Meat Inspector Trainee

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: %
Use taste or smell to detect or determine particular flavors or odors: %
Extends hands or arms in any direction: %
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:
October 12, 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 hrjob@clemson.edu 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.