Retail Food Safety Inspector - Charleston Territory

South Carolina Department of Agriculture; South Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is hiring a Retail Food Safety Inspector to ensure food establishments comply with safety regulations. Candidates will perform inspections, investigate complaints, and maintain quality assurance activities. Ideal candidates should have a degree in science and strong knowledge of food safety.

Benefits

State benefits including retirement and health insurance

13 paid holidays and generous leave

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences or related fields preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Knowledge of food, sanitation, and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance inspections of food service establishments.
• Provide detailed reports and enforce regulatory actions.
• Investigate foodborne illness complaints.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication skills

Knowledge of food safety

Team-oriented

Organizational skills

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

Tools

Motorized vehicle operation

Job description

This is a reposting. All previous applicants are still being considered.

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 being followed.

Responsibilities include:

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

Benefits include:

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

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences or related fields; 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.
• Knowledge of food, sanitation, and food safety; thorough knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
• Certified Food Service Manager credential preferred.

Additional requirements:

• Extensive in-state day travel using a state-provided vehicle.
• Ability to operate in confined spaces and inspect various kitchen areas.
• Effective communication skills and ability to prepare clear reports.
• Physical ability to climb stairs, ladders, and lift objects up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk in extreme temperatures for prolonged periods.
• Team-oriented, detail-oriented, and highly organized with good judgment.
• Ability to read fine print on labels and occasional overnight/out-of-state travel.