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Usda Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Rembrandt Foods

Breaking Plant

New Hampton, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

... USDA inspector Perform Machine Operator/Candler's duties and responsibilities when necessary Perform other tasks as assigned Interact with USDA inspector Perform other tasks as assigned Backup: A ...

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How much do usda jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda in Iowa is $15.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the USDA?

The USDA, or United States Department of Agriculture, is a federal agency responsible for developing and executing policies on farming, agriculture, forestry, and food. Its mission includes supporting farmers, ensuring food safety, promoting agricultural trade, and protecting natural resources. The USDA also provides food assistance programs and conducts research to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. The agency plays a key role in rural development and maintaining the nation’s food supply.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA inspector?

To thrive as a USDA Inspector, you need a solid background in agricultural science, food safety protocols, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a relevant degree or specialized training. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory equipment, and food safety management systems like HACCP is typically required. Attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products, uphold public health standards, and maintain compliance with federal regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by USDA inspectors in the field, and how are they supported in overcoming these challenges?

USDA inspectors often face challenges such as navigating complex regulations, working in varied environments (from processing plants to farms), and ensuring compliance under tight deadlines. They may also encounter resistance from stakeholders or need to adapt quickly to evolving food safety concerns. To support inspectors, the USDA provides ongoing training, access to specialized resources, and collaboration with experienced colleagues and supervisors, ensuring inspectors can effectively uphold standards and maintain public safety.

What is the difference between Usda vs Food Inspector?

AspectUsdaFood Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in agriculture, food science, or related fields; USDA certificationsOften requires similar degrees and certifications, including food safety training
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, farms, food processing facilities, inspection sitesFood processing plants, farms, retail stores, government inspection sites
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Agriculture, agriculture, food productionFood safety agencies, government, private food companies

Both USDA employees and Food Inspectors work within the food safety and agriculture sectors, often sharing similar credentials and work environments. USDA roles may encompass broader responsibilities, while Food Inspectors focus specifically on inspecting food products for safety and compliance.

What are common USDA career paths?

USDA offers a variety of career paths including roles in agriculture, food safety, forestry, research, and administration. Common positions include agricultural economists, food inspectors, foresters, and research scientists, often requiring relevant degrees and security clearances. Employees may work in field offices, laboratories, or policy development environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Usda jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Usda jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Usda jobs in Iowa?

For Usda jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Usda jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Usda jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Usda jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Usda job openings:

Usda jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,718 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Machinery Maintenance Mechanic

Innovative Consulting & Management Services

Ames, IA • On-site

$33.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on utility plant systems and equipment.

  • Monitor and operate central utility plant equipment to support continuous facility operations.

  • Assist with maintenance activities, document work orders, and respond to emergencies to ensure safety and operational integrity.

Job description

Description:

Innovative Consulting & Management Services (ICMS) is a Professional & Technical Management Consulting firm with over 20 years of consulting experience. We offer technical professional services to Federal and State Governments, and Commercial clients.


ICMS is a Small Business and Certified HUBZone employer. We deliver value to our clients by combining deep industry knowledge with strong functional capabilities. Our focus is to manage cost-effective programs while at the same time mitigating risk and improving results. Our success is about teamwork, a coordinated effort from all disciplines, from clients to consultants and most important, it’s about delivering on our commitments.


The purpose of the Machinery Maintenance Mechanic position is to provide operations and maintenance support services to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Center for Animal Health’s (NCAH) in Ames, IA. The NCAH is specially designed and operated to research, perform tests and ultimately contain highly infectious diseases of livestock and wildlife species where they may be studied safely, posing no threat to the nation’s food industry or people. These positions support the central utility plant and biocontainment facilities at NCAH and may require entry into BSL-3 laboratories which require additional layers of personnel security requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities of the position will include but not limited to:

  • Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on utility plant systems, including boilers, chillers, pumps, heat exchangers, turbines, condensate systems, water distribution, wastewater treatment, compressed air, and emergency generators
  • Monitor and operate central utility plant equipment in support of continuous facility operations.
  • Assist with air handling and refrigeration equipment maintenance, including filter replacement, motor/fan servicing, and control adjustments.
  • Support documentation of maintenance and service work orders in the IBM Maximo CMMS system.
  • Respond to Priority 1 work to protect health and safety, safeguard research, and prevent equipment/facility damage.
  • Follow OSHA, EPA, USDA, and biosafety requirements in all maintenance activities
  • Participate in snow/weather response as part of the facilities “snow crew” when required
  • Collaborate with NCAH staff on scheduled maintenance, system shutdowns, and repairs
  • Ensure all maintenance activities are documented and meet quality control standards.
Requirements:
  •  High School Diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement
  • At least 5 years of experience in operations, maintenance, and repair of central utility plant systems and equipment
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain and troubleshoot boilers, chillers, pumps, wastewater treatment equipment, compressors, turbines, and related systems.
  • Working knowledge of preventive maintenance programs, including CMMS software (IBM Maximo preferred).
  • Must possess or be eligible to obtain a LincPass (federal ID credential).
  • Ability to work safely in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and USDA biosafety guidelines.
  • Strong documentation and reporting skills.
  • Must be able to work onsite full-time (40 hours/week, Monday–Friday) and respond to emergencies as required.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to operate contractor vehicles on site.

Full-time Day Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Pay Rate: $33.40/hr + H&W benefits


Benefits:

  • Health & Welfare Benefits based on Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS)
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 100% covered for employee
  • Life and Accidental AD&D Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan with 3% automatic contribution
  • Generous sick and vacation leave based on SCLS


ICMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.