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Usda Inspector Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Production Associate

Greensburg, PA · On-site

$18.50 - $19/hr

Must adhere to USDA Safety and Sanitation Regulations and customer specifications. ESSENTIAL DUTIES ... Perform visual inspection of meat products to meet certain specifications • Meet company ...

Usda Inspector information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$23.8K

$53.3K

$96.1K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in Pittsburgh, PA is $53,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,400.00 and $61,600.00 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 Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Usda Inspector jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,336 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About this position

The Regulatory Manager is responsible for leading regulatory compliance activities in a food manufacturing facility operating under USDA and FDA requirements. This role partners closely with plant leadership, Quality Assurance, Operations, Sanitation, R&D, and external regulatory agencies to ensure products, processes, documentation, and facility practices meet applicable federal, state, customer, and internal standards.

  • Serve as the facility subject matter expert for USDA, FDA, and other applicable food manufacturing regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain regulatory readiness by ensuring policies, programs, records, specifications, labels, and facility practices are accurate, current, and audit-ready.
  • Partner with USDA and FDA representatives, third-party auditors, customers, and internal stakeholders during inspections, audits, inquiries, and follow-up activities.
  • Review and support regulatory documentation, including HACCP plans, food safety plans, SSOPs, GMP programs, product specifications, labeling, ingredient statements, claims, and related records.
  • Monitor regulatory changes and translate requirements into practical actions for plant teams, ensuring timely implementation and clear communication.
  • Lead or support internal audits, regulatory assessments, corrective and preventive actions, root-cause analysis, and verification of effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Operations, Sanitation, Maintenance, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to ensure compliant product launches, process changes, and ongoing production.
  • Provide training, coaching, and guidance to factory employees and supervisors on regulatory expectations, documentation practices, and inspection readiness.
  • Support customer and certification audits by preparing documentation, responding to findings, and driving continuous improvement.
  • Maintain accurate regulatory files and ensure records are retained in accordance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements.

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