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Usda Meat Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lamb Company

Meat Inspector

Pedricktown, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

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 ...

LAMB COOPERATIVE INC

Meat Inspector

Pedricktown, NJ

$25/hr

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 ...

State of Delaware

Meat Inspector I-II

Dover, DE · On-site

$42K/yr

This role requires candidate to complete training and obtain a USDA Meat Inspection License within 6 months of hire. Essential Functions Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to ...

State of Delaware - AGR/Agriculture

DE · On-site

This role requires\r\ncandidate to complete training and obtain a USDA Meat Inspection License within\r\n6 months of hire.\r\n Essential Functions Essential functions are fundamental, core functions ...

Bellisio Foods

QA - Raw Material Tech

Jackson, OH · On-site

Inspect all incoming raw materials to confirm all requirements are met and complete Incoming Inspection Report, record information for meat items in USDA Meat Log. * Pull a small sample of any new ...

Red Barn Meats, Inc.

Meat Cutter

Croghan, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

We have built a reputable customer base providing both USDA and custom meat processing as well as ... Responsibilities include but not limited to: · Pre-operational inspection of equipment for ...

Beef Jerky Factory

Be Seen First

Quality Control / Quality Assurance USDA and BRC (SQF)

Colton, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

... meat processing facilities is highly preferred. Required Knowledge and Skills Candidates must possess strong knowledge of: * USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulations * HACCP ...

Snelling Austin

Meat Cutter / Meat Processor

Austin, TX

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Inspect meat for quality, freshness, and proper texture before and after cutting. * Maintain clean and sanitary work areas in compliance with food safety regulations (USDA, HACCP). * Follow ...

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How much do usda meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda meat inspector 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 is a USDA Meat Inspector?

USDA Meat Inspectors are trained professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled for human consumption. They inspect animals before and after slaughter to check for signs of disease or contamination and enforce federal regulations regarding food safety and sanitation in processing plants. Their work helps protect public health by preventing unsafe or contaminated products from reaching consumers.

What are some common challenges faced by USDA Meat Inspectors in their daily work?

USDA Meat Inspectors often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards in fast-paced processing environments. They must stay vigilant to identify potential hazards or violations while balancing the need to keep production lines moving efficiently. Inspectors also navigate regular communication with plant management and workers, sometimes needing to enforce regulations that impact operations. Successfully managing these responsibilities requires strong attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and effective interpersonal skills.

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 anatomy, and the ability to identify health hazards, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or USDA certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and sanitation monitoring devices is important. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors enforce standards and collaborate with plant staff. These abilities ensure the safety and quality of meat products, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Usda Meat Inspector vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectUsda Meat InspectorFood Safety Inspector
CertificationsUSDA certification, HACCP knowledgeVaries by agency, often HACCP and food safety certifications
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, slaughterhousesFood production facilities, regulatory agencies
Employer & IndustryUSDA, meat and poultry industryFederal, state, or local agencies across food sectors

The USDA Meat Inspector primarily focuses on inspecting meat and poultry products in processing plants to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Food Safety Inspectors have a broader scope, overseeing various food industries to ensure public health standards are met. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, their specific responsibilities and industry focus differ.

How long does it take to become a USDA Meat Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Meat Inspector typically requires completing a training program that lasts several weeks to a few months, followed by passing a written exam and gaining on-the-job experience. Candidates often need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require prior work experience in meat processing or related fields.

How to become USDA meat inspector?

To become a USDA meat inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete training provided by the USDA or an approved training program. Certification involves passing written and practical exams, and inspectors must adhere to food safety regulations and often work in slaughterhouses or processing plants with regular schedules.
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Usda Meat Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,697 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Meat Inspector

The Lamb Company

Pedricktown, NJ • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

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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