Retail Food Safety Inspector - Colleton

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Retail Food Safety Inspector to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. This role involves conducting inspections of various food establishments, maintaining quality assurance, and collaborating with stakeholders during investigations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in natural sciences and a passion for ensuring public health and safety. With generous benefits and a state vehicle provided for work-related travel, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling career.

Benefits

State vehicle for work-related travel

Retirement benefits

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Annual and sick leave

Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and inspection processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance inspections of food establishments.
• Provide detailed inspection reports and enforcement actions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders during foodborne illness investigations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication skills

Knowledge of food safety regulations

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences

Associate's degree with two years of environmental health experience

High school diploma with four years of relevant experience

Tools

Inspection tools

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.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting compliance graded inspections of retail food service establishments and taking necessary actions to ensure adherence to Regulation 61-25.
• Ensuring foods are prepared, packaged, and marketed under safe and sanitary conditions.
• Maintaining Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities, including proficiency testing and standardization.
• Providing detailed inspection reports and outlining enforcement actions if needed.
• Investigating complaints in line with Standard Operating Procedures and program guidance.
• Collaborating with stakeholders during foodborne illness investigations.
• Offering programmatic consultation to industry personnel and stakeholders.
• Performing pre-operational inspections and issuing permits for new facilities.

Additional Benefits:

• State vehicle provided for work-related travel.
• Generous benefits including retirement, health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• 13 paid holidays, and substantial annual and sick leave.
• Up to 6 weeks of 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 such as Food Science, Nutrition, Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, or Public Health.
• Alternatively, 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 motor vehicle.

• Knowledge or experience in food, sanitation, or the food service industry.
• Thorough understanding of applicable state and federal food laws and regulations.
• Certified Food Service Manager certification preferred.

Physical and Travel Requirements:

• Extensive in-state travel using a provided vehicle.
• Ability to work 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 with strong organizational and judgment skills.
• Ability to read fine print on product labels.
• Occasional overnight and out-of-state travel required.