Field-Based Retail Food Safety Inspector

State of South Carolina; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Take-home vehicle

State health plan

Retirement plan

13 holidays per year

Parental leave (up to 6 weeks)

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The State of South Carolina is seeking a Retail Food Safety Officer to inspect restaurants, food trucks, and other retail food establishments in the Lexington County area. You will ensure sanitary practices and enforce food safety regulations through thorough inspections and detailed reporting.

Major duties include conducting compliance inspections, enforcing regulations, and providing guidance to food service personnel. A state vehicle is provided for day travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences or a related field.
• Associate degree plus relevant environmental health experience may substitute for the degree.
• Valid state driver’s license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.
• Knowledge of state and federal food laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Complete compliance graded inspections of retail food service establishments and initiate actions to ensure compliance.
• Ensure foods are prepared, packaged, and marketed under safe and sanitary conditions.
• Maintain quality assurance activities including proficiency testing and standardization.
• Provide detailed inspection reports and outline enforcement actions if needed.
• Conduct complaint investigations per SOPs and program guidance.
• Investigate suspected foodborne illness cases and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Provide programmatic consultation to food service personnel and other stakeholders.
• Perform pre-operational inspections and issue permits for new facilities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Inspection experience

Food safety knowledge

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s in natural/physical sciences

Associate degree + 2 years env health experience or HS diploma + 4 years experience

Job description

The State of South Carolina is seeking a Retail Food Safety Officer to inspect restaurants, food trucks, and other retail food establishments in the Lexington County area. You will ensure sanitary practices and enforce food safety regulations through thorough inspections and detailed reporting.

Major duties include conducting compliance inspections, enforcing regulations, and providing guidance to food service personnel. A state vehicle is provided for day travel.