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Usda Inspector Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (NOW HIRING)

Schwans

IBL5 Line Attendant - 2nd shift

Stilwell, OK · On-site

$17.25/hr

Inspect products; throwing out or fixing products as necessary; writing down amount of waste as ... Perform all duties in compliance with existing USDA, OSHA, State, Federal, and company regulations ...

Schwans

WJ2 Line Attendant - 2nd Shift

Stilwell, OK · On-site

$17.25/hr

Inspect products; throwing out or fixing products as necessary; writing down amount of waste as ... Perform all duties in compliance with existing USDA, OSHA, State, Federal, and company regulations ...

SCHWAN'S

IBL5 Line Attendant - 2nd shift

Stilwell, OK

$17.25/hr

Inspect products; throwing out or fixing products as necessary; writing down amount of waste as ... Perform all duties in compliance with existing USDA, OSHA, State, Federal, and company regulations ...

SCHWAN'S

WJ2 Line Attendant - 2nd Shift

Stilwell, OK · On-site

$17.25/hr

Inspect products; throwing out or fixing products as necessary; writing down amount of waste as ... Perform all duties in compliance with existing USDA, OSHA, State, Federal, and company regulations ...

Butterball

Sanitation Lead

Ozark, AR

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Conduct periodic plant inspections and audits. * Report any food safety issues. * Perform other ... Understanding of government regulations (FDA, USDA) * Understanding of Clean In Place (CIP) and ...

Butterball

Maintenance Lead

Ozark, AR

Inspect, diagnose, disassemble, repair, and replace electrical and other equipment components ... Follows all safety, USDA, and GMP policies and guidelines in additional to maintenance-specific ...

All JobsUsda Inspector JobsUsda Inspector Jobs in Fort Smith, AR

Usda Inspector information

See Fort Smith, AR salary details

$23.6K

$53K

$95.5K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in Fort Smith, AR is $53,021.00, 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 Fort Smith, AR are hiring for Usda Inspector jobs? Cities near Fort Smith, AR with the most Usda Inspector job openings:
Usda Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in Fort Smith, AR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,021 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
IBL5 Line Attendant - 2nd shift

IBL5 Line Attendant - 2nd shift

Schwans

Stilwell, OK • On-site

$17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Starting Pay: $17.25 per hour
Additional $1.50 shift differential from 6 p.m. -- 6 a.m.
Shift: 2nd
Hours: 2:15PM - 12:00AM
What We Offer:
  • Weekly Friday pay
  • Earn up to 2 weeks paid time off your first year
  • 7 paid holidays and 2 personal days each year
  • Comprehensive Benefit Package, including:
    • 3 Health Plans
    • 2 Dental Plans
    • 2 Vision Plans
    • Immediately vesting 401k with up to 4% Company Match
    • Short- & Long-Term Disability Plans
    • Numerous company-paid benefits, including, financial planning, employee assistance program, life insurance, virtual physical therapy assistance, and caregiving support

If you are interested in joining a growing company with popular retail brands such as Red Baron®, Tony's®, and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith's® and Edwards® desserts; bibigo® and Pagoda® Asian-style snacks, this role is for you. This is a full-time position in a food manufacturing environment with opportunities for advancement!
What You Will Do:
  • Unpack raw materials, mix ingredients, assemble products, and package finished goods.
  • Ensure that all products (from raw materials to finished products) meet company and government quality standards.
  • Inspect products; throwing out or fixing products as necessary; writing down amount of waste as directed.
  • Notify supervisor of quality issues, ingredient/material problems and/or equipment breakdowns.
  • Perform all duties in compliance with existing USDA, OSHA, State, Federal, and company regulations, policies, and procedures (including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's) and safety regulations).

What We Look For:
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Minimum of 0 to 1 years of experience.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand/walk for extended periods on concrete floors.
  • Strong manual dexterity; capable of performing repetitive hand, wrist, and arm motions.
  • Be adaptable to rotating schedules, including weekends and overtime as needed.

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Schwan's Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation or need assistance with completing the application process, please email career.search@schwans.com.
Schwan's Home Delivery logo

About Schwan's Home Delivery

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1952, we have been delivering delicious meal solutions for you to share with family and friends -- any time of the day and for any occasion. Some may know us for our ice cream but millions more choose us for our superior quality foods such as wild-caught seafood, USDA choice meats, flavorful fruits and vegetables and of course, decadent desserts. All 100% satisfaction guaranteed. And all frozen fresh and delivered to your door.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Marshall, MN, US

Year founded

1952

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