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Usda Food Inspector Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

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FDA/USDA Inspection Results * Health Inspection Scores * Audit Scores (≥95%) * Customer Complaint Rate * Recall Readiness * Product Holds * Corrective Action Closure * Food Safety Training ...

Food Safety and QA Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Ensure execution of pre-operational inspections prior to product run on each shift to ensure ... under USDA and/or FDA and HACCP. * 5+ years facilitating food safety/quality related training ...

Nutrition Assistant Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Conduct routine HACCP audits, food safety inspections, and compliance walkthroughs. * Maintain ... Support USDA, Georgia Department of Education, and local health department compliance requirements.

Production Technician III

College Park, GA · On-site

$25.38 - $38.08/hr

Develop and execute inspections and preventive/predictive maintenance tasks on production and ... Experience working in a food processing environment and familiar with USDA, FDA, and SQF policies ...

Monitor daily pre-operational inspection * Assist QA Manager in employee training (GMP, Sanitation ... Basic knowledge of food safety policies including HACCP, SSOP's, GMP's and USDA - FSIS regulations.

Monitor daily pre-operational inspection * Assist QA Manager in employee training (GMP, Sanitation ... Basic knowledge of food safety policies including HACCP, SSOP's, GMP's and USDA - FSIS regulations.

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Usda Food Inspector information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$10.6K

$39.2K

$60.6K

How much do usda food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda food inspector in Atlanta, GA is $39,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,100.00 and $41,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USDA Food Inspector?

USDA Food Inspectors are trained professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. They inspect food processing plants, slaughterhouses, and other facilities to enforce federal regulations and safety standards. Their work helps protect public health by preventing contaminated or unsafe food from reaching consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Food Inspector?

To thrive as a USDA Food Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, inspection procedures, and public health principles, typically supported by relevant experience or education in food science or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and regulatory documentation is commonly required, and some roles may require specific USDA training or certifications. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this position. These skills ensure that food products meet safety standards, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges USDA Food Inspectors face in their daily work?

USDA Food Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, ensuring strict adherence to food safety regulations, and effectively communicating with plant management and workers. They must be vigilant in identifying potential hazards and making quick decisions to prevent unsafe food from reaching consumers. The role may also involve working in varying temperatures and standing for long periods, which requires adaptability and attention to detail. Strong teamwork and clear documentation are essential for maintaining high standards and addressing compliance issues.

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

AspectUsda Food InspectorFood Safety Auditor
CertificationsFood Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) certifications, possibly HACCPISO 22000, HACCP, or other food safety standards
Work EnvironmentInspecting meat, poultry, and processed foods at processing plantsAuditing food facilities for compliance, often off-site or at multiple locations
Employer & IndustryUSDA, government agencies, food processing industryPrivate consulting firms, food companies, regulatory agencies

While both roles focus on food safety, USDA Food Inspectors primarily conduct on-site inspections of food processing facilities to ensure compliance with federal standards. Food Safety Auditors evaluate and verify food safety management systems through audits, often working across multiple sites. Both roles require knowledge of food safety regulations but differ in their scope and work environment.

How hard is it to be a USDA Food Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Food Inspector requires passing a competitive exam, meeting education and experience requirements, and often completing training programs. The job involves detailed inspections, adherence to safety standards, and sometimes working in challenging environments, but it is generally accessible to those with relevant qualifications and attention to detail.

How long does it take to become a USDA Food Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Food Inspector typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as food science, agriculture, or biology, which takes about four years. Afterward, candidates usually undergo specialized training provided by the USDA, which can last several weeks to months, depending on the program and the specific inspection area.

How to become a USDA Food Inspector?

To become a USDA Food Inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience, and must pass a written exam and a background check. Additional qualifications may include knowledge of food safety standards, inspection procedures, and sometimes specialized training or certifications. The USDA also offers training programs for new inspectors to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Usda Food Inspector jobs in Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Usda Food Inspector jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Usda Food Inspector jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Usda Food Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Usda Food Inspector job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,221 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Quality Assurance (QA) Manager / Food Safety Manager

Carlyle's Catering

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

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Job description

Job Description

Quality Assurance (QA) Manager / Food Safety Manager

Carlyle's Market

Wholesale Food Manufacturing | Ready-to-Eat Foods | Grab & Go | Commissary | USDA/FDA

Processing Facility

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager / Food Safety Manager is responsible for developing,

implementing, and maintaining Carlyle's Market's comprehensive Food Safety and Quality

Management System. This position ensures compliance with all applicable FDA, USDA,

Georgia Department of Agriculture, FSMA, HACCP, GMP, and local health regulations

governing the production of wholesale, retail, and ready-to-eat food products.

This individual serves as the facility's food safety authority, overseeing regulatory compliance,

sanitation programs, environmental monitoring, quality assurance, product traceability, recall

readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting operational excellence

throughout the processing facility.

The QA Manager reports directly to the Culinary Director and works closely with Operations,

Production, Purchasing, Warehouse, Logistics, and Executive Leadership.

Essential Responsibilities

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain Food Safety Programs compliant with:

o FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

o Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)

o HACCP

o USDA Regulations

o Georgia Department of Agriculture

o FDA Preventive Controls for Human Food

• Serve as Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) or obtain certification.

• Maintain facility licensing and regulatory documentation.

• Ensure compliance with all inspections and regulatory audits.• Manage third-party food safety audits.

• Maintain food defense and food fraud prevention programs.

HACCP & Preventive Controls

• Develop and maintain HACCP plans.

• Validate Critical Control Points (CCPs).

• Verify preventive controls.

• Monitor critical limits.

• Review corrective actions.

• Conduct annual HACCP reassessments.

• Validate cooking, cooling, reheating, packaging, and storage processes.

Quality Assurance

• Oversee incoming ingredient inspections.

• Approve suppliers.

• Verify Certificates of Analysis (COAs).

• Conduct product quality evaluations.

• Develop product specifications.

• Monitor shelf-life validation.

• Approve finished products for release.

Sanitation & Environmental Monitoring

• Develop Master Sanitation Schedule.

• Verify sanitation effectiveness.

• Conduct ATP verification.

• Coordinate microbiological testing.

• Oversee environmental monitoring.

• Validate cleaning procedures.

• Ensure allergen cleaning verification.

Ready-to-Eat & Grab-and-Go Production

Oversee food safety for:• Ready-to-Eat Meals

• Grab & Go Sandwiches

• Salads

• Wraps

• Heat & Eat Meals

• Retail Foods

• Wholesale Products

• Catering Production

• Vacuum Sealed Products

• Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

• Tamper Evident Packaging

Labeling & Packaging Compliance

Ensure compliance with:

• FDA Labeling Requirements

• Nutrition Facts

• Ingredient Statements

• Allergen Declarations

• Net Weight

• UPC Accuracy

• Lot Coding

• Date Coding

• Traceability Requirements

• Tamper-Evident Packaging Standards

Traceability & Recall Management

Maintain:

• Product Traceability

• Lot Tracking

• Supplier Records

• Recall Plans

• Mock Recall Exercises

• Recall Documentation

• Distribution RecordsSupplier Quality Assurance

• Approve suppliers.

• Conduct supplier evaluations.

• Maintain Approved Supplier Program.

• Review food safety certifications.

• Verify COAs.

• Investigate supplier complaints.

Training & Leadership

Develop and administer training for:

• GMPs

• HACCP

• Allergen Controls

• Food Defense

• Food Fraud

• Personal Hygiene

• Cross Contamination Prevention

• Temperature Control

• Recall Procedures

• OSHA Safety

Documentation & Recordkeeping

Maintain records for:

• HACCP Logs

• Temperature Logs

• Receiving Logs

• Cooling Logs

• Cooking Logs

• Reheating Logs

• Metal Detection (if applicable)

• Calibration Logs

• Sanitation Logs

• Pest Control

• Environmental Monitoring

• Waste Logs

• Corrective Actions• CAPA Reports

• Internal Audits

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze quality trends.

• Reduce food waste.

• Improve product consistency.

• Improve audit scores.

• Reduce customer complaints.

• Improve shelf life.

• Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations.

• Implement CAPA programs.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's Degree in:

• Food Science

• Food Safety

• Microbiology

• Biology

• Culinary Science

• Related Field

OR

Equivalent combination of education and food manufacturing experience.

Experience

Minimum:

• 5+ years Food Manufacturing QA

• Ready-to-Eat Production

• USDA/FDA Facility

• HACCP Management• Food Safety Leadership

Preferred:

• Commissary Operations

• Wholesale Distribution

• Retail Food Manufacturing

• High Volume Production

Certifications

Required or ability to obtain:

• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual)

• HACCP Certification

• ServSafe Manager

• SQF Practitioner (Preferred)

• Internal Auditor

• Allergen Management

• Food Defense Training

Knowledge

Strong knowledge of:

• FDA Regulations

• USDA Regulations

• FSMA

• HACCP

• GMPs

• SSOPs

• Food Microbiology

• Shelf-Life Validation

• Product Testing

• Recall Procedures

• Environmental Monitoring

• Allergen Controls

• Labeling Laws

• Cold Chain ManagementSkills

• Leadership

• Attention to Detail

• Root Cause Analysis

• Risk Assessment

• Regulatory Compliance

• Documentation

• Auditing

• Team Development

• Communication

• Problem Solving

• Time Management

• Microsoft Office

• ERP Systems

• Quality Management Software

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The QA Manager will be evaluated on:

• FDA/USDA Inspection Results

• Health Inspection Scores

• Audit Scores (≥95%)

• Customer Complaint Rate

• Recall Readiness

• Product Holds

• Corrective Action Closure

• Food Safety Training Completion (100%)

• Environmental Monitoring Compliance

• Label Accuracy (100%)

• Temperature Compliance

• Product Traceability (100%)

• Shelf-Life Validation

• Supplier Compliance

• Waste Reduction

• CAPA Completion Rate

• Regulatory CompliancePhysical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.

• Lift up to 50 lbs.

• Work in refrigerated and freezer environments.

• Frequent walking throughout production and warehouse areas.

• Wear required PPE.

• Ability to inspect production processes and finished products.

Our Commitment

At Carlyle's Market, food safety is the foundation of our business. The Quality Assurance

Manager plays a critical leadership role in protecting our customers, ensuring regulatory

compliance, maintaining product integrity, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This position is instrumental in delivering safe, high-quality, ready-to-eat foods that meet the

highest standards of excellence across our wholesale, retail, catering, and grab-and-go

operations.

Company Description

Family catering business founded in 1976, $20,000,000.00 in sales in 2025. Started out in corporate catering but growing our business in social and event catering, plus a newly formed wholesale division. Opened a premier event location in October 2019, The Carlyle Venue, on Piedmont Road, Atlanta. Our corporate headquarters is located in the trendy west side of Atlanta. We believe in a collaborative team oriented environment. The majority of our employees have been here 5+ years or more! Come see what makes us great, work in a environment where YOU are a "part" of something and not just another piece. Be an impact player today!