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Usda Meat Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Auditor

Urbandale, IA · On-site +1

$107K - $139K/yr

Provide guidance on financial policies and procedures required under the Federal Meat Inspection ... and maintain USDA's repository of approved rates. * Review State operations to verify ...

... USDA regulated meat production divisions. This position plays a critical role in maintaining ... Dual inspection experience preferred) Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, FSMA, SQF, USDA/FDA ...

... USDA regulated meat production divisions. This position plays a critical role in maintaining ... Dual inspection experience preferred) • Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, FSMA, SQF, USDA/FDA ...

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MEAT - MEAT CLERK

Denver, CO

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Label packages according to COOL, USDA and Leevers standards. * Follows and executes all Leevers ... Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery, to maintain cold chain and ensure meat quality.

3rd Warehouse Team Lead

Mundelein, IL

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Role and Responsibilities Perform daily visual walk around inspections of all equipment to observe ... USDA meat & poultry jurisdiction. All Kilcoy team members are responsible for food safety and ...

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Role and Responsibilities Perform daily visual walk around inspections of all equipment to observe ... USDA meat & poultry jurisdiction. All Kilcoy team members are responsible for food safety and ...

MEAT - MEAT CLERK

Denver, CO · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Label packages according to COOL, USDA and Leevers standards. * Follows and executes all Leevers ... Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery, to maintain cold chain and ensure meat quality.

MEAT - MEAT CLERK

Denver, CO

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Label packages according to COOL, USDA and Leevers standards. * Follows and executes all Leevers ... Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery, to maintain cold chain and ensure meat quality.

Label packages according to COOL, USDA and Leevers standards. * Follows and executes all Leevers ... Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery, to maintain cold chain and ensure meat quality.

Role and Responsibilities Perform daily visual walk around inspections of all equipment to observe ... USDA meat & poultry jurisdiction. All Kilcoy team members are responsible for food safety and ...

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Usda Meat Inspection information

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How much do usda meat inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda meat inspection in the United States is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, animal science, and inspection procedures, typically supported by relevant training or an associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and USDA data management systems is essential. Attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying violations and coordinating with plant personnel. These skills and qualities ensure the safety and quality of meat products, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are USDA meat inspectors and what do they do?

USDA meat inspectors are professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. They inspect facilities that process meat and poultry, examine animals before and after slaughter, and verify that sanitary and safety standards are maintained. Their work helps to protect public health by preventing contaminated or unfit meat from entering the food supply. Inspectors also enforce federal regulations and may collect product samples for laboratory analysis.

What is the difference between Usda Meat Inspection vs Meat Processing Technician?

AspectUsda Meat InspectionMeat Processing Technician
CertificationsUSDA certification, food safety trainingFood safety, equipment operation, sometimes USDA or state certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection stations, slaughterhouses, processing plantsProcessing plants, production lines, meat packaging facilities
Job FocusInspecting meat for safety, compliance, and qualityProcessing, packaging, and handling meat products

While both roles work within the meat industry, USDA Meat Inspection focuses on ensuring meat safety and compliance through inspection, whereas Meat Processing Technicians handle the processing and packaging of meat products. Both require food safety knowledge, but USDA Meat Inspectors primarily perform oversight and compliance checks, often with USDA certification, in inspection environments. Meat Processing Technicians are more involved in the production process, operating equipment and preparing meat for sale.

What is the highest salary of a food inspector?

The highest salary for a USDA meat inspector can exceed $70,000 annually, especially for experienced inspectors or those in supervisory roles. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and level of responsibility, with some inspectors earning over $80,000 with overtime and benefits.

What do meat inspectors make?

Meat inspectors working for the USDA typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Salaries can increase with experience, certifications, and supervisory roles, and inspectors often work in regulated environments that require adherence to safety standards and inspection procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by USDA Meat Inspectors during daily inspections?

USDA Meat Inspectors often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict attention to detail while inspecting high volumes of products, adapting to varying facility conditions, and staying current with evolving regulations. They must ensure food safety by identifying potential contamination or non-compliance, sometimes under time constraints or in fast-paced environments. Collaboration with plant staff and effective communication are essential for addressing issues and ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly.

What does it take to become a USDA meat inspector?

To become a USDA meat inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete specialized training provided by the USDA. They must also pass written and practical exams, and often have some experience in meat processing or food safety. Certification and ongoing training are required to maintain employment in this role.

How long does it take to become a meat inspector?

Becoming a USDA meat inspector typically requires completing a training program that lasts several weeks to a few months, followed by on-the-job training and passing a certification exam. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some experience in meat processing or food safety can be beneficial.
What cities are hiring for Usda Meat Inspection jobs? Cities with the most Usda Meat Inspection job openings:
What states have the most Usda Meat Inspection jobs? States with the most job openings for Usda Meat Inspection jobs include:
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspection job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,697 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Auditor

$107K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO). OCFO provides staff leadership and administrators financial, budge, and performance management programs necessary to support FSIS programs and administrative activities. It also develops and implements financial/accounting/budget and performance improvement policies and procedures for FSIS. OCFO has responsibility for all FSIS financial management, strategic planning, and budget and performance improvement activities.
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Duties
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  • Implement policies and procedures governing financial reviews, operational analysis, and compliance activities across assigned programs.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with Federal, State, and other governmental entities to ensure alignment with financial policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide guidance on financial policies and procedures required under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, Egg Products Inspection Act, and FSIS agreements.
  • Perform onsite and virtual evaluations of State financial operations, systems, and practices to assess compliance with Federal and FSIS requirements.
  • Review and analyze administrative and program expenditures, test standards and measurements, and recommend corrective or improvement actions.
  • Evaluate State-submitted indirect cost proposals, recommend appropriate rates, negotiate Federal-wide indirect cost rates, and maintain USDA's repository of approved rates.
  • Review State operations to verify implementation of corrective actions and ensure previously identified exceptions are resolved and non-recurring.
  • Perform desk reviews of grant-related financial documentation, including final financial reports, to ensure compliance with grant terms and Federal requirements.
  • Develop clear, organized, and well-documented work papers that reference supporting documentation and facilitate effective review and audit processes.
  • Carry out additional responsibilities as required to support financial oversight and program compliance.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
  • If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.

Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Specialized Experience: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service performing duties which included:
  • Led financial reviews, operational analyses, and compliance assessments for federally funded programs, ensuring adherence to policies, OMB cost principles, and statutory requirements under the FMIA, PPIA, and EPIA.
  • Coordinated with Federal and State partners to interpret regulatory requirements, align financial practices, and resolve complex compliance issues across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Conducted onsite and virtual evaluations of State financial systems, internal controls, and cost-allocation practices to assess compliance with Federal requirements, issuing findings and recommending corrective actions.
  • Reviewed and analyzed administrative and program expenditures, indirect cost proposals, and supporting documentation.
  • Performed desk reviews of grant financial reports and documentation to verify compliance with grant terms, cost principles, and audit requirements, ensuring deficiencies were corrected and non-recurring.
  • Developed clear, well-organized, and fully cross-referenced audit work papers supporting conclusions, facilitating internal review, and strengthening audit defensibility.

Education cannot be substituted for experience to qualify for the GS-13 grade level.
To learn more on how to qualify for this position, Click Here
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
Degree: Bachelor's or higher in accounting, auditing; or a degree including auditing courses in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law. (You must submit a copy of your transcripts for verification.)
OR
Combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following:
1. Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
3. Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.