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Veterinary Meat Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

VA · On-site

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CO

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

TX

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

TX

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AR · On-site

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

LA · On-site

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

UT

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

VA

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

TX

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

TX · On-site

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

LA · On-site

$55K/yr

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services ... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ...

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All JobsVeterinary Meat Inspector Jobs

Veterinary Meat Inspector information

See salary details

$95.5K

$98.5K

$101K

How much do veterinary meat inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 as a veterinary meat inspector?

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?

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 does a veterinary meat inspector do?

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.

How do you become a veterinary meat inspector?

To become a veterinary meat inspector, you typically need a bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine or a related field, followed by passing relevant licensing or certification exams. Additional training in food safety, sanitation, and inspection procedures is often required, and inspectors usually work in slaughterhouses or processing plants to ensure compliance with health regulations.
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
Infographic showing various Veterinary Meat Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,497 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

MEAT & POULTRY INSPECTOR I (Charleston/Ripley, WV)

WV Department of Agriculture

Ripley, WV • On-site

$43K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Position Description
Job Title: Meat and Poultry Inspector I
Division: Animal Health
Headquarters: Charleston/Ripley, WV
Reports To: Circuit II Supervisor
Supervisory Responsibility: None
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Nature of Work:
Under direct supervision of a Circuit Supervisor and/or Program Manager, the Meat and Poultry Inspector I is responsible for applying the laws, regulations, policies, and inspection methods concerned with antemortem and postmortem inspection and limited meat and poultry processing at commercial processing plants and slaughterhouses. Must complete an intensive training program divided into two components: 1) inspection requirements associated with the slaughter of livestock and poultry; 2) pathogen reduction principles associated with food processing and more complex processing inspections.
Continuation of employment is contingent upon completing the aforementioned training and scoring a minimum of 80% on the tests.
Examples of Work:
  • Maintain continuing instruction/education and supplementary supervision in the application of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and inspection methods.
  • Examine heads, viscera, and carcasses of slaughtered meat producing animals for diseased or abnormal conditions. Tag suspect parts for a more thorough inspection and final disposition by a Public Health Veterinarian.
  • Observe and inspect cutting, boning, and trimming operations; byproducts; handling of viscera; inedible handling; and refrigeration of parts and carcasses.
  • Observe the removal of localized defects in carcasses and parts; monitor that facility staff is following standard operating procedures for cleaning and disinfecting equipment.
  • Observe the branding of carcasses passed without restriction; maintain required control over the carcasses and parts passed under restriction or condemned.
  • Verify that slaughter operations comply with Pathogen Reduction requirements.
  • Verify pre-operational and operational sanitation inspections at commercial meat and poultry processing plants and slaughterhouses.
  • Enforce compliance with Sanitation Standard Operational Procedures (SSOP).
  • Review HACCP plans, records, and supporting documents for compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Conduct inspections of processing operations, and on a limited basis, review processing formulae, procedures, technologies, ingredients, letters of guarantee, and labels.
  • Select random product samples for laboratory examination and analysis, both economic and microbiological.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Extensive travel to inspected plants (5 days per week regularly; weekends/holidays infrequently) to perform duties under difficult environmental conditions (heat, high humidity, sharp objects, slippery floors, etc.). Requires the ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull, and handle objects, and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires well-developed manual dexterity, contact with animal blood and body fluids, and occasional indirect contact with ingesta and chemical substances. Requires excellent vision and color recognition.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge or ability to learn meat and poultry inspection laws, regulations, policies, directives, and other documents pertaining to inspection.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems and their application in the meat and poultry industry.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn Sanitation Standard Operational Procedures (SSOP) and their application in the meat and poultry industry.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn slaughtering, meat and poultry procedures and technologies.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn the normal appearance and behavior of animals.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn the appearance of healthy carcasses and parts.
  • Ability to work in a noisy, hot, humid room under hazardous conditions such as slippery floors, suspended carcasses, and sharp, rotating pats of equipment.
  • Ability to use a knife with skillful dexterity.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to use a personal computer or laptop; access and use the Public Health Information System.
  • Ability to effectively deal with plant managers; including cases of controversy.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
College education in animal science, meat science, microbiology, or a closely related field is preferred.
Substitutions:
High School diploma or GED required; VoTech Certification of additional training in slaughter of animals and/or meat processing preferred or a high school diploma and extensive experience in food inspection and practical application of pathogen reduction and HACCP systems at commercial establishments.
Licenses/ Certifications:
Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA, FSIS) training equivalent for plant inspection certification must be completed. Must obtain a USDA Linc Pass.
Additional Requirements:
  • Valid driver's license is required.
  • Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
  • Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
  • Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner of Agriculture and designees.
West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.

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