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

Taylor Farms Pacific

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 ...

Taylor Farms Pacific

Supervisor- PM

Tracy, CA

$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 ...

Foster Farms

FSQA Back Up - Deli (Days)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of ... Perform pre-operational sanitation inspection in area assigned. * Maintain current operation ...

Foster Farms

QA Technician - Deli (Days)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$23.50/hr

Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of ... Perform pre-operational sanitation inspection in area assigned. * Maintain current operation ...

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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 24, 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.

QA Technician - Deli (Swings)

Foster Farms

Livingston, CA

$23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Description About Foster Farms At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers. Pay Rate: $23.50 per hour (Additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7:00pm and 11:59pm. Additional $2.00 per hour worked between 12:00am-4:59am) Job Description: Monitor process and perform routine QC checks Record, print, Interface with line supervision and production workforce on production and quality procedures. Maintain process and quality documentation, to include conducting internal audits that may require the participation of management. Perform pre-operational sanitation inspection in area assigned. Maintain current operation instructions and quality control procedures by updating as new information is given and provide input from the floor for these instructions and procedures. Perform, monitor, and evaluate compliance with USDA regulations other than those incorporated into daily routines. This position has the authority to hold product that does not conform to customer agreements, finished product specifications, or legal requirements and is also authorized to make decision regarding product disposition including release. Qualifications: Must be able to communicate clearly in English (written and verbal). Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Proficient in mathematics. Must have legible handwriting. Proficient on a computer, Excel, Word, and Outlook. Must have good interpersonal skills and communication skills. Must have an overall favorable employment record and attendance record. Must be able to work in a cold & hot environment. Must be able to work flexible hours; Must be able to work varying shifts, weekends and holidays as needed. Must have an excellent safety, performance & attendance record and be dependable for this skilled position and responsibility. Must be able to lift from 5-70 lbs. daily depending on what department assigned to for the shift. Must be willing to work in all departments and perform all Quality Control tasks performed in those departments. Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles Accountability: Deliver on commitments. Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility. Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset. Ownership: Take responsibility for results. Nimble: Operate with speed and agility. Why Join Foster Farms? This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of the ready-to-eat business at a leading food company,directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-qualityfood and great moments for millions of families.

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