Our mission is to protect public health; by ensuring that the commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products moving in interstate commerce or exported to other countries is safe, wholesome and correctly labeled and packaged.

• Do you want to make a difference in helping protect our nation’s food supply?
• Are you interested in improving public health?
• Does working in meat and poultry establishments interest you?

As a Food Inspector you will be providing the first line of defense by ensuring that regulated meat*, poultry and egg product establishments produce safe products by executing appropriate inspection methods in privately owned meat or poultry slaughter and processing plants.  Food Inspectors ensure that the product is fit for human consumption in compliance with Federal laws governing the wholesomeness and purity of meat and poultry products.   
This position is appropriate for the new or mid-career professional seeking to start their career with the Food Safety and Inspection Service. The majority of our Inspectors are eventually promoted into positions that inspect processed meat and poultry products. This includes frozen dinners, canned goods, and cured and smoked products.  In processing plants, an Inspector reviews, verifies and monitors plant operations and records, and determines compliance with regulations. Many career paths are possible. If you are also interested in Intermittent (temporary, on call) opportunities, please click on the following link for the

*The “Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008”, also referred to as the “2008 Farm Bill”, was signed into Law on June 18, 2008.  The Farm Bill amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) to include Catfish as an amenable species under the Act.

• U.S. Citizenship
• Specialized experience or education (See Qualification/Evaluation)
• Resume and supporting documents
• Registered for Selective Service if applicable (See Benefits/Other)
• Completion of the Occupational Questionnaire (See How to Apply)
• Background Suitability Investigation required