1

Usda Meat Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prepares meat for inspection according to USDA regulations. * Maintains inspection log. * Resolves problems including: locations of shipments, bad health certificates, rescheduling employees to meet ...

Be Seen First

USDA Butcher

Springtown, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $20/hr

The USDA Butcher plays a crucial role in meat processing, primarily handling beef to ensure quality ... meat cutting, rigorous quality inspection, and maintaining sanitation and safety standards. The ...

Meat Cutter

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines (HACCP, USDA standards, proper temperature ... Receive and inspect incoming meat shipments for quality and accuracy. Price products accurately and ...

Meat Cutter

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines (HACCP, USDA standards, proper temperature ... Receive and inspect incoming meat shipments for quality and accuracy. Price products accurately and ...

Meat Cutter

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines (HACCP, USDA standards, proper temperature ... Receive and inspect incoming meat shipments for quality and accuracy. Price products accurately and ...

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 ... Pre-operational inspection of equipment for cleanliness Setting up equipment Cut, grind, and ...

Butcher/Meat Cutter

Grand Bay, AL · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

USDA Beef Processing Facility Hiring Butchers in Grand Bay, AL. Job Details: * Pay Range: $18-$24 ... Inspect meat according to federal and health department standards. * Prepare specialty meat items ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Usda Meat Inspector information

See salary details

$19

$22

$25

How much do usda meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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 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.

Is it hard to become a food inspector?

Becoming a USDA meat inspector requires completing specific training, passing written and practical exams, and often obtaining relevant certifications. The process involves understanding food safety regulations and may include on-the-job training, making it moderately challenging but achievable with proper preparation.

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.

What are USDA Meat Inspectors?

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.
More about Usda Meat Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Usda Meat Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Usda Meat Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Usda Meat Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Usda Meat Inspector jobs include:

Quality Control Meat Inspector

LAMB COOPERATIVE INC

Pedricktown, NJ

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

The Meat Inspector works with the Food Safety and Quality Assurance department to ensure that food safety, quality standards and procedures are met and aligned with internal / external guidelines and customer specifications. Works closely with leaders and employees, Sales and Procurement and an external Inspector with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).Inspects and accepts or rejects incoming and outbound shipments of meat on the basis of food safety requirements, customer, regulatory, industry and internal standards. Inspects customer returns and conducts investigations. Tracks Supplier and Production deficiencies, reports findings to Sales, Procurement, Production and Suppliers, and recommends corrective actions based on trend analyses to ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and customer specifications. Performs QA Technician duties on the Production floor daily as needed.

Core Competencies:

• Quality Orientation
• Results Orientation
• Teamwork


Demonstrate and uphold Core Values in interactions with internal and external partners:

• Displays enthusiasm for job duties and participates in the attainment and advancement of organizational goals and interests.
• Displays the ability to think outside the box in order to develop creative and new solutions or products that meets current and future needs.
• Displays the behaviors and competencies that are expected of the position and the organization.
• Displays an appreciation of different opinions, roles, experiences and backgrounds, follows the chain of command.

Job Duties:
  • Incoming, Online & Outbound Product Inspection: Responsible for verifying the arrival conditions of all incoming products to ensure appropriate storage was met and product is wholesome and in saleable condition. Accountable for ensuring quality specs are met for all outbound shipments and products on the line. Takes photos and performs various tests to ensure food safety, and product specs are met. Accepts or rejects shipment based on findings:
    • Temperature Control - Uses temperature logger software to record and analyze shipment results
    • Sensory Test – Performs visual and organoleptic evaluation
    • Label Compliance – Verifies expiry date, placement of label, Lot number labels, product codes, weights, verification, labels are USDA approved, etc.
    • Packaging Conformance – Ensures appropriate packaging to specifications, including box, bag, strapping, bone guard, and packaging is USDA approved, etc. to ensure tares are accurate
    • Product Conformance – inspects for conformance to product specifications such as fat trim, cutting lines, bone count, etc.
    • Microbiology Test - computes shelf life expectancy, takes microbiological samples and sends to 3rd party lab for testing, tracks and records microbial results (E.coli 0157:H7, Salmonella) and provides to USDA Inspector for review.
    • Yield Test – conducts yield test, enters results into yield test database and sends report to Sales
  • Documentation: Prepares and tracks Product Evaluation Reports using data gathered from the inspection process. Updates raw materials inventory with results of receiving inspections. Maintains / updates Product Spec Sheets.
  • Investigations: Investigates and reports anomalies immediately. Communicates quality deviations to FSQA Manager, Sales, Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Procurement and VP of Operations.
  • Corrective Action: Recommends and implements corrective actions in consultation with QA, Sales, Procurement and Production Management team.
  • Reporting: Maintains complete and accurate records. Builds Claims Reports as needed with supporting documentation. Regularly reports to suppliers with findings and corrective action.
  • Trend Analysis: Actively reviews data to spot trends and make recommendations to address them with the Management team, Suppliers, and others as required.
  • Returned Product Inspection: Is responsible for returned product inspection, documentation, reporting and corrective action.
  • Regular QA Assistant duties on the processing line:
    • Temperature, product, label verifications
    • Metal detection testing
    • Yield testing
    • Hold and release
    • Document review and verification
  • Customer Service: Provides support that is friendly, valued, knowledgeable, and timely.
  • Other Duties: Performs other related duties as assigned, and initiates recommendations to further enhance the company’s recognition as a top employer.
  • Perform all work to organizational standards to ensure final product meets food safety and quality standards
  • Ensure general housekeeping around assigned area or request assistance as needed
  • Work effectively as part of a team to ensure productivity and efficiency
  • Follow all standard operating procedures, company policies and provincial and federal safety guidelines
  • Participate in training and cross training, and help coworkers as needed
  • Other duties shall be assigned as required
Requirements:
  • High School or Post-Secondary Diploma, or equivalent work experience
  • 1 or more years food safety experience in the meat processing/inspection industry
  • Food Safety Inspection Certification, or willingness to complete within 6 months of hire
  • Strong knowledge of butchery or cuts of meat an asset
  • Fluent in English, Spanish an asset
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Quality Assurance principles, sanitation, recall, internal audit and food safety methodologies
    • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meat processing / inspection regulations
    • Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
    • Food Safety Enhancement Program(FSEP)
    • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
    • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
    • Safe Quality Food (SQF) v9
  • Organized self-starter with proven ability to manage and effectively follow up on multiple duties and meet all deadlines in a time and hygiene sensitive industry
  • Excellent observational, math, and decision-making skills with attention to detail and accuracy
  • Able to collect, maintain, evaluate data, summarize and write reports, and recommend continuous improvement
  • Good oral, written and communication skills; able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with production and office staff and external USDA Inspectors, and Auditors
  • Proficient in computer software, such as inventory / traceability software, manufacturing software, product testing equipment and Microsoft Office
  • Team player with high integrity, values and a positive attitude

Working Conditions:

• Ability to perform regular lifting of packaged meat (up to 60 lbs), work with minimal supervision in temperature controlled environments, including coolers (34 degrees Fahrenheit) and freezers (- 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Safety equipment is required, e.g. steel-toe safety boots, safety glasses/goggles, hearing protection, gloves, face masks, etc.
• Repetitive tasks within a fast-paced environment
• Ability to stand, bend, and reach for long periods of time
• Manual dexterity required
• Monday to Friday, Days, overtime as required

Hourly Pay: $25.00/hour

Benefits: Medical coverage becomes effective on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. All other benefits become effective on the first day of the month following the hire date. The company covers 100% of the cost of benefits, and no payroll deductions are required.

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.