USDA Field Inspector?

Anybody been doing this project? Any info to share? Thanks!

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I used to do it, a number of years ago but the work was so sporadic I put myself on "inactive" status.
You have to pass a background check and provide photos that prove you can focus on the areas they want done (mostly store shelving - so a 4' shelf section).
You also get ranked as an evaluator, those with top ranking get the jobs until you get "Angel 1st Class" status (joking on that) you don't get steady work. When they do send it you are usually assigned several at a time and if you refuse any jobs you get demoted back to the lower level.
It was interesting work and paid well but once the funding for SNAP got cut I assumed there wouldn't be a lot of work anymore.
I can't even remember the name of the company that did it.

Since it’s not mystery shopping, maybe I can say the company? I did mention to the scheduler that she should post the job on the job board here, so keep an eye open. Evidently they are really looking for people right now.

What is the company?

The scheduler said ok to me posting the company, but I’m not sure if that makes it ok. Check your messages! It’s IC, pays well plus mileage.

I think you can post it because the actual client is the USDA, not really the same thing as mystery shopping or even merchandising. This is definitely in a category all to itself.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/25/2023 07:15PM by Boutique.

Could you send me the name as well? I looked on the USDA site but wasn't sure what it'd be under.

I did it for several years and it was interesting plus pay was adequate. The USDA contracts with a company to perform the actual site visits. Periodically contracts get awarded to different companies with different changes in pay and input requirements. The USDA also changes reporting requirements which can result in more input time with no change in pay. Payment schedule was changed which resulted in lower earnings (hourly wage became pay per visit). The work is sporadic and sometimes required to go into interesting neighborhoods. I did find a lot of ethnic grocery stores that I never knew existed but the liquor stores were a PITA.
A sketch, food counts plus pictures are required. Food counts are according to food categories. For example, chicken hot dogs are counted as chicken. Not difficult but not easy if using a phone.

I'd be curious about this as well.

Oh good to know. That is too bad that they changed the requirements / pay. Some of those can be time consuming especially the full sized independent grocers.
It looks like it is still the same company hiring, as the contact is the same one I had years ago.
When I did it we were forbidden to use our phone (privacy, security issues) and had to use a digital camera (even though my phone already had a higher pixel camera) which of course had to be downloaded to a pc to complete the data entry. I would hate to have to do that on a phone.

You can now use your phone. But she told me the store sketch had to be done on a pc, using Paint or Excel. Those of you who have followed my posts know this means a tough learning curve for me!

If anybody is open to sharing, I'm quite interested in trying these out! I am loving doing some of the inspection type jobs available on a few apps, perhaps these would be fun as well.

@ceasesmith wrote:

You can now use your phone. But she told me the store sketch had to be done on a pc, using Paint or Excel. Those of you who have followed my posts know this means a tough learning curve for me!

What is the problem with drawing the sketch on a piece of paper and scanning it into a laptop or computer to upload to the report?

Apparently a hand-drawn sketch is not acceptable to the MSC. There really doesn't have to be a "why".

@tstewart3 wrote:

@ceasesmith wrote:

You can now use your phone. But she told me the store sketch had to be done on a pc, using Paint or Excel. Those of you who have followed my posts know this means a tough learning curve for me!

What is the problem with drawing the sketch on a piece of paper and scanning it into a laptop or computer to upload to the report?

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008

Gotta use Paint or Excel, their requirement.
I know, I have done many site inspections that required measurements and sketches. Just took photos of the sketches and uploaded to report. Guess that’s not professional enough.

@tstewart3 wrote:

@ceasesmith wrote:

You can now use your phone. But she told me the store sketch had to be done on a pc, using Paint or Excel. Those of you who have followed my posts know this means a tough learning curve for me!

What is the problem with drawing the sketch on a piece of paper and scanning it into a laptop or computer to upload to the report?

Check your pm

@cortney92 wrote:

If anybody is open to sharing, I'm quite interested in trying these out! I am loving doing some of the inspection type jobs available on a few apps, perhaps these would be fun as well.

@ceasesmith wrote:

Check your pm

@cortney92 wrote:

If anybody is open to sharing, I'm quite interested in trying these out! I am loving doing some of the inspection type jobs available on a few apps, perhaps these would be fun as well.

Me2.

Check your pm.

Why so secretive? Do people need your referral code to sign up? Like with the Survey.com Merchandiser gig app? I already received your referral code awhile ago when you posted about a different opportunity.

No secrets. I wasn’t sure about posting the company name, but I don’t hesitate to share the info, as the company gave me permission to do so. No referral code, I’m sure I won’t be paid for referrals.

I’m basically unable to complete them myself, but for others this might be ideal. I’m not able to learn Paint and/or Excel, the learning curve for me would be straight up. But I know others are not challenged by that, and with 4,000 open assignments, just wanted to share.

Just not sure about the forum rules that say don’t post assignments and company name.

However, she informed me today that they will be posting on the job board here soon, so just keep your eyes peeled.

@MrEd wrote:

Why so secretive? Do people need your referral code to sign up? Like with the Survey.com Merchandiser gig app? I already received your referral code awhile ago when you posted about a different opportunity.

Can you please PM me also? I'd have to learn the drawing also, but I have someone who could teach me. Thanks!

@ceasesmith wrote:

No secrets. I wasn’t sure about posting the company name, but I don’t hesitate to share the info, as the company gave me permission to do so. No referral code, I’m sure I won’t be paid for referrals.

I’m basically unable to complete them myself, but for others this might be ideal. I’m not able to learn Paint and/or Excel, the learning curve for me would be straight up. But I know others are not challenged by that, and with 4,000 open assignments, just wanted to share.

Just not sure about the forum rules that say don’t post assignments and company name.

However, she informed me today that they will be posting on the job board here soon, so just keep your eyes peeled.

@MrEd wrote:

Why so secretive? Do people need your referral code to sign up? Like with the Survey.com Merchandiser gig app? I already received your referral code awhile ago when you posted about a different opportunity.

Cease,
Could you please PM me the company also? Thank you!

@ceasesmith wrote:

Check your pm.

I'm late to the game, but I'd appreciate a PM as well. Thank you!

If your path dictates you walk through hell, do it as though you own the place. -unknown

I am intrigued as well. I would appreciate a PM on the company name. In my old work, I used various software programs to design, so I think I can manage a sketch in MS Paint. Thank you.

Y’all, I’m on the road. Will contact you when I can access WiFi again.

From Trinity Alps, CA.

I would appreciate the name too. Maybe they'll have a ton here in the South ????

The more people that get referred results in less work for others in the same area.

Having to create detailed sketches of entire grocery stores after a long day of work was a dealbreaker for me, since I have never done electronic sketches. It would be great if all the work could be done on our phones.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/30/2023 03:12PM by mjt9598.

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