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Usda Inspector Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army Medical Command

Veterinarian NF-04

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$107K - $117K/yr

Ability to obtain/renew United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) accreditation within first 60-days of employment. * Ability to work occasional ...

Envolve

Maintenance Technician

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Assists in preparing property for inspections by regulatory agencies * Performs Preventive ... USDA, RD, LIHTC, HOME and other state and local programs. * Perform other duties, as assigned.

Sysco

Warehouse Director - USBL - US

Hampton, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... inspections. * Makes recommendations for disciplinary action and/or behavior modification where ... OSHA, AIB, FDA, USDA, etc.) QUALIFICATIONS Education * Bachelor's degree required or equivalent ...

New

Envolve

Community Manager

Elizabeth City, NC · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Perform regular inspections of managed property in accordance with pre-established schedules ... USDA, RD, LIHTC, HOME and other state and local programs * Provide reports as required * Other ...

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All JobsUsda Inspector JobsUsda Inspector Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA

Usda Inspector information

See Virginia Beach, VA salary details

$23.3K

$52.1K

$94K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in Virginia Beach, VA is $52,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $60,300.00 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.

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 Virginia Beach, VA are hiring for Usda Inspector jobs?

Cities near Virginia Beach, VA with the most Usda Inspector job openings:

Usda Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in Virginia Beach, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,839 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance Technologist

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Smithfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As part of our Food Safety & Quality Assurance team, you will play an important role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards. You will perform routine sanitation checks, enforce HACCP and USDA regulations, and use your technical expertise to track products from start to finish - identifying issues and driving corrective actions when needed.
You will be responsible for monitoring quality in your area, from grading products and documenting results to overseeing sanitation, temperatures, GMPs, and more. Working closely with production teams, you'll help resolve issues, investigate root causes, and improve processes. You'll also support quality programs through training and performance assessment.
Your attention to detail ensures our brands - from Smithfield to Nathan's Famous - are delivered safely and with confidence.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Quality Verification: You conduct routine inspections - including process, metal detection, cooking, and chilling - to ensure products meet all quality standards. You identify and act on out-of-spec products, interpret customer specs, and collaborate with teams to correct issues quickly.
  • Quality Improvement: You drive continuous improvement by addressing deficiencies, identifying root causes of failures, and supporting QA programs. This includes training, spec reviews, and collaborating on initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce waste.
  • Food Safety & HACCP Compliance: You help develop and enforce HACCP programs, monitor critical control points, and ensure food safety protocols are followed throughout the production process.
  • Regulatory & Sanitation Oversight: You ensure USDA regulatory requirements are met, assist with food safety documentation updates, and perform pre-op sanitation checks - following up to guarantee proper cleaning and sampling procedures.
  • Communication & Training: You report food safety issues, recommend corrective actions, and support plant training on deficiencies. In the absence of key personnel, you're prepared to step in or delegate responsibilities as needed.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:
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 to perform the essential functions.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED), required.
  • For internal candidates with 4+ years of experience with the company, the Company has the discretion to waive educational requirements.
  • Must have the ability to complete required forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of quality assurance principles, food science, meat processing, and USDA regulations, ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.
  • Capable of creating, interpreting, and maintaining technical documents, reports, and manuals, with effective written and verbal communication across teams and stakeholders.
  • Experienced in using monitoring equipment, analyzing data, and responding to regulatory or customer inquiries with sound, evidence-based decisions.
  • Proficient in office software and able to interpret and follow instructions in various formats, including written, oral, and visual.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • Associate's degree, preferred
  • Effectively collaborates with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a respectful, approachable, and team-oriented attitude to foster strong working relationships and a positive workplace culture.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Exposed to temperatures ranging from 30 - 80 degrees, working in warm and cold area simultaneously.
  • Frequently required to stand for prolonged times; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
The expected pay range for this position is $19.23 - $28.85 per hour.
Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.
Relocation Package AvailableNo
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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