Food Inspector

State of Nebraska; United States; Remote; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave from day one

156% state-matched retirement

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance

Job summary

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is seeking a Food Inspector to conduct inspections of food establishments and processors across Southeast Nebraska, in compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act. Initial training occurs in Lincoln, followed by field training, with a state vehicle provided for travel.

This role offers growth to Level 2 with credentialing within ~2 years, ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Any experience or education related to food industry or food safety and the ability to pass a certified professional food safety credential examination approved by the department within 36 months.
• 5+ years of food industry experience and a science/biology background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Inspect food establishments for compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act.
• License establishments according to the Nebraska Pure Food Act.
• Take appropriate action (re-inspection, hearings, notices, and closure) if an eminent health threat is identified.
• Investigate consumer complaints, conduct plan reviews of food establishments, and complete inspection reports.
• Participate in educational opportunities including training and conferences.

Skills

Effective communication

Time management

Planning and organization

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Education

Science/biology background

Food safety coursework

Job description

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Agriculture - Agency 18 Location: Statewide, NE Hiring Rate: $22.503 Job Posting: JR2026-00029349 Food Inspector (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 10-19-2026

Job Description

Do you have a passion for promoting public health and helping businesses succeed? Are you interested in a flexible schedule and healthy work/life balance? If so, we have a great opportunity for you! The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is searching for a teammate that will conduct food inspections within Southeast Nebraska! As a Food Inspector, you will be responsible for inspections of food establishments and food processors in compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act. This position provides an opportunity to serve throughout Sarpy County. You can expect to have initial job training in Lincoln for 3-4 days, followed by field training to ensure you have what you need to succeed. A State vehicle is provided; you can look forward to eliminating that commute to work. Ongoing training and educational opportunities, as well as the State’s tuition reimbursement program, will provide you the right environment for professional growth and development. Food Inspectors are required to pass a certified professional food safety credential examination approved by the department within 36 months; time in role, training, and experience will prepare you to successfully become credentialed. You can start in this position as a Level 1 and we will provide you the necessary tools and certification opportunities propelling you to a Level 2 within as little as two years. If you begin as a Level 1, you can expect to receive $20.936/hour plus our excellent fringe benefits! If you begin as a Level 2, with the necessary food safety credential, you can expect to receive $22.503/hour.

Look at what we have to offer!

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

Job Duties

Conduct inspections of food establishments for compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act. License establishments according to the Nebraska Pure Food Act. Take appropriate action (re-inspection, hearings, notices, and closure) if an eminent health threat to the public is identified. Investigate consumer complaints, conduct plan reviews of food establishments, and complete inspection reports. Participate in educational opportunities including training and conferences. Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Agriculture Food Sanitarian I: Any experience or education related to food industry or food safety and the ability to pass a certified professional food safety credential examination approved by the department within 36 months. Time in role, training, and experience will prepare individuals to successfully become credentialed.

Preferred Qualifications

The top candidate should live within the service area. 5 plus years of food industry experience and a science/biology background.

Other

This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

food industry; the principles and techniques of inspections; Nebraska Pure Food Act and Nebraska Food Code.

Skill in

effective communication, time management, planning and organization, problem-solving, critical thinking.

Ability to

• establish rapport with stakeholders;
• communicate with the public and businesses;
• interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards;
• make decisions and seek solutions;
• work independently with little supervision;
• prioritize work in an efficient manner;
• compile and interpret inspection data;
• work in inclement temperatures and environments exposed to infectious diseases and toxic/hazardous substances.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans.

State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!