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

Maintenance Mechanic

Brockton, MA · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

Stay ahead of issues with preventive maintenance and regular inspections. * Jump into action when ... What You Bring * 5+ years of maintenance experience in food, beverage, or manufacturing (USDA/FDA a ...

Sous Chef-Boston A&L

Boston, MA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

... premium USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, award-winning wine list, and timeless elegance ... Inspect, count, and perform inventory levels of walk-ins, freezers, prep area, coolers, and dry ...

QA Technician - 2nd shift

Lynn, MA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Testing and Inspection: Performing routine tests on the environment and food contact surfaces of ... Should have experience with USDA & FDA requirements. Required Skills * High school diploma or GED ...

QA Technician - 2nd shift

Lynn, MA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Testing and Inspection: Performing routine tests on the environment and food contact surfaces of ... Should have experience with USDA & FDA requirements. Required Skills * High school diploma or GED ...

Cook

East Boston, MA · On-site

$21.93 - $24.69/hr

... USDA), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD ... Participate in Health Inspection with Local Boards of Health. * Order food and supplies from ...

Showing results 21-40

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:

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.

General Manager- School Nutrition - Northborough/Southborough Schools

Northborough, MA • On-site

Whitsons Culinary Group
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$1.9K - $2.2K/wk

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 10 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Maintain systems and procedures for ordering, receiving, storing, preparing, and serving food, as well as menu planning and development.

  • Manage the food service program within budgetary guidelines, including controlling expenses and managing purchasing and utilization of government commodities.

  • Motivate, train, and manage subordinate team members, ensuring compliance with health regulations and maintaining a harmonious working environment.


Whitsons Culinary Group rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Food Service General Manager - Lead with Purpose in School Nutrition!
School Dining Leadership

Are you a food service leader who's passionate about people, operations, and purpose? Join our Whitson'sschool nutrition team as a Food Service General Manager and take the lead in a mission-driven kitchen that fuels young minds and futures.

SUMMARY: The General Manager is responsible for maintaining systems and procedures for all aspects of the Food Nutrition /Dining Program for which he/she oversees. The program services a student enrollment of 25009,999.


The Manager will ensure that all guidelines, relating to the NSLP, are adhered to in all schools, consistently. Stay current with USDA regulations and ensure menus and processes are in compliance at all times.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

  • Maintain systems and procedures for the ordering, receiving, storing, preparing and serving of food related products, as well as menu planning and development using Whitsons approved systems and policies
  • Manages program within all budgetary guidelines established by Whitsons.
  • Motivates, trains, and manages subordinate Team Members.
  • Provide the necessary tools for the team to perform at satisfactory level.
  • Maintain a harmonious working relationship with Team by demonstrating consistent and equitable treatment for all Team Members consistently in accordance with Company policies.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable health regulations and ordinances and that all
    schools are prepared for any state or local board of health inspection.
  • Develops budgets and operational financial forecasts and is able to explain variances. Responsible for accounting and documenting accurately all financial components.
  • Ensures that requirements for appropriate sanitation and safety levels in respective areas are met and staff adequately trained.
  • Coordinates and supervises all production, merchandising, quality and cost control,
    labor management and Team Member training.
  • Recruits, hires, develops and retains team using District required systems, procedures
    and policies.
  • Participates in all wellness and nutrition committees and meetings.
  • Must spend 80% of workday in the schools observing and supporting team.
  • Conducts recurring inventory; maintaining records to comply with Whitsons, government and accrediting agency standards.
  • Controls all expenses such as food cost, labor cost and operating expenses while providing exceptional customer service.
  • Manages all purchasing and utilization of government commodities including processed goods.
  • Executes all marketing promotions applicable to the district according to the marketing calendar. Ensures marketing, merchandising in place effectually and current at all times.
  • Maintains an 80% or above score on the Whitsons Internal Audit and shows increased improvement each year.
  • Adhere to all company and district policies and ensure that entire team understands and follows them.
    ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Coordinates activities with other internal departments, participates in management team meetings, interfaces with Vendors and key service users within client organization.
  • Ensures marketing, merchandising in place effectually and current at all times.
  • Looks for opportunities to implement new products and services which support sales growth and client retention
  • Monthly or bimonthly communications to the client and DM, highlighting activity on a monthly basis including any financial information requested by client.
  • Manages collections from catering/events and client billings. This includes delivering the client invoices for monthly or weekly business billings within 4 hours of receiving and managing the process of collections with the support of AR and supervisors. Collects all event payments upon delivery with no credit extended, unless event is paid by client's
    office or department. When required (invoice past due) communicates directly to customers via phone or email.
  • Conducts monthly cook meetings with secondary leads/cooks regarding menu offerings
  • Create advisory group and/or attend any PTO/District administrative meetings which will assist in driving sales and participation.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned by District Manager from time to time.

Position may require extended hours including evenings and/or weekends, travel to multiple work sites and occasional outofdistrict travel. Must be able to drive his/her own vehicle to other work sites.

Apply now and bring your leadership to the lunch line-one student, one meal at a time! At Whitsons our mission isEnhancing Life One Meal at a Time.

$1,935 - $2,200 per week

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field OR
  • Bachelor's degree in any field plus a state-recognized school nutrition director certificate OR
  • Bachelor's degree in any field plus at least 2 years of relevant school nutrition program experience OR
  • Associate's degree in a related field plus at least 2 years of relevant school nutrition program experience

Experience

  • Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in food service operations management
  • Minimum 3-5 years of general management experience with full P&L responsibility
  • 3 years' experience in Food Service Management as a Manager/Director required.
  • Minimum 1 years experience in K-12 programs required

Certifications and Training:

  • ServSafe Mandatory- Local food safety certification if required in jurisdiction of employment. Must be knowledgeable of all local health and food safety ordinances.
  • Additional management or hospitality certifications a plus
  • Yearly mandatory training in accordance with USDA Professional Standards requirements as well as mandatory Whitsons training requirements

Technical Proficiency

  • Strong business acumen including financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management
  • Proficiency in POS platforms, scheduling software, and reporting tools
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for business planning, analysis, and communication
  • Understanding of marketing strategies, and customer relationship management as they relate to school nutrition dining

Other Qualifications

  • Demonstrated success in driving sales growth, controlling costs, and achieving profitability targets
  • Proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams
  • Experience in multi-unit oversight or area management a plus
  • Working knowledge of cooking procedures and recipe adherence and scaling
  • Bi-lingual in Spanish highly desirable

Core Competencies

  • Financial Acumen & Cost Management: Manages location-level budgets, P&L, and cost controls - including food cost, labor, and operating expenses - to consistently achieve financial targets and sustain profitability.
  • Operational Leadership: Directs all daily operations including production, procurement, inventory, and quality control with a disciplined focus on efficiency, consistency, and brand standards.
  • People Leadership & Team Development: Recruits, develops, and retains high-performing teams by providing clear direction, consistent coaching, and a supportive work environment aligned with company values.
  • Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensures all location operations meet or exceed HACCP standards, health codes, sanitation requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations at all times.
  • Guest & Client Experience: Builds and sustains strong client and guest relationships through consistent service quality, proactive communication, and a commitment to exceeding expectations.
  • Sales, Marketing & Community Engagement: Executes company marketing initiatives and develops local partnerships and community relationships to grow participation, increase revenue, and strengthen brand presence.
  • Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement: Maintains rigorous internal audit readiness, monitors quality metrics, and drives year-over-year operational improvements across food production, service, and compliance standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS

Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time exempt position. The role requires availability during all operational hours as needed, As an exempt position, it is expected that Team Member will devote whatever time necessary to accomplish the goals and responsibilities. This may require extended work hours and flexible scheduling to meet business demands.

This position is aligned with the assigned school district calendar; however, the General Manager is expected to schedule vacation and other planned time off during school closures whenever possible to minimize disruption to operations. Work schedules are determined by the operational needs of the account. At locations where summer feeding programs or other summer operations are offered, the General Manager will be expected to work during the summer months as required to support the needs of the business.

Travel & Onsite Expectations

80% of the workday is expected to be in schools observing and supporting the team. Some travel may be required for corporate meetings, training, conferences, or multi-location support. The role requires daily onsite presence at the location to manage operations and staff effectively. Travel throughout school district will be required. All approved travel and related expenses will be covered by the Company. These expectations may evolve based on business needs.

Physical Demands of the Job:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear throughout the facility. The role requires extended periods of standing and walking during operational oversight. The employee must occasionally be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to work in varying conditions throughout the facility including office areas and operational spaces. Work is primarily "hands on" during mealtimes with office work occurring before and after mealtimes.

Work Environment:

The work is performed in a restaurant/food service environment including both office and operational areas. The work environment includes varying noise levels from moderate in offices to loud during peak operational periods, exposure to varying temperatures, and frequent interaction with staff, customers, and vendors. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duty does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, or a logical assignment to the position, and the Company reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.


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About Whitsons Culinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whitsons Culinary Group, located in Islandia, NY, US, operates in the food service industry, offering a diverse range of services including school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining, and culinary education. First established in 1979, the family-owned company has built a reputation for its bespoke catering services, committed to delivering nutritionally balanced, tastefully diverse and quality assured meals. The company embraces a mission to enrich life one meal at a time, underlined by a focus on food quality, health, wellness, superior service, and social responsibility.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Islandia, NY, US

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