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Usda Inspector Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer I

Austin, TX

$71K - $92K/yr

Conduct pre-pack and post-pack inspections for USDA and other regulated SKUs to verify product quality, labeling, and packaging compliance. * Coordinate Nonconforming Material (NCM) and deviation ...

Quality Engineer I

Austin, TX · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Conduct pre-pack and post-pack inspections for USDA and other regulated SKUs to verify product quality, labeling, and packaging compliance. * Coordinate Nonconforming Material (NCM) and deviation ...

Meat Cutter / Meat Processor

Austin, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Inspect meat for quality, freshness, and proper texture before and after cutting. * Maintain clean and sanitary work areas in compliance with food safety regulations (USDA, HACCP). * Follow ...

... load Inspection forms Performs product consolidations and BIN transfers, using forklift when ... SOPs, GMPs, Safety, PPE, and all rules prescribed by the USDA and FDA Performs other related duties ...

... load Inspection forms Performs product consolidations and BIN transfers, using forklift when ... SOPs, GMPs, Safety, PPE, and all rules prescribed by the USDA and FDA Performs other related duties ...

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Showing results 1-20

Usda Inspector information

See Austin, TX salary details

$25.3K

$56.8K

$102.4K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in Austin, TX is $56,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,800.00 and $65,700.00 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.

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Usda Inspector jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Usda Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,815 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

$71K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 427 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Warehouse

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
 

Location/Division-Specific Information:

Austin, TX. Relocation assistance is NOT provided. 

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

*Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screen.

Discover Impactful Work:

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll join a quality assurance team focused on ensuring consistent execution of quality standards and regulatory compliance. You'll play a vital role in enabling our customers to make breakthrough discoveries and innovations that make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. You'll ensure product quality, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain the highest standards of quality and compliance in a GMP environment.

A Day in the Life:

  • Perform incoming inspection of raw materials, components, and finished goods to ensure compliance with established quality standards and specifications.
  • Review and approve manufacturing batch records (batch binders) for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with cGMP, USDA, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct pre-pack and post-pack inspections for USDA and other regulated SKUs to verify product quality, labeling, and packaging compliance.
  • Coordinate Nonconforming Material (NCM) and deviation records related to assigned quality activities, ensuring timely documentation, investigation, and resolution.
  • Support quality investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA activities to address nonconformances and drive continuous improvement.
  • Maintain accurate quality documentation in accordance with Quality Management System (QMS) requirements and applicable regulations.
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Warehouse, Engineering, and Regulatory teams to resolve quality issues and support product release.
  • Participate in internal audits, regulatory inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen quality systems and ensure compliance.
  • Perform other quality-related duties as assigned.

Keys to Success:

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree required; no prior experience required. Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, food manufacturing, or other regulated industries preferred.
  • Preferred fields of study: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Engineering, or related scientific/technical discipline.
  • Working knowledge of cGMP, ISO 13485/9001, and quality system requirements; USDA-regulated manufacturing experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with quality processes including incoming inspection, batch record review, nonconforming materials (NCM), deviations, CAPA, and SOPs.
  • Experience with quality management systems (e.g., TrackWise, SAP) and Microsoft Office applications preferred.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
  • May require up to 10% travel.
  • Must be able to work in controlled manufacturing environments while wearing required PPE.

Benefits:

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!


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