Retail Food Safety Inspector - Colleton

South Carolina Department of Agriculture; South Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Retail Food Safety Inspector to ensure compliance with food safety regulations in the Colleton County area. This role involves inspecting various food establishments, maintaining quality assurance activities, and providing detailed reports on compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food safety standards and effective communication skills. With generous state benefits including health insurance and a take-home vehicle, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to public health and safety.

Benefits

Take-home state vehicle

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

13 paid holidays

Generous leave accruals

Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fields required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance inspections of food establishments.
• Provide detailed inspection reports and outline enforcement actions.
• Investigate foodborne illnesses and conduct complaint investigations.

Skills

Knowledge of food safety standards

Effective communication skills

Ability to prepare clear reports

Knowledge of state and federal food laws

Team-oriented and detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences

Associate's degree with environmental health experience

High school diploma with relevant experience

Job description

Job Title: Retail Food Safety Inspector

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is hiring a Retail Food Safety Inspector for the Colleton County area. In this role, you will inspect food establishments such as restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores, markets, and schools to ensure proper sanitary practices are followed.

Responsibilities:

• Complete compliance graded inspections of retail food service establishments and initiate actions to ensure compliance with Regulation 61-25.
• Ensure foods are prepared, packaged, and marketed under safe and sanitary conditions.
• Maintain all required Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities, including proficiency testing and standardization.
• Provide detailed inspection reports and outline necessary enforcement actions.
• Conduct complaint investigations following SOPs and program guidance.
• Investigate suspected foodborne illnesses and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Offer programmatic consultation to food industry personnel and stakeholders.
• Perform pre-operational inspections and issue permits for new facilities.

Additional Benefits:

A take-home state vehicle is provided.

• Generous state benefits including 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 family coverage.
• 13 paid holidays, generous leave accruals, and up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program offering free counseling and 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, or Public Health.
• 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.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of food, sanitation, and food safety industry standards.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal food laws and regulations.
• Certified Food Service Manager certification.
• Extensive in-state travel using a state 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 extended periods.
• Team-oriented, detail-oriented, and highly organized with sound judgment.
• Ability to read fine print on food labels and occasional out-of-state travel.