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Usda Inspector Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

The Lamb Company

Meat Inspector

Pedricktown, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

Support USDA inspectors and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. * Participate in internal audits, customer audits, and third-party food safety audits. * Analyze quality data ...

LAMB COOPERATIVE INC

Meat Inspector

Pedricktown, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

Support USDA inspectors and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. * Participate in internal audits, customer audits, and third-party food safety audits. * Analyze quality data ...

Katzman

Quality Control Supervisor

Burlington, NJ · On-site

$66K - $73K/yr

Key responsibilities include acting as the primary liaison for USDA inspections, optimizing inventory life cycles with buyers and sales, and driving proactive quality improvements across the ...

Rastelli Bros

Data Entry

Swedesboro, NJ · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Interacting with USDA inspectors. * Work with the Shipping department to ensure all containers leave in timely fashion. * Work with customer claims. The above list of Responsibilities is not the only ...

Aspire Bakeries

Sr. Manager, FSQA

Swedesboro, NJ · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... USDA, and applicable regulatory requirements * Own and maintain GFSI/BRCGS certification, audit readiness, customer audits, and third-party inspections * Drive continuous improvement using FSQA KPIs ...

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All JobsUsda Inspector JobsUsda Inspector Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Usda Inspector information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$24.7K

$55.4K

$99.9K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in Philadelphia, PA is $55,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,800.00 and $64,100.00 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 Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Usda Inspector jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Usda Inspector job openings:

Usda Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,438 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Meat Inspector

The Lamb Company

Pedricktown, NJ • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform incoming and outgoing product inspections to ensure products meet customer specifications, USDA requirements, and company quality standards.

  • Conduct visual, sensory, and physical evaluations of products to verify quality, appearance, and condition.

  • Verify temperatures of products and storage areas and maintain accurate temperature records.

Job description

Position Overview:
The Quality Control Meat Inspector is responsible for ensuring that all meat products meet company, customer, USDA, food safety, and quality requirements throughout receiving, production, packaging, storage, and shipping operations. This role works closely with the Food Safety & Quality Assurance department to inspect products, verify specifications, perform testing, document findings, investigate quality concerns, and support regulatory compliance activities. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and product quality.
Major Responsibilities
  • Perform incoming and outgoing product inspections to ensure products meet customer specifications, USDA requirements, and company quality standards.
  • Conduct visual, sensory, and physical evaluations of products to verify quality, appearance, and condition.
  • Verify temperatures of products and storage areas and maintain accurate temperature records.
  • Inspect packaging, labeling, lot codes, date codes, product weights, and USDA approval requirements.
  • Monitor compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety procedures, sanitation requirements, and workplace safety standards.
  • Perform metal detector verification and other routine quality control checks.
  • Conduct yield testing and record and communicate results.
  • Collect microbiological and product samples for testing and laboratory analysis.
  • Maintain complete and accurate quality documentation, inspection records, and product evaluation reports.
  • Investigate quality deviations, product defects, customer complaints, and non-conforming products.
  • Communicate quality concerns and inspection findings to Food Safety & Quality Assurance Management, Production, Procurement, and Sales teams.
  • Recommend and participate in corrective action activities to address quality and food safety issues.
  • Implement and support product hold, release, and disposition procedures.
  • Assist with returned product inspections, evaluations, and reporting.
  • Support USDA inspectors and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in internal audits, customer audits, and third-party food safety audits.
  • Analyze quality data and identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives, new product launches, and food safety programs.
  • Assist with Food Safety and Quality Assurance training activities.
  • Maintain audit-ready records and documentation at all times.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Key Success Measures
  • Accurate and timely completion of product inspections and quality documentation.
  • Consistent compliance with USDA, GMP, food safety, customer, and regulatory requirements.
  • Effective identification and resolution of quality and food safety concerns.
  • Accuracy in product testing, sampling, yield testing, and verification activities.
  • Successful execution of product hold and release procedures.
  • Maintenance of complete and audit-ready records.
  • Positive outcomes during USDA, customer, internal, and third-party audits.
  • Timely communication of quality concerns and inspection findings.
  • Effective support of corrective action and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Strong collaboration with Production, Procurement, Warehouse, Sales, and Food Safety teams.
  • Reduction of product defects, customer complaints, and non-conforming products.
  • Adherence to company safety, quality, and food safety standards at all times.

Qualifications & Considerations for the Position
  • High School Diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education in Food Science, Quality Assurance, or a related field is an asset.
  • Minimum one (1) year of experience in meat processing, meat inspection, food manufacturing, Food Safety, or Quality Assurance.
  • Knowledge of meat cuts and meat processing operations preferred.
  • Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation, food safety, and quality assurance principles.
  • Familiarity with USDA regulations and meat inspection requirements.
  • Knowledge of HACCP, SQF, GFSI, FSEP, or similar food safety systems is considered an asset.
  • Experience with product testing, sampling, and quality inspection activities.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to collect, evaluate, summarize, and report quality data.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality documentation systems.
  • Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic.

Core Competencies
  • Accountability and Dependability
  • Quality Orientation
  • Results Orientation
  • Teamwork
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem Solving

Core Values
Engagement - Demonstrates enthusiasm, initiative, and commitment to organizational goals.
Innovation - Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and creative solutions.
Professionalism - Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and strong work ethics.
Respect - Values diverse perspectives and maintains positive working relationships.
Working Conditions
  • Ability to regularly lift packaged meat products up to 60 pounds.
  • Work in refrigerated and freezer environments, including coolers (approximately 34°F) and freezers (approximately 0°F to -4°F).
  • Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-toed safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, face masks, and protective clothing.
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements.
  • Manual dexterity required.
  • Fast-paced meat processing and manufacturing environment.
  • Overtime and weekend work may be required.

Pay: $25.00 per hour with a pay increase after 90 days based on a performance evaluation.
Benefits
  • Eligible for discretionary bonus
  • 401(k) company contribution
  • 100% company paid Medical/Dental/Vision/Basic Life Insurance/Short Term and Long-Term disability benefits

For information about the company, go to https://greenstonemeats.com/
Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Greenstone Meats is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.
Greenstone Meats is committed to providing an accessible and barrier-free environment. Accommodations are available on request for candidates throughout the selection process. Please contact Human Resources if accommodation is required
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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