Poultry Meat Examiner Opportunity at Grain Field Chickens Abattoir Reitz

Job Overview
VKB Group is hiring a Poultry Meat Examiner for its Grain Field Chickens Abattoir in Reitz. This permanent role is focused on inspecting poultry carcasses on the production line to ensure compliance with meat safety standards. The position plays a critical role in maintaining food quality, safety and regulatory compliance within a high-volume abattoir environment. It is suited for detail-focused individuals who can work under pressure and maintain accuracy in a fast-moving production line. The role offers exposure to quality assurance processes within the poultry and agricultural processing industry.

About VKB Group
VKB Group is a leading agricultural business in South Africa with strong operations across farming, food production, processing and logistics. Grain Field Chickens is a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture and operates within the integrated broiler production industry. The Reitz abattoir forms part of a high-standard production system supplying poultry products to the market. The company operates in a structured environment where food safety, efficiency and quality control are essential.

Position Details

• Position: Poultry Meat Examiner
• Division: VKB Agri Processors (Pty) Ltd
• Business Unit: Grain Field Chickens Abattoir Reitz
• Industry: Agriculture
• Functional Area: Quality Assurance
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Experience Level: Associate
• Location: Reitz, Free State

Role Overview
As a Poultry Meat Examiner, you will be responsible for inspecting carcasses on the production line and ensuring that all products meet required safety and quality standards. You will identify defects, prevent non-compliant products from moving forward and ensure proper handling of carcasses according to regulations. The role requires precision, strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a high-pressure production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Inspection

• Inspect poultry carcasses on the production line
• Ensure only compliant products pass through production
• Identify and remove non-compliant carcasses
• Prevent unnecessary product losses while maintaining quality standards

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure adherence to the Meat Safety Act at all times
• Follow all Grain Field Chickens safety and quality procedures
• Maintain hygiene and workplace safety standards
• Report all quality variances to management

Recovery and Processing Support

• Ensure correct recovery of usable portions where applicable
• Follow specifications at recovery stations
• Assist in minimizing product wastage
• Support production efficiency through accurate sorting

Reporting and Communication

• Report deviations and quality issues to supervisors
• Liaise with internal departments regarding product quality
• Maintain accurate records where required
• Participate in required training sessions

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 qualification is essential
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is required
• Valid and approved Poultry Meat Examiner (PME) certificate is required
• Previous PME experience is advantageous

Other Requirements

• Strong mathematical ability (testing may be required during interview)
• Ability to work shifts, weekends and public holidays
• Ability to work under pressure
• Clear criminal record

Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong attention to detail
• Good reporting and documentation skills
• Basic administrative ability
• Understanding of meat inspection standards

Personal Skills

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Good planning and organisational skills
• Accuracy and consistency in task execution

Work Environment

• High-speed poultry abattoir production line
• Physically demanding and fast-paced environment
• Strict food safety and quality control setting
• Shift-based operational schedule

This Poultry Meat Examiner role at Grain Field Chickens Abattoir offers an important opportunity within the agricultural processing industry. The position focuses on food safety, quality assurance and compliance within a structured production environment. It is ideal for individuals who are detail-driven, disciplined and able to maintain focus in a high-pressure setting. The role provides valuable experience in poultry inspection and quality control within one of South Africa’s established agricultural groups.

Apply here