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Agricultural inspector

Alternative titles for this job include Farm assessor

Agricultural inspectors make sure food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards are followed in farms and dairies.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • applying directly

University

You could start by taking a degree in a relevant subject like:

  • agriculture
  • environmental health
  • agricultural business management
  • science
  • maths

Some universities offer a foundation degree in agriculture as preparation for working in the agricultural sector.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Direct Application

To apply directly to become an agricultural inspector, you'll need:

  • a minimum of a level 3 qualification in an agricultural subject
  • at least 2 years' relevant work experience in farming, for example as an agricultural machine operator
  • a willingness to work flexibly and travel often

Professional certification and health and safety training will also be useful. You could do training with an organisation like:

More Information

Career tips

You'll usually work for a government-related agency, for instance:

Self-employment is another common option.

Further information

You can find more details about working as an agricultural inspector from Tasty Careers and The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • the ability to work well with others
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • knowledge of public safety and standards in agricultural production
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an agricultural inspector, you could:

  • examine machinery, buildings and the working environment
  • test and analyse product samples against quality standards
  • check record keeping on farms and production facilities
  • assess the controls for prevention of animal disease
  • investigate animal welfare concerns
  • plan and co-ordinate site visits
  • make sure inspection paperwork is accurate and up to date
  • write reports and make recommendations for improvements

Working environment

You could work in an office or on a farm.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team leader, managing a group of technical staff, or work as a consultant for quality certification bodies.

You might also specialise in areas like sustainable farming, land conservation or agricultural science.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an agricultural inspector right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Diploma in Agriculture

  • Provider: CORNWALL COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known

Agriculture Level 2 Diploma

  • Provider: WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2026
  • Location: Moreton Morrell
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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