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Usda Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Great Kitchens

QA Tech- Food Production

Romeoville, IL

$18 - $19.50/hr

Conducting daily SSOP operational inspections as part of USDA requirements * Collecting finished pizza samples; keeping sample area cleaned and organized * Reviewing and verifying receiving records ...

Labor Solutions, LLC

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Plant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Strong knowledge of USDA/FSIS-regulated food manufacturing , including experience working directly with USDA inspectors. * Demonstrated experience with operating budgets, capital planning, capacity ...

Real Good Foods

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QC Lead - 2nd shift

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

... USDA, GMP, HACCP, and regulatory requirements. The Quality Lead performs hands-on quality inspections and testing while also coordinating the activities of Quality Control Technicians during the ...

New

Elite Staffing

Quality Inspector

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Quality Inspector Bone Inspector The Bone Inspector is responsible for evaluating incoming raw ... Maintain compliance with USDA, GMP, HACCP, and company food safety standards. Support additional ...

Real Good Foods

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QC Lead - 1st Shift

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

... USDA, GMP, HACCP, and regulatory requirements. The Quality Lead performs hands-on quality inspections and testing while also coordinating the activities of Quality Control Technicians during the ...

New

Labor Solutions Professional

Plant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Serve as the facility's primary liaison with USDA inspectors.Support the implementation of new production processes and product launches.Maintain a strong culture of safety, accountability, quality ...

Eurofins USA Food Testing

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Join Eurofins Grain Inspection and turn your passion for agriculture into a career that directly ... Stay up to date on USDA grain standards and emerging agricultural trends * Contribute to a ...

Eurofins

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · 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 ...

Eurofins US Network

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · 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 ...

Eurofins Scientific

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · 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 ...

Eurofins USA Food Testing

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · On-site

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 ...

Eurofins

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · 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 Chicago, IL

Usda Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$56.6K

$102K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in Chicago, IL is $56,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $65,400.00 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 Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,595 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

FSQA Technician -- Frozen Pizza Manufacturing (USDA/BRC)

Great Kitchens Food Manufacturing

Romeoville, IL • On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

About the Role

As an FSQA Technician in our Romeoville, IL facility, you’ll be the daily guardian of food safety and product quality across frozen pizza operations. You’ll collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance Supervisor and Quality Assurance Manager to ensure every process meets USDA, BRC, and customer expectations.

A Day in the Life

Starting your day at 5:00 a.m., you’ll move from the production floor to the labeling room and back to the QA desk, owning the rhythm of quality on shift:

  • Lead daily pre-operational inspections and conduct required SSOP operational checks under USDA oversight.
  • Collect ATP swabs to verify sanitation effectiveness and perform monthly allergen validation swabs.
  • Oversee the labeling room, including printing labels for master cases.
  • Collect finished pizza samples and maintain a clean, organized retain/sample area.
  • Accompany the USDA inspector on the daily walkthrough of the facility.
  • Review and verify receiving records and QA paperwork for accuracy; update GKMS documents when discrepancies or changes occur.
  • Place and release product holds in the system; issue maintenance/sanitation work orders when needed.
  • Send the daily shift email summarizing the USDA walkthrough and all hold actions.
  • Drive process improvements that simplify tasks while maintaining compliance with SOPs.
  • Own documentation and administrative tasks: weekly hold log updates, NCR findings spreadsheet, temperature logs, calibration records, retain sample log, work orders, Supplier NCRs, and more.
  • Perform internal audits as scheduled by the Compliance Coordinator.
  • Assign QA Tech tasks for next-day production and pre-op; train and re-train QA team members as needed.
  • Partner with Operations and other departments to resolve food safety and quality issues; step into Shipping/Receiving when coverage is needed.
  • Report employee discrepancies to the QA Supervisor, QA Manager, or the appropriate department leader.
  • Pitch in on additional projects and duties as assigned or volunteered.
Reporting Structure
  • Reports to: Quality Assurance Supervisor and Quality Assurance Manager
  • Department: Food Safety & Quality Assurance
  • Role backups: Alternate QA Supervisor; Alternate QA Manager
Food Safety & Quality Commitments
  • Adhere to GMPs, including proper hygiene and handwashing.
  • Follow all USDA guidelines and meet BRC Standard requirements.
  • Report any food safety or quality issues to supervision and/or QA immediately.
  • Comply with customer requirements where applicable.
  • Report any risks or evidence of unsafe or out-of-specification product, equipment, packaging, or raw materials to a designated manager for immediate resolution.
Required Background
  • Experience working in a USDA-regulated facility and a prior FSQA role.
  • Flexibility to adjust quickly; ability to work weekends and overtime as needed.
  • Professional email communication skills with management, suppliers, and laboratories.
  • Ability to partner effectively with other FSQA leads.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree a plus.
  • 1–2 years of experience in a USDA environment.
  • Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
  • Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Travel: less than 10%.
Proficiencies
  • Food & Beverage Manufacturing
  • Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA)
  • FDA Regulations
  • USDA Regulations
Schedule & Location
  • Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 5:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (flexibility required for weekend work and overtime).
  • Location: Romeoville, IL, USA.