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Usda Inspector Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Sysco

Production Technician III

Buckhead, GA · On-site

$25.38 - $38.08/hr

Develop and execute inspections and preventive/predictive maintenance tasks on production and ... Experience working in a food processing environment and familiar with USDA, FDA, and SQF policies ...

All JobsUsda Inspector JobsUsda Inspector Jobs in Athens, GA

Usda Inspector information

See Athens, GA salary details

$23.7K

$53K

$95.6K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in Athens, GA is $53,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $61,300.00 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 cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Usda Inspector jobs? Cities near Athens, GA with the most Usda Inspector job openings:
Usda Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in Athens, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,048 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

AGRICULTURE ANIMAL INDUSTRY - MEAT INSPECTOR 1 (Part - Time)

Georgia

Athens, GA

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

AGRICULTURE ANIMAL INDUSTRY - MEAT INSPECTOR 1 (Part - Time)

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000001283

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$15.00/ PER HOUR

Job Description:

We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership.

  • The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.
  • The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

This position is not eligible for benefits and is limited to 29 hours per week.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

This position is assigned to the following counties:

  • BANKS
  • BARROW
  • CLARKE
  • COLUMBIA
  • ELBERT
  • FRANKLIN
  • GLASCOCK
  • HANCOCK
  • HART
  • JACKSON
  • LINCOLN
  • MADISON
  • MCDUFFIE
  • MORGAN
  • OCONEE
  • OGLETHORPE
  • RICHMOND
  • TALIAFERRO
  • WARREN
  • WILKES

Applicants must reside in this county or the surrounding area or be willing to relocate.

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, learn to inspect red meat, red meat products, and meat processing facilities to determine compliance with legal standards.

  • This includes antemortem and post-mortem inspections.
  • This position requires a personal vehicle or transportation. Incumbents must work in adjoining areas as program requirements dictate, although travel outside of the assigned area is expected to be less than 25% of total travel.
  • This position will provide general support services to the Meat Inspection Division.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Support Services Worker - Vocational or technical degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, pest control, entomology, or a closely related field from an accredited college; or a high school diploma or GED and one year of experience in the area of assignment; or two years of college which included 12 semester/20 quarter hours in chemistry or life sciences and one year of directly related experience; or two years of experience at a lower level (RCT090) or position equivalent.

NOTE:

The selected candidate must complete USDA Inspection Methods training at the first available opportunity after being hired.

This is a temporary/hourly position.

Positions in this job are established for less than 9 months or scheduled for less than 30 hours per week and are not eligible for benefits if the position status is temporary (i.e., SCOA 513).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

  • State or Federal Meat Inspection or Food Inspection experience.
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university in Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or a closely related field; and
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Please note:Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to phone/emailinquiries regarding application status. Only candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY: Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

  • Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *

Minimum Qualifications:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.

Apply