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Usda Meat Inspector Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Specialty Foods Group

General Labor Associates

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... meats in the United States and proud to be the home of "Kentucky Legend" products. As Owensboro ... Follow all USDA guidelines * Report any issues regarding food safety or quality to supervision and ...

Specialty Foods Group

General Labor Associates

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... meats in the United States and proud to be the home of "Kentucky Legend" products. As Owensboro ... Follow all USDA guidelinesReport any issues regarding food safety or quality to supervision and/or ...

All JobsUsda Meat Inspector JobsUsda Meat Inspector Jobs in Kentucky

Usda Meat Inspector information

See Kentucky salary details

$17

$19

$21

How much do usda meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda meat inspector in Kentucky is $19.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $21.30 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.

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.

Is it hard to become a USDA Meat Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Meat Inspector requires meeting specific qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, and passing written and practical exams. The process involves completing training programs and obtaining certifications, which can take several months to a year depending on individual circumstances.

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 popular job titles related to Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Kentucky?

For Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Kentucky are:

Usda Meat Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspector job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,557 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

General Labor Associates

Specialty Foods Group

Owensboro, KY • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Specialty Foods Group LLC Owensboro, KY
Specialty Foods Group, previously known as "Fields Packing Company", a division of Indiana Packers Corp, is a leading producer of premium-branded and private-label processed meats in the United States and proud to be the home of "Kentucky Legend" products. As Owensboro's "2020 Manufacturer of the Year" our dedicated employees have been producing hams, turkey, hot dogs, and lunch meats loved by millions of families across the country. We have called Owensboro, KY home for over 100 years. We believe that giving back to our employees and the community are equally important values to creating quality products.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Must have the ability to learn and successfully operate various types of machinery such as: blenders, grinders, slicers, Tumblers, Frankomatic, T-sizers, fork trucks, jacks, etc.
  • Must have the ability to learn set up, changeover, troubleshoot, change parts (such as blades),inspect, disassemble, clean and sanitize various types of machinery
  • Must have the ability to learn and complete all documentation associated with machinery and positions on production lines
  • Must have the ability to communicate in English (Read and Write) and do basic math
  • Will be required to work across departmental boundaries at will
  • Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor

Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to occasionally lift up to 60 lbs.
  • Must be able to push / pull weight in excess of 1000 pounds when needed
  • Occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling & crouching
  • Manual dexterity & mobility required

PPE / Tools:
  • Hairnet, beard net (if applicable), bump cap, & frock
  • Safety glasses, hearing protection, & rubber boots
  • Other equipment or tools may be needed.

Work Environment:
  • Temperatures range from 36-40 degrees in most production areas
  • Wet floors
  • May have contact with wet product

Safety:
  • Expected to work continuously in a safe manner
  • Expected to encourage others to work continuously in a safe manner
  • Expected to report all unsafe conditions to appropriate parties
  • Expected to promote safety in all areas of the plant
  • Expected to maintain good housekeeping in all areas of the plant

Food Safety / Quality:
  • Adhere to all GMP's (Good Manufacturing Practices), such as good hand washing practices and adhering to the employee hygiene plan.
  • Follow all USDA guidelines
  • Report any issues regarding food safety or quality to supervision and/or quality assurance

Specialty Foods Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and values diversity. Our EOE policy not only prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category under state, local or federal law, but also reflects our commitment to making all employment decisions without regard to an individual's membership in a protected class. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, termination, rates of pay and other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in company-sponsored employee activities. As part of its equal opportunity policy, we also take affirmative action in accordance with applicable laws to ensure that women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities have opportunities to join and progress within the Company.

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