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Usda Food Inspector Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Kayem Foods, Inc.

Production Worker - OS Kit

Chelsea, MA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

... food products. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Visually inspect products for defects and remove any non ... Understand and follow USDA and HACCP guidelines * Rotate through various positions on the ...

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All JobsUsda Food Inspector JobsUsda Food Inspector Jobs in Boston, MA

Usda Food Inspector information

See Boston, MA salary details

$11.9K

$44.3K

$68.4K

How much do usda food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda food inspector in Boston, MA is $44,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $47,300.00 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Usda Food Inspector jobs in Boston, MA are:

Usda Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Food Inspector job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,309 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

Chelsea, MA • On-site

Kayem Foods, Inc.
See more jobs at Kayem Foods, Inc.external

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY: Kayem’s Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager plays a key leadership role in ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across all operations. This position is responsible for leading a team of FSQA Technicians, driving continuous improvement in food safety programs, partnering with cross-functional departments, and maintaining audit readiness. The ideal candidate will combine deep knowledge of USDA and GFSI standards with strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to uphold product integrity, support operational excellence, and foster a culture of quality throughout the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Other duties may be assigned as needed:

  • Lead and manage FSQA Technicians, ensuring team alignment with departmental goals and regulatory requirements.
  • Direct the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Quality and Food Safety programs, including HACCP, Foreign Material Control, Regulatory Compliance, and Food Defense in accordance with local, state and Federal requirements.
  • Act as the primary contact for regulatory agencies (USDA, State and Local Health Departments), ensuring timely resolution of concerns and uninterrupted operations.
  • Lead audit readiness efforts for internal, customer and GFSI audits, maintain documentation and certifications (e.g. BRC).
  • Maintain and update documentation related to food safety, quality, and lab procedures and certifications (e.g., BRC).
  • Collaborate with Operations, Sanitation and maintenance leadership to reduce product variability, enhance compliance, advance food safety/quality standards.
  • Represent FSQA in cross-functional meetings and initiatives and support issue resolution and oversee trial or test runs(Operations, Sanitation, Maintenance, R&D, Commercialization).  Foster a culture of quality excellence.
  • Manage the Plant Improvement Plan (PIP) in coordination with Maintenance to ensure timely completion.
  • Lead Investigations of non-conformances, customer complaints and unusual occurrences.  Conduct root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions. Provide corrective action reports to FSQA leadership.
  • Oversee QA laboratory programs and equipment (pest control, Listeria testing, QA holds, SSOP’s R&D testing/sampling) and manage lab equipment
  • Oversee routine inspections of production areas to ensure adherence to food safety and quality standards.
  • Develop and deliver QA training programs to QA personnel and other stakeholders. 
  • Maintain training records, conduct performance evaluations and
  • Prepare the organization for evolving regulatory and customer expectations by enhancing food safety and quality systems to meet federal, state, and local requirements.
  • Promote and sustain continuous improvement initiatives within the FSQA department.
  • Facilitate communication across all levels of management to maintain process control and prevent product failures.
  • Stay current with USDA/FDA regulations and industry standards.
  • Serve as deputy to FSQA leadership and perform other duties or special projects as assigned.

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