Retail Food Safety Inspector - Lexington Territory

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a detail-oriented Retail Food Safety Inspector to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. This role involves inspecting various food establishments, conducting thorough investigations, and providing essential consultation to industry personnel. With generous state benefits, including a take-home vehicle and affordable health coverage, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact on public health and safety. If you are passionate about food safety and enjoy diverse work environments, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

State-provided take-home vehicle

Health, vision, dental, and life insurance

13 paid holidays

Generous leave accruals

Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences or related field.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and relevant laws.

Responsibilities

• Inspect food establishments to ensure sanitary practices.
• Conduct complaint investigations and collaborate with stakeholders.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Knowledge of Food Safety

Effective Communication Skills

Ability to Work in Extreme Temperatures

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences

Associate's Degree with Relevant Experience

High School Diploma with 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 followed.

Responsibilities include:

1. Completing compliance graded inspections of retail food service establishments and initiating actions to ensure compliance with Regulation 61-25 governing Retail Food Establishments.
2. Ensuring foods are prepared, packaged, and marketed under safe and sanitary conditions.
3. Maintaining all required Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities, including proficiency testing and standardization.
4. Providing detailed reports of inspections and outlining any necessary enforcement actions.
5. Conducting complaint investigations according to Standard Operating Procedures and program guidance.
6. Investigating suspected cases of foodborne illness and collaborating with industry stakeholders.
7. Providing programmatic consultation to food service industry personnel and stakeholders.
8. Performing pre-operational inspections and issuing permits for new facilities.

Additional Benefits:

• State-provided take-home vehicle.
• Generous state benefits including retirement, health, vision, dental, and life insurance. Premiums are affordable: less than $100/month for employee-only coverage 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 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.
• Current employee of the SC Department of Agriculture.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Certified Food Service Manager certification preferred.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the state using a state-provided vehicle.
• Ability to inspect in confined spaces, climb stairs/ladders, and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Effective communication skills and ability to prepare clear reports.
• Ability to work in extreme temperatures and stand/walk for prolonged periods.
• Occasional overnight and out-of-state travel may be required.