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Usda Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ed Miniat LLC

Laborer - 2nd Shift

South Holland, IL · On-site

$18 - $20.80/hr

Knowledge of GMP, HACCP and USDA regulations preferred. * Able to work overtime and weekends as ... Inspect equipment & utensils for sanitary conditions. Inspect product (if direct product handler ...

Meats by Linz

SQF PRACTITIONER (31592)

Hammond, IN · On-site

Verify program effectiveness through audits, inspections, and trend analysis. Audit & Regulatory Compliance * Prepare and lead SQF certification, customer, USDA, and third-party audits. * Develop ...

Meats by Linz

SQF PRACTITIONER (31592)

Hammond, IN · On-site

Verify program effectiveness through audits, inspections, and trend analysis. Audit & Regulatory Compliance * Prepare and lead SQF certification, customer, USDA, and third-party audits. * Develop ...

Major Food Mfg

Be Seen First

Maintenance Mechanic - 1st Shift

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Conduct routine inspections, diagnostics, and maintenance on electrical and mechanical systems of ... Knowledge of USDA, FDA, and OSHA regulations and food safety standards is preferred. * Ability to ...

New

Illinois Sanitation Service Inc

Butcher's

Aurora, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Follow USDA, HACCP, GMP, and company food safety guidelines * Inspect meat products for quality and freshness * Load and unload products from storage areas and trucks * Work in refrigerated and cold ...

Meats By Linz

SQF PRACTITIONER (31592)

Hammond, IN · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Verify program effectiveness through audits, inspections, and trend analysis. Audit & Regulatory Compliance * Prepare and lead SQF certification, customer, USDA, and third-party audits. * Develop ...

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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.

Food Quality Technician

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Addison, IL • On-site

$25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Food Quality Lead (2nd shift)
Location: Franklin Park, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Target Pay Rate: $24.00/hour (plus $1 shift differential) = $25.00/hour
Work Schedule: 2nd Shift (3:30pm - 12:00am), Monday - Friday
Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k)
Job Summary:
A growing food manufacturing company is seeking a 2nd Shift Quality Assurance Lead to support and strengthen its Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs. Working closely with the Quality Control Supervisor, this position helps ensure regulatory compliance, product quality, and adherence to food safety standards in a USDA-regulated processing environment. The ideal candidate has experience in a meat or protein processing facility and possesses strong leadership, problem-solving, and food safety compliance skills.
Must Have Skills:
  • Experience in a meat or protein processing environment
  • Knowledge of USDA, FSIS, HACCP, SQF, GMP, and SSOP regulations
  • Quality assurance and food safety experience within food manufacturing
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  • High school diploma or equivalent (HACCP certification preferred)
Job Duties:
  • Support food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs
  • Assist with corrective and preventive action (CAPA) investigations and implementation
  • Maintain compliance with USDA, FSIS, HACCP, SQF, GMP, and SSOP requirements
  • Complete and review daily, weekly, and monthly quality documentation
  • Oversee sanitation programs and verify SSOP compliance
  • Support microbiological sampling and testing activities
  • Ensure compliance with Foreign Material Control procedures
  • Conduct internal audits, inspections, and SQF verification/validation activities
  • Monitor product specifications and quality standards
  • Assist with food safety and quality training for production employees
  • Investigate and help resolve customer quality complaints
  • Train and mentor Quality Control team members
  • Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) throughout the production process
  • Serve as backup to the Quality Control Supervisor as needed
  • Perform additional duties as assigned
Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a USDA-regulated meat or protein processing facility required
  • HACCP certification preferred
  • Strong understanding of food safety systems, food microbiology, and quality assurance principles
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational, planning, and multitasking abilities
  • Proven decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.