MEAT INSPECTOR TRAINEE

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?  

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

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.

40% - Essential - 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 inspections of one or more meat or poultry processing plants. Collects food samples for laboratory analysis.
25% - Essential -  Implementation: Implements the provisions of various State and Federal meat and poultry inspection laws, regulations and cooperative programs.
25% - Essential - 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.
10% - Essential - Relief Inspections:  Performs relief inspection duties.

Education -  High School or Equivalent.
Work Experience 1+ years in animal agriculture, food safety, meat processing.

Valid South Carolina Driver's License.

Post-secondary education in Animal Agriculture, Food Safety, or Meat Processing. 

Work Experience 2+ years regular work experience in animal agriculture, food safety, meat processing. 

FSIS Inspection Methods 1800 Series.

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Firm Job Knowledge - Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

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

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

Standard Hours: 40

Expected Salary Range: $ 33,800.00 - $ 39,300.00
 

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 Level 2 employee
Required 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.

Columbia, SC

Apply by April 21, 2026

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 is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.      

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.         

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.