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Usda Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Serve as primary contact for USDA-FSIS, FDA, third-party, and customer audits; lead inspections, responses, and corrective action closure. Product Safety Authority: Make final decisions on product ...

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Quality Control Inspector

Escalon, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

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 ...

Serve as primary contact for USDA-FSIS, FDA, third-party, and customer audits; lead inspections, responses, and corrective action closure. Product Safety Authority: Make final decisions on product ...

Willingness to learn and follow USDA inspection requirements. Physical Demands & Work Environment: * Regularly stand, walk, bend, lift, reach, push/pull. * May be exposed to feathers, dust, cold ...

Writer-Editor

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$89K - $138K/yr

... Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office within the Department of Agriculture whose mission is to ensure economy, efficiency, and integrity in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA ...

Willingness to learn and follow USDA inspection requirements. 🛠 Physical Demands & Work Environment: * Regularly stand, walk, bend, lift, reach, push/pull. * May be exposed to feathers, dust, cold ...

QA3

Wasco, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Must effectively communicate verbally and in writing with supervisors/leads, managers, USDA, inspectors, auditors, and all other departments. * Must have the ability work together as a team to ensure ...

Quality Control Inspector I

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$19.30 - $23.71/hr

Hello! We are looking for a dedicated Quality Control Inspector I to join the family! Del Real ... Basic knowledge on HACCP and GMP requirements for employee practices in a USDA/FDA Establishment.

$19.51/hr

Preparing for inspections and assisting USDA inspectors * Data entry, inventory control, and maintaining daily laboratory records * Participating in continuous improvement initiatives and training

... USDA or FDA regulated food manufacturing environment. (Dual inspection experience preferred) • Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, FSMA, SQF, USDA/FDA regulatory requirements, and third-party ...

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Usda Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in California is $54,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Usda Inspector vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectUsda InspectorFood Safety Inspector
CertificationsUSDA certifications, food safety trainingFood safety certifications, possibly USDA training
Work EnvironmentInspecting farms, processing plants, slaughterhousesInspecting food facilities, restaurants, processing plants
Employer & IndustryUSDA, federal government, agriculture & food industryLocal/state agencies, federal agencies, food industry

Both roles focus on food safety and require similar certifications. USDA Inspectors primarily work within the agricultural and processing sectors, ensuring compliance with federal standards. Food Safety Inspectors may work in various food-related environments, including restaurants and local facilities, often with overlapping certifications. The main difference lies in their specific work settings and regulatory focus.

How many years does it take to be a food inspector?

Becoming a USDA food inspector typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field such as food science, biology, or agriculture, which takes about four years to complete. Additionally, applicants often need to complete on-the-job training and pass certification exams, which can add several months to a year depending on the program and position.

What are USDA Inspectors?

USDA Inspectors are professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring that food products, especially meat, poultry, and eggs, meet federal safety and quality standards. They conduct inspections at processing plants, slaughterhouses, and other facilities to verify compliance with regulations. Their duties include checking for contamination, proper labeling, and adherence to sanitation protocols. By enforcing these standards, USDA Inspectors help protect public health and maintain consumer confidence in the nation's food supply.

How much do food safety inspectors make in the US?

Food safety inspectors, including USDA inspectors, typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000 in the US. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and level of certification, with some inspectors earning over $70,000 annually. The role often requires knowledge of food safety standards and inspection procedures.

What are the requirements to be an USDA inspector?

To become an USDA inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience in food safety or inspection, and must pass written and practical exams. Additional certifications or training in food science, agriculture, or related fields are often required, along with the ability to work in various environments and adhere to strict safety standards.

What are some common challenges USDA Inspectors face in their daily work, and how are they typically addressed?

USDA Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of inspections, adapting to changing regulations, and maintaining objectivity under pressure from producers or facility staff. To address these, inspectors rely on thorough training, ongoing professional development, and clear communication with both team members and facility personnel. Support from supervisors and standardized protocols also help ensure that inspectors can uphold food safety and quality standards consistently, even when facing difficult situations.

Can you be a food inspector without a degree?

Becoming a USDA food inspector typically requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many positions prefer or require some college coursework or a degree in food science, agriculture, or a related field. Certification and experience in food safety or inspection procedures are also important for employment in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a USDA Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, inspection procedures, and often a degree in agriculture, food science, or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing methods, and USDA compliance systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and integrity help inspectors identify safety issues and work effectively with facility staff. These skills ensure public health and regulatory compliance by maintaining high standards of food quality and safety.
What are the most commonly searched types of Usda Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of Usda Inspector jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Usda Inspector jobs? Cities in California with the most Usda Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Quality Assurance Manager USDA

Quality Assurance Manager USDA

Albertsons

On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Albertsons rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 121 rated grocery stores


Job description


Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us for an exciting opportunity at Albertsons Companies, where innovation and customer service go hand-in-hand!
At Albertsons Companies, we are looking for someone who's not just seeking a job, but someone who wants to make an impact. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that values great service and lasting customer relationships. This position offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that's constantly evolving.
Position Overview
The Quality Assurance Manager serves as the site leader for Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory Compliance, accountable for protecting consumers, ensuring brand integrity, and enabling business growth.
This role leads and continuously improves the site's Food Safety & Quality Management System (FSQMS) to meet and exceed USDA-FSIS, FDA, SQF (GFSI), Organic, and customer requirements. The QA Manager partners cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Commercial teams to mitigate risk, drive operational excellence, and support innovation and commercialization.
This position plays a critical leadership role in fostering a proactive food safety culture, leveraging data and continuous improvement tools to enhance product quality, process capability, and regulatory readiness.
Main responsibilities:
Lead Food Safety & Quality Systems: Own and continuously improve the site FSQMS (HACCP, FSMA/Preventive Controls, GMPs, SQF) to ensure audit readiness and full compliance.
Regulatory & Audit Leadership: Serve as primary contact for USDA-FSIS, FDA, third-party, and customer audits; lead inspections, responses, and corrective action closure.
Product Safety Authority: Make final decisions on product release, holds, deviations, and disposition; oversee lab, environmental, and microbiological programs.
Quality Team Leadership: Develop and lead the QA team through effective mentorship, clear accountability, strategic hiring, structured onboarding and ongoing capability development.
Data-Driven Improvement: Establish KPls and leverage data to drive risk reduction, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
Supplier & Customer Quality: Lead supplier quality programs and own customer complaint management, including investigation and trend analysis.
Commercialization & Change Management: Partner with R&D and cross-functional teams to
support new product launches and manage formulation, labeling, and process changes.
People Leadership & Culture: Develop and lead the QA team while embedding a strong food safety and quality culture across the plant.
Operational Partnership: Collaborate with Operations to improve process capability, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality.
We are looking for candidates who possess the following:
Required
Bachelor's degree in food science, Microbiology, or related discipline
5 plus years of progressive experience in Quality or Food Safety leadership within a
USDA-regulated food manufacturing environment
Deep expertise in USDA-FSIS regulations, SQF, HACCP, and audit managementDemonstrated success in leading cross-functional initiatives, driving change and influencing stakeholders
Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, design, validation, and implementation of food safety and quality systems for new production lines, including HACCP plans, preventive controls, SSOPs, and process validations.
Preferred
SQF Practitioner and/or PCQI certification Experience with Seafood HACCP
Experience in RTE food or soup manufacturing
Familiarity with labeling systems and automated printing (e.g., Videojet)
Work Environment
Manufacturing and cold-room environments
Flexibility to support audits, inspections, and business-critical activities
We also provide a variety of benefits including:
  • Competitive wages paid weekly

• Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
  • Associate discounts
  • Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
  • Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay). For eligibility requirements please visit myACI Benefits
  • Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development
  • An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve

Our Values - Click below to view video: ACI Values
A copy of the full job description can be made available to you.
#LI-SAIZ
About Us
Albertsons Companies is at the forefront of the revolution in retail. Committed to innovation and fostering a culture of belonging, our team is united with a unique purpose: to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being. We want talented individuals to be part of this journey!
Locally great and nationally strong, Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) is a leading food and drug retailer in the U.S. We operate over 2,200 stores, 1,732 pharmacies, 405 fuel centers, 22 distribution facilities, and 19 manufacturing plants across 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our well-known banners include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Shaw's, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, United Express, Randalls, Albertson's Market, Pavilions, Star Markets, Market Street, Carrs, Haggen, Lucky, Amigos, Andronico's Community Markets, King's, Balducci's, and Albertson's Market Street.
Our vision is to be a retail leader admired for national strength with deep local roots, offering an easy, fun, friendly, and inspiring experience, no matter how customers choose to shop with us. We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and strive to create a workplace where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, and can fully contribute to their and our company's success.
Bring your flavor
Building the future of food and well-being starts with you. Join our team and bring your best self to the table.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employees assigned to this job and are not the official job description for the position. All employees must comply with Company, Division, and Store policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties, and skills of personnel may vary within store and/or from store to store and the official job description will be provided during the application process.
Albertsons is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Consistent with applicable state and local law, the Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).
About the Team
Pay Transparency:
Starting rates will be no less than the local minimum wage and may vary based on criteria such as location, experience, and qualifications. Candidates with unique qualifications may be considered for compensation above this range. Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, sick pay, PTO/Vacation Pay or Flexible Time Off, paid holidays, bereavement pay, and retirement benefits (pension and/or 401k eligibility). [If applicable:] Associates in this position may be eligible for a quarterly bonus.

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