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Beef Jerky Factory

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Quality Control / Quality Assurance USDA and BRC (SQF)

Colton, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Food Processing Facility Employment Type: Full-Time Position Summary The Quality Control / Quality Assurance (QC/QA) USDA and BRC is responsible for ensuring that all food products are manufactured ...

Grand Food

Food Preparation Specialist

Hayward, CA · On-site

Trained to adheres to USDA Food Safety requirements and establishment's HACCP and Sanitary SOP plan. Prior experience a plus, * Fluent speaking Spanish, English, Korean and/or Chinese a plus * Must ...

Grand Food Inc

Food Preparation Specialist

Hayward, CA · On-site

Trained to adheres to USDA Food Safety requirements and establishment's HACCP and Sanitary SOP plan. Prior experience a plus, * Fluent speaking Spanish, English, Korean and/or Chinese a plus * Must ...

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How much do usda food jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda food in the United States is $16.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USDA Food job?

USDA Food jobs refer to positions within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that focus on food safety, nutrition, food inspection, research, and related services. These roles include food inspectors, nutritionists, scientists, policy analysts, and program managers, among others. USDA Food employees work to ensure that the nation's food supply is safe, wholesome, and properly labeled, and often oversee nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC. These jobs play a crucial role in supporting public health and agricultural industries across the country.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a USDA Food Inspector?

To thrive as a USDA Food Inspector, you need knowledge of food safety regulations, public health standards, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience in food science or agriculture. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and data entry systems is typically required. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors identify violations and collaborate with facility staff. These skills ensure the safety and quality of the nation's food supply and protect public health.

What challenges do USDA Food Inspectors face in their daily work?

USDA Food Inspectors often face challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, handling physically demanding tasks, and maintaining attention to detail during repetitive inspections. They must also stay up-to-date with changing regulations and adapt to various shifts, including early mornings or weekends. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with food safety protocols, developing strong observation skills, and being open to ongoing training and feedback from experienced colleagues.

What is the difference between Usda Food vs Food Inspector?

AspectUsda FoodFood Inspector
CertificationsUSDA certifications, food safety trainingFood safety certifications, USDA training often required
Work EnvironmentFood processing plants, farms, regulatory agenciesInspection sites, government agencies, food facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUSDA oversees food safety, quality, and labelingEnforces food safety standards, inspects facilities

USDA Food roles typically involve managing food safety standards and quality assurance within USDA programs, while Food Inspectors focus on inspecting food facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their primary responsibilities differ: USDA Food professionals develop policies and oversee food safety, whereas Food Inspectors enforce these standards through inspections.

Do you need a degree to work for USDA?

A degree is not always required to work for the USDA, as many positions accept relevant work experience or specialized training. However, certain roles, especially those in scientific, research, or technical fields, may require a bachelor's degree or higher. Job requirements vary by position and level of responsibility.

Is it hard to become a USDA food inspector?

Becoming a USDA food inspector requires meeting specific qualifications, including relevant education or experience, passing written exams, and completing training programs. The process can be competitive and involves understanding food safety regulations and inspection procedures. Candidates often need attention to detail and knowledge of food processing environments.
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Usda Food jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Food job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,769 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Quality Control / Quality Assurance USDA and BRC (SQF)

Beef Jerky Factory

Colton, CA • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

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Job description

Department: Quality Assurance
Location: Food Processing Facility
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Quality Control / Quality Assurance (QC/QA) USDA and BRC is responsible for ensuring that all food products are manufactured in compliance with company quality standards, USDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP requirements, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and all applicable food safety regulations. This position plays a vital role in maintaining product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the production process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Monitor daily production activities to ensure compliance with USDA regulations, HACCP plans, GMPs, SSOPs, and company quality standards.
  • Conduct routine quality inspections of raw materials, in-process products, finished goods, packaging, and labeling.
  • Perform pre-operational, operational, and post-operational inspections of production areas.
  • Verify Critical Control Points (CCPs) and maintain HACCP documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) requirements.
  • Maintain complete and accurate quality records, inspection reports, corrective actions, and verification documents.
  • Investigate product quality issues and recommend corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Assist during USDA inspections, third-party audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
  • Monitor sanitation procedures and verify sanitation effectiveness.
  • Review production records to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
  • Collect product samples for microbiological and laboratory testing.
  • Verify allergen control procedures and product traceability.
  • Conduct internal audits and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Train employees on food safety, GMPs, sanitation, and quality procedures.
  • Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Sanitation teams to resolve quality concerns.
  • Assist in product hold, release, recall, and investigation procedures when necessary.
  • Ensure proper calibration of quality inspection equipment.
  • Stay current with changes in USDA regulations, food safety laws, and industry best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biology, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

  • Minimum of five (5) years of Quality Control/Quality Assurance experience in a food processing or meat processing facility.
  • Minimum of five (5) years working with USDA-regulated food manufacturing operations.
  • Experience working in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) or meat processing facilities is highly preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Candidates must possess strong knowledge of:

  • USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulations
  • HACCP Principles
  • GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
  • SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures)
  • Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
  • Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCQI knowledge preferred)
  • Allergen Control Programs
  • Food Defense Programs
  • Environmental Monitoring Programs
  • Product Traceability and Recall Procedures
  • Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions (CAPA)
  • Internal Auditing Techniques
  • Food Safety Documentation
  • Laboratory Sampling Procedures
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Preferred Certifications

The following certifications are highly desirable:

  • HACCP Certification
  • PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual)
  • SQF Practitioner Certification
  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager
  • Internal Auditor Certification
  • Food Defense Certification

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Comfortable working in refrigerated and frozen environments.
  • Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Ability to work around food manufacturing equipment.

Core Competencies

  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication
  • Organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • High ethical standards and integrity
  • Commitment to food safety and regulatory compliance

Work Environment

This position is performed primarily in a food manufacturing environment and requires frequent exposure to refrigerated production areas, production equipment, sanitation chemicals, noise, and varying temperatures. Strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and USDA regulations is required at all times.

Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in Quality Control/Quality Assurance within a USDA-regulated food processing or meat manufacturing facility, with demonstrated expertise in USDA compliance, HACCP implementation, GMPs, SSOPs, food safety audits, regulatory inspections, corrective actions, and continuous quality improvement. The candidate should possess excellent documentation skills, a proactive approach to food safety, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to maintain the highest standards of product quality and regulatory compliance.