Retail Food Safety Inspector - Lexington Territory

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Retail Food Safety Inspector to ensure compliance with food safety regulations across various establishments. In this role, you will conduct inspections, provide programmatic consultations, and investigate foodborne illnesses while maintaining high sanitary standards. The position offers a dynamic work environment with extensive travel across the state, allowing you to make a significant impact on public health. If you have a passion for food safety and enjoy varied daily tasks, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Holidays

Generous Leave

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience required.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and inspection processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of food establishments to ensure compliance.
• Provide detailed reports on inspections and necessary actions.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Inspection Skills

Communication Skills

Knowledge of Food Safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences

Associate's degree with two years of relevant experience

High school diploma with four years of relevant experience

Tools

Motorized Vehicle

Job description

***** Internal Posting *****

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 Lexington Territory. 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 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 following SOPs and program guidance.
• Investigating suspected foodborne illnesses and collaborating with industry stakeholders.
• Providing programmatic consultation to food service industry personnel and other 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 coverage and $307/month for full family coverage.
• 13 paid holidays and generous annual and sick leave.
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program offering free counseling and life management services.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences or a related field, or an associate's degree with two years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma with four years of relevant experience.
• Valid state driver's license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.
• Current employee of the SC Department of Agriculture.

Preferred qualifications:

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

Additional requirements:

• Extensive in-state travel using a state-provided vehicle.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, climb stairs and 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.
• Willingness to travel overnight and out-of-state as needed.