Meat Inspector - Dallas Co

Meat Inspector - Dallas Co

Salary

$43,742.40 - $64,313.60 Annually

Location

Adel - 50003 - Dallas County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00768

Agency

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Opening Date

09/14/2026

Closing Date

9/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

kathryn.polking@iowaagriculture.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The approximately 345 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)are responsible for programs that impact the quality of life of every Iowan. From supporting Iowa agriculture to protecting consumers and ensuring food safety, the work of IDALS touches communities across the state every day. Your work behind the scenes helps ensure Iowa consumers have access to safe, high-quality meat and poultry products.

The Meat & Poultry Inspection Bureauis seeking a full-time Meat Inspector to join our team in the Dallas County region of central Iowa.

In this role, you will inspect locker plants, small packing plants, and other meat processing facilities to ensure compliance with food safety and humane animal handling standards under the Iowa Meat and Poultry Inspection Act. Your work will help keep Iowas food supply safe while supporting one of the states most important industries.

Essential duties:

Conducts antemortem and postmortem inspections of livestock and poultry, using senses and required hand tools to examine animals for disease.

Travels to and conducts walk-through inspections of regulated facilities, ensuring compliance with sanitation standards.

Conducts examinations of finished and in-process products to ensure wholesomeness and compliance with product labeling standards.

Reviews records generated by inspected facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and facility programs.

Enters inspection results daily into designated computer system and prepares non-compliance reports and memoranda as needed to communicate findings.

Communicates with regulated facilities regarding inspection results, regulatory requirements and changes to policies; conducts outreach to new facilities to aid compliance with regulatory requirements.

Additional requirements: Meat Inspectors must maintain a valid drivers license for statewide travel to conduct inspections and must successfully complete the USDA-FSIS Food Inspector Livestock and Inspection Methods courses within six months of hire. Meat inspection work frequently exposes inspectors to hot, cold, wet, or slippery conditions. Inspectors must be able to handle knives and other tools effectively, and must have full use of their senses, including sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Inspectors are also subject to a background check required for access to federal computer systems.

The preferred candidate will possess a background in the meat industry, food industry, regulatory work or agriculture, with relevant experience and/or education in food safety, animal health, agriculture, or related areas. The candidate will demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills and will be able to both work independently and establish strong professional relationships with industry representatives and colleagues alike.

Applicants are encouraged to attach a resume and cover letter during the application process. Documents may be uploaded in the Attachments section of the application.

Why IDALS?

At the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, our work matters. Every day, our employees help protect Iowas food supply, support agricultural innovation, promote environmental stewardship, and serve the people who make Iowa a national leader in agriculture.

Joining IDALS means becoming part of a collaborative team dedicated to public service, continuous improvement, and meaningful work that makes a difference across the state. Whether youre supporting our inspectors behind the scenes or working directly with stakeholders, your contributions help strengthen Iowas agricultural future.

Benefits

As a State of Iowa employee, youll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Affordable, high-quality health insurance with low monthly premiums.
• Dental insurance at no cost for single coverage.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability insurance, with optional supplemental life insurance available.
• Membership in the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS), a defined-benefit pension plan.
• Optional deferred compensation plan with a State match of up to $75 per month.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, and jury duty leave.

Learn more about the outstanding benefits available to State of Iowa employees by visiting the State of Iowa Benefits webpage.

E-Verify and Right to Work: The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency and experience equal to two years of full-time work in livestock or poultry slaughter, processing, or marketing; meat and poultry inspection; or other food-related industry or regulatory work.
• Thirty semester hours of education from an accredited college or university with a minimum of six semester hours in any of the following major areas: veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, animal science, agricultural business, livestock management, zoology, biology or a closely related major.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

All of the following must be successfully completed within one year of employment:

• USDA or approved equivalent courses in livestock slaughter and inspection methods.
• An introductory HACCP course approved by the International HACCP Alliance.
• The USDA poultry course or equivalent for inspectors with poultry inspection duties.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from high school, GED, or equivalency AND have experience equal to two years of full-time work in livestock or poultry slaughter, processing, or marketing; meat and poultry inspection; or other food-related industry or regulatory work?

• I have graduated from high school, GED, or equivalency AND have experience equal to two years of full-time work in livestock or poultry slaughter, processing, or marketing; meat and poultry inspection; or other food-related industry regulatory work
• I have graduated from high school, GED, or equivalency BUT DO NOT have experience equal to two years of full-time work in livestock or poultry slaughter, processing, or marketing; meat and poultry inspection; or other food-related industry regulatory work
• I have not graduated from high school, GED, or equivalency

04

Do you have thirty semester hours of education from an accredited college or university with a minimum of six semester hours in any of the following major areas: veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, animal science, agricultural business, livestock management, zoology, biology or a closely related major?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Address 1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/