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Usda Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FOOD FUSION NJ LLC

Quality Inspector

Bridgeton, NJ · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Support internal SQF audits and FDA/USDA inspection readiness by organizing records and ensuring documentation is complete and legible * Participate in corrective action and preventive action (CAPA ...

Apply Early

FOOD FUSION NJ LLC

Quality Inspector

Bridgeton, NJ · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Support internal SQF audits and FDA/USDA inspection readiness by organizing records and ensuring documentation is complete and legible * Participate in corrective action and preventive action (CAPA ...

FOOD FUSION NJ LLC

Quality Inspector

Bridgeton, NJ · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Support internal SQF audits and FDA/USDA inspection readiness by organizing records and ensuring documentation is complete and legible * Participate in corrective action and preventive action (CAPA ...

Techoundsllc

QA Manager - Food Mfg

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Be the point of contact for USDA Inspector. Communicate effectively on behalf of the company. Respond promptly to inquiries and N.R.'s and ensure strict adherence to USDA regulations. * Validate and ...

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Centennial Bank

SBA & USDA Loan Servicing Assistant

Tampa, FL · On-site

$35K - $43K/yr

... inspections as required by the SBA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). 7. Assist and provide back-up to the SBA & USDA Loan Servicing Specialist in the preparation of Guidehouse 1502 reporting. 8. ...

Centennial Bank

SBA & USDA Loan Servicing Assistant

Tampa, FL · On-site

$35K - $43K/yr

... inspections as required by the SBA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). 7. Assist and provide back-up to the SBA & USDA Loan Servicing Specialist in the preparation of Guidehouse 1502 reporting. 8. ...

Centennial Bank

SBA & USDA Loan Servicing Assistant

Tampa, FL · On-site

$35K - $43K/yr

... inspections as required by the SBA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). 7. Assist and provide back-up to the SBA & USDA Loan Servicing Specialist in the preparation of Guidehouse 1502 reporting. 8. ...

Albertsons

Quality Assurance Manager USDA

Riverside, CA

$120K - $138K/yr

Serve as primary contact for USDA-FSIS, FDA, third-party, and customer audits; lead inspections, responses, and corrective action closure. Product Safety Authority: Make final decisions on product ...

Albertsons

Serve as primary contact for USDA-FSIS, FDA, third-party, and customer audits; lead inspections, responses, and corrective action closure. Product Safety Authority: Make final decisions on product ...

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All JobsUsda Inspector Jobs

Usda Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 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.
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Usda Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Quality Inspector

FOOD FUSION NJ LLC

Bridgeton, NJ • On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Quality Technician

Food Manufacturing | Entry-Level | Full-Time
Department | Quality Assurance
Reports To | Quality Manager / Quality Director
FLSA Status | Non-Exempt
Work Schedule | Production shift schedule; overtime and weekend availability may be required
Regulatory Scope | FDA/FSMA (21 CFR Part 117), USDA/FSIS (9 CFR Part 417, 416), SQF Code
Position Summary
The Quality Technician supports the quality assurance function by performing in-process inspections on the production floor, maintaining accurate regulatory and SQF documentation, and conducting receiving inspections on incoming raw materials and ingredients. This is an entry-level role designed for candidates who are detail-oriented, comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and eager to develop expertise in food safety compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Production Floor Quality Control


  • Perform scheduled in-process checks including weight, temperature, pH, water activity (aw), visual appearance, and packaging integrity

  • Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) and verify that critical limits are met per the facility HACCP plan (9 CFR 417 / 21 CFR 117)

  • Observe and document pre-operational and operational sanitation checks in accordance with Sanitation SOPs (9 CFR 416)

  • Identify, tag, and initiate holds on nonconforming product; communicate immediately to the Quality Manager

  • Support environmental monitoring swab collection and sample submission per the facility EMP schedule

  • Verify that allergen changeover and line clearance procedures are completed and documented before production begins

Documentation & Compliance


  • Complete all required production and quality records accurately and in real time; never pre-fill or back-fill records

  • Maintain records in compliance with FSIS record retention requirements (9 CFR 412) and FDA 21 CFR 117 recordkeeping requirements (minimum 2 years for most records)

  • Assist in label verification: confirm product label matches approved artwork, including allergen declarations (FALCPA Big 9), net weight, and lot coding

  • Support internal SQF audits and FDA/USDA inspection readiness by organizing records and ensuring documentation is complete and legible

  • Participate in corrective action and preventive action (CAPA) documentation; assist in root cause analysis under direction of Quality Manager

  • Log nonconformances and assist with drafting responses to FSIS Noncompliance Records (NRs) when applicable

Supplier & Incoming Quality


  • Conduct receiving inspections on raw materials, ingredients, and packaging; verify supplier COAs against approved specifications

  • Review and file Certificates of Analysis (COAs), temperature records, and shipping documents for incoming lots

  • Reject or place on hold any incoming material that does not meet specifications; document and notify Purchasing and Quality Manager

  • Assist in maintaining the approved supplier list and supplier verification records per FSMA supply-chain program requirements (21 CFR 117 Subpart G)

  • Support foreign supplier verification activities (FSVP) as directed, including reviewing importer documentation under 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart L

Qualifications
Required


  • High school diploma or GED;

  • 02 years of experience in food manufacturing, quality control, or a related field (internship or co-op experience counts)

  • Basic understanding of food safety principles, GMP, and HACCP concepts

  • Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

  • Comfortable working in cold, wet, or hot production environments; ability to stand for extended periods

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate recordkeeping

Preferred


  • Familiarity with SQF, BRC, or other GFSI-recognized food safety schemes

  • Experience using electronic quality management systems (QMS) or ERP platforms

  • PCQI certification (FDA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) or willingness to obtain

  • Basic lab skills: pH meter, water activity meter, moisture balance

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position requires work in an active food manufacturing environment. Conditions include exposure to noise, temperature variation (refrigerated and ambient areas), wet floors, and food processing equipment. Employees must comply with all GMP requirements including hair nets, beard nets, gloves, and appropriate PPE at all times on the production floor.
Physical demands include: standing for up to 812 hours per shift, lifting up to 40 lbs, bending, reaching, and walking production lines. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.