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Veterinary Meat Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

North Carolina

Commissary Assistant

Asheboro, NC · On-site

$48K/yr

Frequent communication and coordination with Animal and Veterinary staff are essential to support ... Ability to receive, inspect, and properly store food items (produce, meats, fish, hay, insects, and ...

Purdue University

Pest Control Technician

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Train on the how to Inspect infested areas, observe clue such as tracks, food, and structural ... Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA regulations related to the Veterinary School and Meat ...

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

$15/hr

Frequent communication and coordination with Animal and Veterinary staff are essential to support ... to receive, inspect, and properly store food items (produce, meats, fish, hay, insects, and ...

All JobsVeterinary Meat Inspector Jobs

Veterinary Meat Inspector information

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$95.5K

$98.5K

$101K

How much do veterinary meat inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary meat inspector in the United States is $98,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Veterinary Meat Inspector position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Meat Inspector, a solid background in veterinary science, knowledge of animal anatomy, and a degree in veterinary medicine or a related field with appropriate licensing or certification are required. Familiarity with inspection protocols, laboratory diagnostics, and regulatory compliance systems such as HACCP and government inspection tools is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and impartial decision-making are important soft skills for ensuring food safety and collaborating with teams. These competencies are vital to accurately assess meat products, prevent contamination, and uphold public health standards.

What is a Veterinary Meat Inspector job?

A Veterinary Meat Inspector examines meat, poultry, and other animal products to ensure they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They inspect live animals before slaughter and assess carcasses for signs of disease or contamination. Their role helps prevent foodborne illnesses by enforcing health regulations and ensuring humane handling practices. They often work in slaughterhouses, processing plants, or government agencies, collaborating with veterinarians and food safety officials.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Veterinary Meat Inspector?

Veterinary Meat Inspectors are responsible for examining animals before and after slaughter to ensure they are free from diseases or contaminants. On a typical day, you'll review documentation, conduct visual and physical inspections, collect samples for laboratory analysis, and oversee hygiene practices in processing plants. You may also interact regularly with plant staff, report findings to regulatory agencies, and provide guidance on corrective actions when standards are not met. This role involves a combination of on-site, hands-on assessments and completion of detailed inspection reports. Your work directly contributes to maintaining food safety and public health.

What is the highest paying job in the veterinary field?

In the veterinary field, specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons or veterinary pathologists tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they typically offer higher compensation compared to general veterinary or veterinary inspection roles.

How long does it take to become an USDA inspector?

Becoming a USDA Meat Inspector typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, gaining relevant work experience in meat processing or inspection, and passing the USDA's qualification exams. The process can take several months to a year, depending on training programs and certification requirements.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

Among veterinary meat inspectors, those working in federal agencies or for large processing plants tend to earn higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and stricter regulatory oversight. Experience, certifications, and specialized knowledge can also lead to higher pay within the field.

How do I become a meat inspector?

To become a veterinary meat inspector, you typically need a degree in veterinary medicine or a related field, along with relevant experience in animal health and meat processing. Certification or licensing from a government agency is often required, and inspectors must adhere to food safety standards and regulations. The role involves inspecting meat products for quality and safety in slaughterhouses or processing plants.
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Meat Inspector jobs? The most popular types of Veterinary Meat Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Veterinary Meat Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Meat Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Meat Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Meat Inspector jobs are:
Veterinary Meat Inspector jobs near you
Meat & Poultry Inspector Trainee - Circuit 3-3 - Iroquois Co.

Meat & Poultry Inspector Trainee - Circuit 3-3 - Iroquois Co.

State of Illinois

Springfield, IL • On-site

$4.3K - $5.7K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

State Of Illinois rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 56009 
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: 06/23/2026
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Class Title: MEAT & POULTRY INSP TRAINEE - 26075 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $4373 a month; Full Range $4373 - $5703 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Iroquois; Champaign; Ford; Kankakee; Livingston; Vermilion
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC029 Paraprofessional Investigatory & Law Enforcement Employees, Meat and Poultry Inspectors, and Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainees, IFPE. The RC-033 bargaining unit merged into RC-029 bargaining unit effective May 15, 2014.
Merit Comp Code: 

This position serves in a regional capacity. Persons serving in this role are required to assume residency in one of the Counties identified under the Conditions of Employment section which includes Iroquois, Kankakee, Ford, Livingston, Vermillion or Champaign County, and will be required to work from their home location as a base of daily operational headquarters to service their designated worksites.

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger-something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule-flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainee for Iroquois County.  Meat and Poultry Inspectors are essential employees on the front lines of protecting our food production system.  Candidates for this trainee position will complete a training program of up to 12 months. We invite qualified applicants to apply for this position to help the Department of Agriculture ensure the production of safe and wholesome meat and poultry products. 

The Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainee for Iroquois County.  Meat and Poultry Inspectors are essential employees on the front lines of protecting our food production system.  Candidates for this trainee position will complete a training program of up to 12 months. We invite qualified applicants to apply for this position to help the Department of Agriculture ensure the production of safe and wholesome meat and poultry products. 

Essential Functions
  • Under direct supervision, participates in an agency sponsored training program for a period of six to twelve months; receives orientation, classroom instruction and on-the-job training in slaughter of animals and poultry and processing of meat and poultry products; acquires knowledge of techniques and procedures utilized in meat and poultry inspection to maintain state and federal standards; receives controlled assignments under the close supervision of veterinary and supervisory personnel. Travels to sites to perform inspections.
  • Under close supervision, performs antemortem inspection of live animals and/or poultry prior to slaughter for the presence of conditions indicative of abnormalities or diseases.
  • Successfully completes the Employee Development Guide for basic meat inspection and State of Illinois Department of Agriculture's slaughter and processing training courses to become familiar with provisions of food inspection laws, regulations, manuals and inspection procedures.
  • Travels to, attends, and participates in workshops, meetings, institutes, and other activities which will provide meaningful learning experiences for use in meat and poultry inspection.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to high school, preferably with courses in algebra, biology or chemistry.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prefers knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of education beyond high school in the following order: Associate degree, Bachelor's degree, Advanced degree.
  • Prefers completion of education beyond high school with a bachelor's or advanced degree in the fields of science or agriculture.
  • Prefers experience in the butchering, slaughtering, and/or processing of animals for food.
  • Prefers experience observing the postmortem exam of animals.
  • Prefers working knowledge of the principles of Hazard Analysis - Critical Control Point Plans (HACCP).
  • Prefers experience filling out HACCP records. 
  • Prefers working knowledge of Sanitation and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
  • Prefers elementary knowledge of disease or abnormal conditions of animals, poultry, carcasses, or meat and poultry products.
  • Prefers elementary knowledge of how to identify adulterated product.
Conditions of Employment
  1. Requires completion of a name-based background screening and self-disclosure of criminal history.
  2. Requires the ability to successfully pass a preemployment physical
  3. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
  4. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
  5. This position is considered light work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(b)). Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. This job may require a good deal of walking or standing or involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls.
  6. This position requires residency in one of the following counties: Iroquois, Ford, Kankakee, Livingston, Vermillion or Champaign County.
  7. Requires ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant odors in slaughterhouses and in meat preparation areas, to extreme cold in meat lockers and heat in processing areas.
  8. Requires ability to use safety practices around dangerous meat cutting and processing machinery.
  9. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm daily work hours may vary
Headquarter Location: 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Iroquois
Agency Contact: Bureau of Human Resources
Email: AGR.HumanResources@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-785-5099
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers an annual budget of approximately $200 million and employs more than 400 people statewide, with several hundred more seasonal employees hired during the summer to support the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair.  Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the State's land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed, and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the State's horse racing programs.

AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.  

AGR offers a robust benefit package including; 

  • Monday-Friday work schedule
  • Flexible work schedules in many program areas
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
  • 12 Weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Pension Plan
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
  • Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually
  • Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service
  • Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date
  • Thirteen - Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

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About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

Social media

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