference between Poultry Meat Inspector vs Meat Inspector?

AspectPoultry Meat InspectorMeat Inspector
CertificationsFood safety, USDA/FSIS certificationsFood safety, USDA/FSIS certifications
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, slaughterhousesProcessing plants, slaughterhouses
Industry UsageSpecifically inspects poultry productsInspects various meat products including beef, pork, poultry

Both Poultry Meat Inspectors and Meat Inspectors ensure food safety and quality in processing facilities. Poultry Meat Inspectors focus specifically on poultry products, while Meat Inspectors oversee a broader range of meat types. They share similar certifications and work environments, but their scope of inspection differs based on the product type.

What are some typical challenges a poultry meat inspector may face during daily inspections?

Poultry Meat Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in cold or noisy processing environments, maintaining attention to detail over long shifts, and ensuring compliance with strict food safety regulations. Inspectors must consistently identify subtle signs of contamination or disease, requiring strong observational skills and knowledge of regulatory standards. Teamwork is essential, as inspectors regularly collaborate with plant workers, supervisors, and regulatory agencies to address findings and improve processes.

How do I become a poultry meat inspector?

To become a poultry meat inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete specialized training in meat inspection, often provided by government agencies or industry organizations. Certification or licensing may be required, and knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation, and inspection procedures is essential for the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a poultry meat inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Poultry Meat Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety, animal anatomy, and regulatory standards, often supported by specialized training or certification in food inspection. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and government regulations (such as USDA or FSIS guidelines) is typically required. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors identify issues and work effectively with production staff. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure consumer safety, regulatory compliance, and the overall quality of poultry products.
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What job categories do people searching Poultry Meat Inspector jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Poultry Meat Inspector jobs are:

Poultry Meat Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Poultry Meat Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,697 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Meat and Poultry Inspector #00427

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

On-site

$49K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

822nd of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Meat and Poultry Inspector #00427
Job no: 5109303
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Lee, Virginia, Scott, Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources
Title: Meat and Poultry Inspector #00427
State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I
Hiring Range: $49,392 - $64,680 annually
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture
Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW
Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a candidate for the position of Meat and Poultry Inspector with the Office of Meat and Poultry Services (OMPS). This position is required to provide inspection coverage in Scott and Lee Counties and surrounding areas within the Southwest Virginia region and may be required to provide coverage in other areas based on agency needs. The successful candidate will be required to live in or convenient to said inspection area. Duties include conducting ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections; verification of the food safety systems in assigned meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities; enforcement of the Humane Handling Act; collection of official samples; and entering data for inspection reports. OMPS Inspector's enforce the Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, and related state regulations. This position includes daily travel to assigned facilities, with regular weekend coverage, occasional overtime, and holidays, and may involve rotating shifts. Occasional travel throughout Virginia for a mobile slaughter unit is also required and may involve additional travel. This position also involves considerable physical activity. A state car will be assigned for business use only and must remain parked within the assigned territory.
Minimum Qualifications
The ability to interpret and enforce regulatory compliance by evaluating findings to support conclusions. This position requires the ability to work independently without direct supervision. Selected candidate must also demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills including the ability to accurately prepare technical reports as well as display excellent customer service skills. Computer proficiency is needed along with experience using standard business office software applications. The ability to recognize animal characteristics and behavior; humane handling of animals and identify abnormal conditions while conducting inspection procedures. HS Diploma/GED required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Position is physically demanding and requires long periods of standing, walking, and driving long distances. Work requires the ability to distinguish colors and odors and to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Exposure to work in environments with extreme temperature changes (hot and cold), high noise levels, and wet and slippery floors.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The selected applicant must have and maintain a valid driver's license with a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. The selected applicant must meet requirements for federal compliance certification within the first twelve months of employment.
Additional Considerations
A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of animal science, agriculture, food science/microbiology or a related field. Related work experience in the field of agriculture and/or the enforcement and interpretation of government regulations. Knowledge of the meat and poultry slaughter and processing operations is strongly desired, however training is provided. A working knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles as applied to the meat industry is also preferred.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.
Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 804-786-3531
Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 13 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 26 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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