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Usda Meat Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

... Meat/Poultry inspection experience Diversity Training USDA/Agriculture mandated training Meat Cutting Techniques Pre-Employment Requirements: Valid Driver's License - Requires possession of and the ...

Snelling Austin

Meat Cutter / Meat Processor

Austin, TX

$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 ...

Bridges Staffing

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 ...

MALIBU COUNTRY MARKET LLC

Meat Clerk

Malibu, CA

$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 ...

MALIBU COUNTRY MARKET LLC

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 ...

Prime Meats LLC

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 ...

Jensen Meat

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 ...

The State of Arizona

PUBLIC HEALTH SANITARIAN

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

... Meat/Poultry inspection experience Diversity Training USDA/Agriculture mandated training Meat Cutting Techniques Pre-Employment Requirements: Valid Driver's License - Requires possession of and the ...

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USDA Meat Inspector information

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How much do usda meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, animal anatomy, and the ability to identify health hazards, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or USDA certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and sanitation monitoring devices is important. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors enforce standards and collaborate with plant staff. These abilities ensure the safety and quality of meat products, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by USDA Meat Inspectors in their daily work?

USDA Meat Inspectors often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards in fast-paced processing environments. They must stay vigilant to identify potential hazards or violations while balancing the need to keep production lines moving efficiently. Inspectors also navigate regular communication with plant management and workers, sometimes needing to enforce regulations that impact operations. Successfully managing these responsibilities requires strong attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and effective interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Usda Meat Inspector vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectUsda Meat InspectorFood Safety Inspector
CertificationsUSDA certification, HACCP knowledgeVaries by agency, often HACCP and food safety certifications
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, slaughterhousesFood production facilities, regulatory agencies
Employer & IndustryUSDA, meat and poultry industryFederal, state, or local agencies across food sectors

The USDA Meat Inspector primarily focuses on inspecting meat and poultry products in processing plants to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Food Safety Inspectors have a broader scope, overseeing various food industries to ensure public health standards are met. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, their specific responsibilities and industry focus differ.

Is it hard to become a USDA Meat Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Meat Inspector requires meeting specific qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, and passing written and practical exams. The process involves completing training programs and obtaining certifications, which can take several months to a year depending on individual circumstances.

What is a USDA Meat Inspector?

USDA Meat Inspectors are trained professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled for human consumption. They inspect animals before and after slaughter to check for signs of disease or contamination and enforce federal regulations regarding food safety and sanitation in processing plants. Their work helps protect public health by preventing unsafe or contaminated products from reaching consumers.
More about USDA Meat Inspector jobs
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What job categories do people searching Usda Meat Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Usda Meat Inspector jobs are:
USDA Meat Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,697 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Job Page

Arizona State Hospital

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

DEPT OF AGRICULTURE The Mission of our Agency is to protect the health and safety of Arizona consumers, advance and support Arizona agriculture, and safeguard commerce.
MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTOR
Job Location:
Address: Animal Services Division / Meat and Poultry Inspection Program
1110 W. Washington Street. Suite 450 , Phoenix AZ 85007
Posting Details:
Salary: $44,200.00 - $48,000.00 Grade: 19 Closing Date: August 10, 2026
Job Summary:
The Arizona Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a Public Health Sanitarian for the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program. The position will be responsible for inspections in Phoenix AZ and the surrounding areas.
State meat inspection personnel monitor general plant and equipment sanitation, processing sanitation, good manufacturing practices during production, ante mortem and post mortem inspection at slaughter, multi- ingredient formulation, the use of approved labeling, and laboratory sampling programs.
The position is mandated by law as part of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (ARS 3-2001 through ARS 3-2058) and (ARS 3-2151 through 3-2169) to inspect meat and poultry products produced in the state or imported into the state.
Job Duties:
Duties to include but not limited to:
• Work independently and to conduct substantial preoperational and operational environmental health inspections for the humane handling of livestock.
• Ongoing visual and hands on inspections of animal viscera and organs by incising lymph nodes and palpation, surveillance by examining each animal for Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System Disorder, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, Antibiotic Residue, Lymphoma, and Pathology of human health concerns.
• The position includes compliance with pathogen intervention and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), pest control, maintaining food security, checks branding of inspected and passed carcasses with the official mark of inspections.
• Collect samples for listeria monocytogenes, salmonella and E-coli 0157:H7; verifies processing is being performed as per plants Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Plan by direct observation of monitoring procedures, reviewing of records for critical times, temperatures to ensure no physical, chemical or biological hazards exist.
• The position requires standing for long periods of time.
• Advise on complex aspects of food safety, sanitation to county, or municipal officials, industry representatives; maintain in-plant records and files, remain up to date with all directives and recall information coming from Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); take all USDA and Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) mandated training.
• You will be required to drive a state vehicle for state business and other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
• The principles and practices of public health sanitation, including food handling and food processing, insect and rodent control, state laws, and regulations pertaining to environmental health
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Standard Sanitation Operation Procedures (SSOP)
• Animal diseases and pathology
• Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Federal computer programs
Skills in:
• Analyzing situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Work effectively with internal and external customers
• Prepare concise technical reports
• Excellent written/oral communication
• Recommending improvements in sanitary practices in the private sector and sanitary programs in the public sector
• Applying and interprets Federal, State and Agency laws, rules, regulations, and policies
• Organoleptic examination of food products
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of propriety formulations or equipment which may be trade secret
Ability to:
• Work independently
• Work with diverse groups of customers
• Multi task in an ever changing work environment while maintaining great customer services and producing results in a timely manner
• Maintain confidentiality
• Stand for long periods of time
• Work in excessive heat and/or cold conditions
Selective Preference(s):
Working knowledge of HACCP and SSOP
Experience in the food industry, commercial kitchens, and red meat/sausage processing or slaughterhouse operations
Basic animal anatomy and knowledge of animal disease and pathology
Meat/Poultry inspection experience
Diversity Training
USDA/Agriculture mandated training
Meat Cutting Techniques
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Valid Driver's License - Requires possession of and the ability to retain a current Arizona driver's license. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving record and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12)
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statute. Current contribution rate is 11.98%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
Contact Us:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at mmeek@azda.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

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