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Usda Meat Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cutter / Meat Processor

Austin, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Inspect meat for quality, freshness, and proper texture before and after cutting. * Maintain clean and sanitary work areas in compliance with food safety regulations (USDA, HACCP). * Follow ...

Butcher/Meat Cutter

Grand Bay, AL · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

USDA Beef Processing Facility Hiring Butchers in Grand Bay, AL. Job Details: * Pay Range: $18-$24 ... Inspect meat according to federal and health department standards. * Prepare specialty meat items ...

Meat Clerk

Malibu, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Follow USDA, HACCP, and company food safety and sanitation procedures. * Clean and sanitize work ... Inspect products for quality, freshness, and proper storage temperatures. * Reduce waste through ...

Meat Clerk

Malibu, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Follow USDA, HACCP, and company food safety and sanitation procedures. * Clean and sanitize work ... Inspect products for quality, freshness, and proper storage temperatures. * Reduce waste through ...

Nightshift Meat Packer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

At Prime Meats, we've been delivering premium-quality proteins since 1992, serving restaurants ... Follow USDA inspectors, HACCP, and SSOP standards. Requirements: * Excellent personal hygiene ...

QA Supervisor

Riverside, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

... USDA regulated meat production divisions. This position plays a critical role in maintaining ... Dual inspection experience preferred) • Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, FSMA, SQF, USDA/FDA ...

Conform to all relevant USDA standards as they apply to the position * Conduct operations in a ... Perform daily inspection checks of machinery, following all appropriate safety procedures * Perform ...

Conform to all relevant USDA standards as they apply to the position * Conduct operations in a ... Perform daily inspection checks of machinery, following all appropriate safety procedures * Perform ...

Conform to all relevant USDA standards as they apply to the position * Conduct operations in a ... Perform daily inspection checks of machinery, following all appropriate safety procedures * Perform ...

Showing results 21-40

USDA Meat Inspection information

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$19

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$25

How much do usda meat inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda meat inspection 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA meat inspector?

To thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, animal science, and inspection procedures, typically supported by relevant training or an associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and USDA data management systems is essential. Attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying violations and coordinating with plant personnel. These skills and qualities ensure the safety and quality of meat products, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What does a USDA meat inspector do?

USDA meat inspectors are professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. They inspect facilities that process meat and poultry, examine animals before and after slaughter, and verify that sanitary and safety standards are maintained. Their work helps to protect public health by preventing contaminated or unfit meat from entering the food supply. Inspectors also enforce federal regulations and may collect product samples for laboratory analysis.

What is the difference between Usda Meat Inspection vs Meat Processing Technician?

AspectUsda Meat InspectionMeat Processing Technician
CertificationsUSDA certification, food safety trainingFood safety, equipment operation, sometimes USDA or state certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection stations, slaughterhouses, processing plantsProcessing plants, production lines, meat packaging facilities
Job FocusInspecting meat for safety, compliance, and qualityProcessing, packaging, and handling meat products

While both roles work within the meat industry, USDA Meat Inspection focuses on ensuring meat safety and compliance through inspection, whereas Meat Processing Technicians handle the processing and packaging of meat products. Both require food safety knowledge, but USDA Meat Inspectors primarily perform oversight and compliance checks, often with USDA certification, in inspection environments. Meat Processing Technicians are more involved in the production process, operating equipment and preparing meat for sale.

What are some common challenges faced by USDA meat inspectors during daily inspections?

USDA Meat Inspectors often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict attention to detail while inspecting high volumes of products, adapting to varying facility conditions, and staying current with evolving regulations. They must ensure food safety by identifying potential contamination or non-compliance, sometimes under time constraints or in fast-paced environments. Collaboration with plant staff and effective communication are essential for addressing issues and ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly.
What cities are hiring for Usda Meat Inspection jobs? Cities with the most Usda Meat Inspection job openings:
What states have the most Usda Meat Inspection jobs? States with the most job openings for Usda Meat Inspection jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Usda Meat Inspection jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Usda Meat Inspection jobs are:
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspection job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,697 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance NSIS Technologist

Smithfield Foods

Denison, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 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 Available No

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.