Meat Inspector Trainee - Midlands

Clemson University; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University is seeking a dedicated professional to implement a standardized meat and poultry inspection program. You will ensure products are safe, wholesome, properly packaged, and accurately labeled, while performing related duties as assigned.

The role involves inspection management, relief inspections, reporting, and implementing applicable state and federal laws. A high school diploma is required, with essential personnel status noted and a Columbia, SC location.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.

Responsibilities

• Inspection management of meat and poultry processes, including sanitation inspections and sample collection.
• Relief inspections as needed.
• Prepare and maintain reports for Public Health Information System, HACCP and SSOP procedures.
• Implement state and federal meat and poultry inspection laws and cooperative programs.

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Summary

Implements a standardized inspection program designed to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, properly packaged and accurately labeled. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Duties

• 40% - Inspection Management: Conducts processing inspections of simple and moderately complex food manufacturing processes, involving fabrication, comminuting, cooking, and curing meat and poultry products. Performs antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and animal carcasses. Retains carcasses considered unwholesome pending final disposition by a veterinarian. Conducts preoperative and operational sanitation inspection of one or more meat or poultry processing plants. Collects food samples for laboratory analysis.
• 10% - Relief Inspections: Performs relief inspection duties.
• 25% - Reporting: Performs administrative tasks, including preparation of numerous reports and records associated with Public Health Information System, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures.
• 25% - Implementation: Implements the provisions of various State and Federal meat and poultry inspection laws, regulations and cooperative programs.

Job Code

LA70

Employee Type

Regular FTE Staff

Minimum Requirements

A high school diploma.

Responsibilities

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Not responsible for supervising employees.

Budgetary Responsibilities

No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

Physical Requirements

• Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: %
• Extends hands or arms in any direction: %
• Use taste or smell to detect or determine particular flavors or odors: %
• Move, transport, raise or lower 50 lbs or more: %
• Recognize or inspect visually: %
• Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %
• Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): %
• Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder): %
• Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: %
• Walk or move about: %
• Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: %
• Stand for Prolonged Period: %

Working Conditions

• Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids): %
• Overnight travel: %
• Burn hazards: %
• Electrical hazards: %
• Chemical hazards: %
• Mechanical hazards: %
• Vibration: %
• Noise: %
• Wet and/or humid: %
• Exposure to dust/fumes: %
• Exposure to heat or cold: %

Work Schedule

Standard Hours:

37.5

Compensation Information

Expected Salary Range: 38,000 - 41,000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Essential Personnel Level

Essential Support - In the event of an emergency closure or modified operations, this position is necessary to maintain/resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

JOB LOCATION

Columbia, SC

Application Deadline

September 28, 2026

Military And Veteran

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.

Closing Statement

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.