Agricultural and Fish Products Inspectors
(NOC 2222)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyAgricultural and fish products inspectors inspect agricultural and fish products to make sure they meet production, storage, and transportation standards. Inspectors may specialize in fish and fish products, fruits and vegetables, grain, meat, or seeds and plant products. They work for government departments and agencies and private sector food processing companies. Supervisors of agricultural and fish products inspectors are also included in this group.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$24.61
Minimum$35.06
Median$49.73
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$68,761
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Agricultural and fish products inspectors inspect agricultural and fish products to make sure they meet production, storage, and transportation standards. Inspectors may specialize in fish and fish products, fruits and vegetables, grain, meat, or seeds and plant products. They work for government departments and agencies and private sector food processing companies. Supervisors of agricultural and fish products inspectors are also included in this group.
Job duties
Fish and fish products inspectors:
- Inspect fish, fish products, fish handling and processing methods and prepare reports and make sure that regulations are followed.
Fruit and vegetables inspectors:
- Inspect fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables at inspection centres and prepare reports on crop production and market conditions.
Grain inspectors:
- Inspect and grade all classes of grain at terminal elevators, monitor the fumigation of infested grain, and examine storage, handling, and transportation equipment to make sure that sanitary procedures are followed.
Meat inspectors:
- Monitor the operations and sanitary conditions of slaughtering and meat processing plants and inspect carcasses to make sure they are fit for human consumption.
Plant protection inspectors:
- Certify seed crops, oversee the quarantine, treatment or destruction of plants and plant products, and the fumigation of plants and plant product imports and exports.
Sample job titles
- agricultural products inspector
- animal health inspector
- crop certification inspector
- fish and fish products inspector
- fish inspector-grader
- food products inspector
- fruit and vegetables inspector
- livestock inspector
- meat inspector
- poultry inspector
Skills
- You should enjoy technical work and have an interest in science. A high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical ability may be necessary. You must be precise and analytical, and able to work alone or as part of a team. Good oral and written communication skills are important. Familiarity with computers is also required for some positions. Physical stamina may be needed for fieldwork.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- Government inspectors usually require a bachelor's degree or college diploma in agriculture, biology, chemistry, food processing technology or a related discipline.
- Inspectors (other than government) may require a bachelor's degree or college diploma in a related discipline.
- Completion of in-house training courses is required.
Other considerations
- Several years of experience in agricultural production or fish processing are usually required. Resource conservation and environmental concerns may help to generate job opportunities for people in these jobs. People in these jobs usually work regular hours; however, irregular hours may be required to follow through on an experiment or fieldwork. Progression to managerial positions in this field is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Southern
$70,757 median annual incomeNorth Shore
N/AAnnapolis Valley
$77,620 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/AHalifax
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$71,026 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$77,873 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ATrade Certification
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Agriculture - General
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on agricultural research and production. They include courses in basic animal, plant, and soil science, animal husbandry and plant cultivation, soil conservation, and agricultural operations like farming, ranching, and agricultural business.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Aquaculture
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to select, culture, grow, harvest, and market domesticated fish, shellfish, and marine plants, both freshwater and saltwater. They include courses in the principles of aquatic and marine biology, health and nutrition of aquatic and marine life, design and operation of fish farms, breeding facilities, culture beds, and related enterprises, and related issues of safety, applicable regulations, logistics, and supply.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Various, NS
Biology/Biological Sciences
College or University ProgramThis includes any general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. These programs include courses in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Chemistry
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the composition and behaviour of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Food Science
College or University ProgramThese programs apply biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of converting raw agricultural products into processed forms suitable for direct human consumption, and the storage of such products. They include courses in applicable aspects of the agricultural sciences, human physiology and nutrition, food chemistry, agricultural products processing, food additives, food preparation and packaging, food storage and shipment, and related aspects of human health and safety including toxicology and pathology.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Veterinary/Animal Health Technician and Vterinary Assistant
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students, under the supervision of veterinarians, laboratory animal specialists, and zoological professionals, to provide patient management, care, and clinical procedures assistance as well as owner communication. They include courses in animal nursing care, animal health and nutrition, animal handling, clinical pathology, radiology, anesthesiology, dental prophylaxis, surgical assisting, clinical laboratory procedures, office administration skills, patient and owner management, and applicable standards and regulations.
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile