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

Maintains current HACCP plan of both USDA and FDA products. To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: * Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves ...

Maintains current HACCP plan of both USDA and FDA products. To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: * Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Forklift Operator VBC - 3rd Shift

Van Buren, AR · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

... and USDA requirements. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Stores and moves product using an ... Performs visual safety inspection of machine before operation. Loads and unloads trucks, stacking ...

Forklift Operator VB (Night Shift)

Van Buren, AR · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

... and USDA requirements. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Stores and moves product using an ... Performs visual safety inspection of machine before operation. Loads and unloads trucks, stacking ...

Forklift Operator VB (Night Shift)

Van Buren, AR · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

... and USDA requirements. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Stores and moves product using an ... Performs visual safety inspection of machine before operation. Loads and unloads trucks, stacking ...

Forklift Operator VB (Night Shift)

Van Buren, AR · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

... and USDA requirements. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Stores and moves product using an ... Performs visual safety inspection of machine before operation. Loads and unloads trucks, stacking ...

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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 Aug 17, 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 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.

Do we still have USDA inspectors?

Yes, USDA inspectors are still employed to ensure compliance with federal regulations in food safety, agriculture, and related industries. They conduct inspections, verify certifications, and enforce standards at various facilities, often requiring knowledge of inspection tools and certification requirements.

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 the ability to meet physical and background check requirements are also necessary, along with ongoing training to stay current with regulations.

What cities near Fort Smith, AR are hiring for Usda Inspector jobs?

Cities near Fort Smith, AR with the most Usda Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in Fort Smith, AR as of August 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.

Quality Control Supervisor - 1st Shift

PEPPER SOURCE LTD

Van Buren, AR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Pepper Source rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

429th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Description

Job Title: QC Supervisor

Reports To: Food Safety and Quality Assurance Supervisor

FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt



1st Shift

Monday-Friday, 6:00am-2:30pm

Saturdays as-needed


Salary TBD based on experience.



Plans and directs activities concerned with development, application, and maintenance of food quality standards for industrial processes, materials, and products by performing the following duties:

Other duties may be assigned.

  • Develops and initiates standards and methods for inspection, testing and evaluation.
  • Devises sampling procedures and designs and develops forms and instructions for recording, evaluating and reporting quality and reliability data.
  • Establishes program to evaluate precision and accuracy of production equipment and testing, measurement and analytical equipment and facilities.
  • Develops and implements methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and devises methods to assess cost and responsibility.
  • Directs workers engaged in measuring and testing product and tabulating data concerning materials, product or process quality and reliability.
  • Interfaces with procurement, engineering, manufacturing, customer or vendors to coordinate and resolve quality-related problems.
  • Provides computerized status report describing progress and concerns related to inspection activities, nonconforming items, and/or other items related to the quality of the process, material or product.
  • Compiles and writes training material and conducts training sessions on food safety and quality control activities.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of the latest codes and new developments in testing and examination methods of processes, materials, and products.
  • Assures compliance to all applicable regulatory agencies including USDA, FDA, Bureau of Weights and Measures, State and Local regulations.
  • Maintains current HACCP plan of both USDA and FDA products.
  • Develops and coordinates execution of corrective action and preventive measures form audit findings.
  • Provides Certificates of Analysis to Customers as requested by Management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises 5-10 employees in the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.


Pepper Source and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers offering the following benefits:


FULL BENEFITS (HEALTH, VISION, DENTAL, LIFE)

401(k)/PROFIT SHARING

PAID VACATION/PTO/HOLIDAYS

WEEKLY PAY PERIOD/DIRECT DEPOSIT PAYROLL

REFERRAL BONUSES & ATTENDANCE AWARDS

CONSISTENT GROWTH/RAISE OPPORTUNITES


About Us

Pepper Source is a family-owned company that provides custom sauces, seasonings, and dry coating systems to all of the major poultry companies in the United States as well as the frozen food, meat, and food service industries. We develop and manufacture custom flavor profiles that meet our customers' specific needs. Our process takes innovation and extensive knowledge of the food industry.


Requirements

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Analytical - Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
  • Design - Generates creative solutions; Uses feedback to modify designs; Demonstrates attention to detail.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
  • Project Management - Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget.
  • Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
  • Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  • Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
  • Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Able to read and interpret written information.
  • Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
  • Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
  • Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
  • Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
  • Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
  • Managing People - Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
  • Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness
  • Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Aligns work with strategic goals.
  • Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
  • Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
  • Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
  • Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence.
  • Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
  • Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
  • Attendance/Punctuality - Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
  • Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
  • Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
  • Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.


Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Education and/or Experience 

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills 

Must be able to speak, read and write in English. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.


Mathematical Skills 

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.


Reasoning Ability 

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.


Computer Skills 

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have basic knowledge of computers; Knowledge of Database, Spreadsheet, Word Processing, and Manufacturing software.


Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to perform the following:  

Stand and/or walk for the duration of the shift

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms

Talk and hear

Occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus


Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.



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