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Usda Food Inspector Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

DeRuosi Nut

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Quality Control Inspector for Walnuts

Escalon, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

QC Inspectors monitor product quality throughout receiving, processing, and packing, ensuring compliance with USDA/DFA grading standards, customer specifications, and food safety programs. This role ...

FullSteam

Maintenance Supervisor

Stockton, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and company food safety standards. * Conduct routine inspections of the facility to identify maintenance needs and safety hazards. * Maintain ...

Foster Farms

FSQA Tech I - Night Shift

Livingston, CA

$23.50/hr

... FSIS/USDA, and customer requirements. Monitor the production process and perform routine Food ... Verify sanitation practices through pre-operational inspection of equipment. Communicate to ...

Foster Farms

FSQA Tech I - Night Shift

Livingston, CA · On-site

$23.50/hr

... FSIS/USDA, and customer requirements. * Monitor the production process and perform routine Food ... Verify sanitation practices through pre-operational inspection of equipment. * Communicate to ...

Foster Farms

Maintenance Supervisor

Turlock, CA

$81K - $101K/yr

Ensures compliance with USDA, GMP, HACCP, environmental, and company food safety requirements ... Supports regulatory inspections, audits, and corrective action plans as required. Leads, trains ...

Foster Farms

Maintenance Supervisor

Turlock, CA · On-site

$81K - $101K/yr

Ensures compliance with USDA, GMP, HACCP, environmental, and company food safety requirements ... Supports regulatory inspections, audits, and corrective action plans as required. * Leads, trains ...

Foster Farms

HACCP Lead- Day Shift

Livingston, CA

$27.50/hr

Verifies sanitation practices through pre-operational equipment inspections. Communication ... food processing. Knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP, GMPs, and SSOPs is preferred. Strong ...

New

Foster Farms

HACCP Lead- Day Shift

Livingston, CA · On-site

$27.50/hr

Sanitation: Verifies sanitation practices through pre-operational equipment inspections ... food processing. * Knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP, GMPs, and SSOPs is preferred. * Strong ...

Foster Farms

FSQA Tech Lead- Day Shift

Livingston, CA · On-site

$27.50/hr

Sanitation: Verifies sanitation practices through pre-operational equipment inspections ... food processing. * Knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP, GMPs, and SSOPs is preferred. * Strong ...

OFI

Shipping Clerk

Hughson, CA · On-site

$24.39/hr

Schedule Daily phyto and USDA inspections. * Complete all paperwork for shipped orders and ship out ... Food Safety * The role is performed on site at a facility that regularly processes tree nuts.

Taylor Farms

Supervisor- PM

Tracy, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Inspect and measure parts and products to verify conformance to specifications. * Establishes or ... Be familiar with food-related requirements such as GMP's, HACCP, SSOP's, OSHA, and USDA. * Must be ...

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All JobsUsda Food Inspector JobsUsda Food Inspector Jobs in Modesto, CA

Usda Food Inspector information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$11.6K

$43K

$66.5K

How much do usda food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda food inspector in Modesto, CA is $43,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,600.00 and $45,900.00 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 cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Usda Food Inspector jobs?

Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Usda Food Inspector job openings:

Usda Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Food Inspector job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,028 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Quality Control Inspector for Walnuts

DeRuosi Nut

Escalon, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 8 hours ago

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Job description

We are seeking seasonal Quality Control Inspectors to join our QA/QC team during Walnut harvest season. QC Inspectors monitor product quality throughout receiving, processing, and packing, ensuring compliance with USDA/DFA grading standards, customer specifications, and food safety programs. This role is essential in protecting our reputation for premium-quality walnuts.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform incoming inspections on walnut lots, including sampling, sizing, moisture testing, and grading for defects and color.
  • Inspect product during processing for compliance with USDA/DFA and customer specifications.
  • Document all inspection results in QC logs and digital tracking systems.
  • Identify and report non-conformances to supervisors for corrective action.
  • Verify correct lot labeling and maintain traceability throughout the production process.
  • Conduct in-line inspections on packing lines to ensure weight accuracy, product integrity, and packaging compliance.
  • Work closely with production leads and forklift drivers to pull representative samples.
  • Assist in maintaining a clean and organized QC workspace.
  • Follow GMPs, HACCP guidelines, and SQF program requirements at all times.

Qualifications:

  • Prior QC or QA experience in food processing preferred (nuts, produce, or similar agricultural products).
  • Knowledge of USDA/DFA walnut grading standards a plus (training provided).
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping.
  • Ability to follow established inspection protocols and communicate findings clearly.
  • Basic computer skills for entering inspection data.
  • English proficiency required; bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs. regularly, 50 lbs. occasionally.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive hourly rate (DOE) with overtime opportunities during peak harvest.
  • On-site training on USDA/DFA grading standards, food safety, and QC procedures.
  • Work in a modern facility with advanced inspection and sorting technology.
  • Opportunity to return for future harvest seasons or transition into year-round QC roles.

Skills

Quality Control (QC)

Product Inspection

HACCP Procedures

SQF Certified

USDA/DFA Grading Standards

Company Description

DeRuosi Nut is a walnut processing facility located in the fertile San Joaquin County. Our facility processes a wide variety of both inshell and shelled walnuts including; Chandler, Howard, Hartley, Tulare and Livermore.

In 1947, Michael DeRuosi Sr. was drawn to California by the promise of fertile agricultural ground, reminding him of the lands his family had farmed for generations. After serving in WWII, he purchased an existing fruit dehydrator in Escalon, California, to begin his journey in the food processing industry. The plant processed a range of commodities over several decades, including raisins, apricots, prunes, and eventually walnuts. As a family-run business, Michael DeRuosi III began assisting his grandfather at the age of 12, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in the food processing industry.

After graduating with a business degree, Michael DeRuosi III embarked on a successful career in various industries, including real estate and banking. In 1994, he returned to partner with his grandfather, and together they founded DeRuosi Nut, specializing in processing California walnuts. Since then, the company has grown conservatively and steadily into one of California's premier walnut processors, now processing nearly 50 million pounds of California walnuts annually.

DeRuosi Nut's commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a well-deserved reputation in the food processing industry. They are dedicated to producing the highest quality product, and their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication. As they continue to expand and innovate, DeRuosi Nut remains a trusted name in the industry, delivering top-notch products to customers worldwide.