Retail Food Safety Inspector - Colleton

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Retail Food Safety Inspector to ensure that food establishments maintain high sanitary standards. This role involves conducting inspections, preparing detailed reports, and collaborating with industry personnel to promote food safety. With generous state benefits, including health insurance and paid parental leave, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on public health. If you have a passion for food safety and enjoy varied work environments, this could be the perfect fit for you!

Benefits

Take-home State vehicle

Generous State benefits

Health and dental insurance

13 paid holidays

Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fields.
• Knowledge of food laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of food establishments to ensure compliance.
• Provide detailed reports and initiate actions for compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of food safety

Effective communication

Report writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences

Associate's degree with two years of experience

High school diploma with four years of experience

Tools

State vehicle

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 Colleton 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.

As a Retail Food Safety Inspector, your duties will include:

• Completing compliance graded inspections of retail food service establishments and initiating actions, if necessary, to ensure compliance with Regulation 61-25 governing Retail Food Establishments.
• 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 in accordance with applicable SOPs and program guidance.
• Investigating suspected cases of foodborne illness and collaborating with industry stakeholders.
• Providing programmatic consultation to food service industry personnel and stakeholders.
• Performing pre-operational inspections and issuing permits for new facilities.

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

Benefits

• Generous State benefits including retirement, health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Premiums for BCBS State Standard Plan: less than $100/month for employee only, $307/month for family coverage.
• 13 paid holidays; generous leave accruals.
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program: free counseling sessions, free life management services.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Additional Requirements:

• Knowledge or experience in food, sanitation, food safety, or the food service industry.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable food laws and regulations.
• Certified Food Service Manager.

Physical and Travel Requirements:

• Extensive in-state day travel using a state vehicle.
• Ability to operate in confined spaces and inspect various areas of kitchen equipment.
• Effective communication skills and ability to prepare clear reports.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and lift objects up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk in extreme temperatures for prolonged periods.
• Work effectively in a team environment and exercise judgment in applying policies.
• Ability to read fine print on labels and occasional overnight or out-of-state travel.