1

Usda Food Inspector Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Tolleson, AZ

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Beef Modernization Sorters work in a high-paced environment and must understand Food Safety and ... USDA-FSIS Consumer Safety Inspectors.EOE, including disability/vets

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Beef Modernization Sorters work in a high-paced environment and must understand Food Safety and ... USDA-FSIS Consumer Safety Inspectors. EOE, including disability/vets

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Beef Modernization Sorters work in a high-paced environment and must understand Food Safety and ... USDA-FSIS Consumer Safety Inspectors. EOE, including disability/vets

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Tolleson, AZ

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Beef Modernization Sorters work in a high-paced environment and must understand Food Safety and ... USDA-FSIS Consumer Safety Inspectors. EOE, including disability/vets

Hungry for a new career? Established in 1943, the SK Food Group is a leader in the food ... Inspect building grounds and other structures to determine functionality and detect malfunctions ...

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Beef Modernization Sorters work in a high-paced environment and must understand Food Safety and ... USDA-FSIS Consumer Safety Inspectors. EOE, including disability/vets

On-Site USDA Inspectors) * Lead the investigation and documentation of foreign material issues ... Review food safety and quality records * Manage the hold log and lead investigations to determine ...

On-Site USDA Inspectors) * Lead the investigation and documentation of foreign material issues ... Review food safety and quality records * Manage the hold log and lead investigations to determine ...

Machine Operator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Inspect finished products for correct labels, seals, net weights, and date codes to ensure ... Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), SOPs, and food safety regulations (FDA/USDA)

Machine Operator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Inspect finished products for correct labels, seals, net weights, and date codes to ensure ... Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), SOPs, and food safety regulations (FDA/USDA)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Usda Food Inspector information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$10.9K

$40.5K

$62.6K

How much do usda food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda food inspector in Phoenix, AZ is $40,496.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $43,200.00 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 Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Usda Food Inspector jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Usda Food Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Usda Food Inspector job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,496 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Director of Food Safety and Quality Systems

Shamrock Foods Company

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Shamrock Foods rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 49 rated food wholesalers


Job description

The Director of Food Safety & Quality systems directs and continually develop, enhance and maintain enterprise food safety and quality programs including FSMA, HACCP, SQF, and GMP. (S)he will work with division quality leaders to develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure continued compliance with all regulatory, FSMA, PMO, CFR, SQF Certification, third-party and customer requirements while working with cross departmental operational groups in the development of process improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.

Essential Duties:

  • Develop Food Safety Plan by conducting and documenting facility hazard evaluation/analysis, developing and implementing preventive controls, and verifying plan effectiveness against FSMA requirements
  • Maintain GMP requirements to current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs)
  • Remain current and serve as division SME on all mandated food safety regulations, laws, policies and procedures of the FDA & USDA as mandated by the PMO, CFR & FSMA.
  • Ensure that all Shamrock divisions are audit ready and serve as the co-host of regulatory inspections.
  • Serve as multi-facility SQF Practitioner developing and validating SQF program procedures and policies (QA Managers are also required to be SQF practitioners).
  • Drives simplification and standardization of audit process and execution across Shamrock Enterprise to ensure compliance with new and emerging regulatory standards and requirements
  • Coordinate all regulatory, customer, and third-party audits
  • Visit and confer with representatives of ingredient and packaging suppliers to obtain information related to vendor quality standards. Ensure vendor management program includes quality and food safety review for all materials.
  • Work with R&D in the development of new product formulations and label compliance review.
  • Establish and maintain enterprise quality management systems, policies and procedures that enable Shamrock to comply with regulatory requirements and current regulatory expectations.
  • Develop and maintain FSQA training for Shamrock Foods Company. (Set annual training requirements and training frequencies)
  • Develop and maintain Shamrock vendor management program and policies, including auditing, performance monitoring and inspection readiness programs.
  • Interface directly with division QA leaders to assure cross functional alignment of goals and objectives ensuring compliance and realization systems related best practices.
  • Partner with IT/IS to develop and integrate a QMS roadmap that allows for scaling of systems to ensure continued compliance and growth of our business.
  • Act as an expert resource and provide expertise, support, and guidance to internal and external partners in resolving complex food safety and product quality challenges and solutions for potential compliance risks.
  • Participate in a monthly Quality Management Review meeting (QMR) to review specific set of quality and compliance metrics to state of control and drive targeted actions for continuous improvement.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in food safety & quality assurance
  • 3+ years of direct management experience
  • Working knowledge of regulatory compliance with USDA, FDA, CFR, PMO and implementing and managing third-party auditing schemes (GFSI, SQF).
  • Demonstrated expertise in Dairy, meat, seafood and edible oils manufacturing and processing including UHT manufacturing.
  • Ability to review regulatory requirements and evaluate compliance, and experience with regulatory inspections
  • 20% plus travel required.
  • Must be flexible and willing to work the demands of the department which may be subject to evenings, weekends and holidays.

Corporate Summary:

At Shamrock Foods Company, people come first – our associates, our customers, and the families we serve across the nation. A privately-held, family-owned and -operated Forbes 500 company, Shamrock is an innovator in the food industry and has been since being founded in Arizona in 1922.

Our Mission:

At Shamrock Foods Company, we live by our founding family’s motto to “treat associates like family and customers like friends.”

Why work for us?

Benefits are a major part of your overall compensation, and we believe offering them at an affordable cost is not only the right thing to do, but it helps keep you and your family healthy.  That’s why Shamrock Foods pays for the majority of your health insurance, allowing you to take home more of your paycheck.  And it doesn’t stop there - our associates also enjoy additional benefits such as 401(k) Savings Plan, Profit Sharing, Paid Time Off, as well as our incredible growth opportunities, continued education and wellness programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

 At Shamrock Foods Co all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law.


What Shamrock Foods employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom