Retail Food Safety Inspector - Charleston Territory

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is seeking a Retail Food Safety Inspector for Charleston County. This role involves inspecting various food establishments to ensure compliance with sanitary practices. Candidates should possess a relevant degree or equivalent experience and be prepared for extensive travel using a state-provided vehicle.

Benefits

Take-home State vehicle

Generous state benefits: retirement, health, vision, dental, life insurance

13 paid holidays and generous leave

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields or equivalent experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation laws.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance inspections of food establishments.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports and enforce compliance.
• Investigate foodborne illnesses and provide consultations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences

Associate’s degree plus two years of environmental health experience

High school diploma plus four years of relevant experience

Job description

Do you have exceptional attention to detail? Do you enjoy performing inspections? Do you like working in different environments each day? If so, then this position could be a great opportunity for you! The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is hiring a Retail Food Safety Inspector for the Charleston County area. As a Retail Food Safety Inspector, you will inspect food establishments such as restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores, markets, schools, etc., to ensure proper sanitary practices are followed.

Responsibilities include:

1. Completing compliance graded inspections of retail food service establishments and initiating actions to ensure compliance with Regulation 61-25.
2. Ensuring foods are prepared, packaged, and marketed under safe and sanitary conditions.
3. Maintaining Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities, including proficiency testing and standardization.
4. Providing detailed inspection reports and outlining necessary enforcement actions.
5. Conducting complaint investigations following SOPs and program guidance.
6. Investigating suspected foodborne illnesses and collaborating with stakeholders.
7. Providing programmatic consultation to food industry personnel and stakeholders.
8. Performing pre-operational inspections and issuing permits for new facilities.

Did we mention that a take-home State vehicle is provided?

Benefits include:

• Generous state benefits: retirement, health, vision, dental, and life insurance. Premiums for the BCBS State Standard Plan are less than $100/month for employee only and $307/month for full family coverage.
• 13 paid holidays, generous annual and sick leave, up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program: free counseling and life management services.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences or related fields (e.g., Food Science, Nutrition, Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Public Health).
• Or an associate’s degree plus two years of environmental health experience, or a high school diploma plus four years of relevant experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.

Additional requirements:

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Certified Food Service Manager.
• Extensive in-state travel using a state-provided vehicle.
• Ability to operate in confined spaces, climb stairs/ladders, and lift objects up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk in extreme temperatures for prolonged periods.
• Effective communication skills and ability to prepare clear reports.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to read fine print on labels.
• Occasional overnight and out-of-state travel may be required.