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Usda Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Rembrandt Foods

Breaking Plant

New Hampton, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

... USDA inspector Perform Machine Operator/Candler's duties and responsibilities when necessary Perform other tasks as assigned Interact with USDA inspector Perform other tasks as assigned Backup: A ...

Rembrandt Foods

Breaking Plant

New Hampton, IA · On-site

... USDA inspector Perform Machine Operator/Candler's duties and responsibilities when necessary Perform other tasks as assigned Backup: A trained designee will be appointed by management to cover for ...

Rembrandt Foods

Breaking Plant

New Hampton, IA · On-site

... USDA inspector Perform Machine Operator/Candler's duties and responsibilities when necessary Perform other tasks as assigned Backup: A trained designee will be appointed by management to cover for ...

Eurofins Scientific

Grain Inspector

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Grain Inspector Join Eurofins Grain Inspection and turn your passion for agriculture into a career ... Stay up to date on USDA grain standards * Contribute to a collaborative, ethical work environment ...

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All JobsUsda Inspector JobsUsda Inspector Jobs in Iowa

Usda Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$23K

$51.6K

$93K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in Iowa is $51,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $59,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USDA inspector?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a USDA inspector?

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 challenges do USDA inspectors face in their daily work?

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.

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 can I become a USDA inspector?

To become a USDA inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience, and may be required to pass written exams and background checks. Additional qualifications include knowledge of food safety standards, inspection procedures, and sometimes specialized certifications depending on the inspection area. Training is provided by the USDA after hiring, and inspectors often work in environments such as processing plants, farms, or food facilities.

What are the requirements to be a USDA inspector?

To become a USDA inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in food safety or inspection, and must pass written and practical exams. Certification from the USDA and knowledge of food safety standards, inspection procedures, and regulatory compliance are also required.
Usda Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,602 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Breaking Plant

Rembrandt Foods

New Hampton, IA • On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Job Summary:

(A) Inspect liquid egg for imperfections, pick shell fragments out of cups and pull trigger handle of cup when imperfections exist. (B) Inspect egg for imperfections; discard shelled eggs with imperfections into bucket and pull dirty eggs to send back to be rewashed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

A-Breaker Machine Operator

Inspect liquid egg for imperfections (i.e. bloodspots, meat spots or rots)

Pick shell fragments out of cups and discard into inedible bucket

Pull trigger handle on cup when imperfections exist

B-Candler

Inspect eggs on conveyor line for imperfections (i.e. blood spots, meat spots, rots, leakers or any shell imperfections)

Discard shelled eggs with imperfections into inedible bucket

Pull dirty eggs from conveyor line and send back to be rewashed

Both

Monitor the production process

Empty egg buckets

Manual candling of eggs

Complete hourly checklists

Maintain cleanliness in Processing area

Train and oversee Breaker Machine Operators/Candlers in various procedures

Follow all OSHA safety regulations and procedures

Interact with USDA inspector

Perform Machine Operator/Candler's duties and responsibilities when necessary

Perform other tasks as assigned

Interact with USDA inspector

Perform other tasks as assigned

Backup:

A trained designee will be appointed by management to cover for absences or vacancies; refer to Rembrandt Foods site-specific facility back-up matrix on file.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required:

Ability to work on a fast-paced line

Fine Motor Skills

Concentration

Awareness and knowledge of surroundings in relation to climate, atmosphere and equipment

Attention to detail

Hand/Eye/Foot Coordination

Independent Self Starter/Team player

Basic English: communicate for job and safety issues

Preferred:

Mathematical Skills: Basic Arithmetic, count, add and subtract

Computer Skills: Touch screens

Equipment

Rubber Boots/Frocks/ Hearing Protection/ Safety Glasses/ Hair nets/beard nets

Hand tools/High pressure wand

Large push broom, kitchen broom, squeegee

Apply