Retail Food Safety Inspector - Oconee Area

South Carolina Department of Agriculture; South Carolina; On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture seeks a Retail Food Safety Inspector for the Anderson County area to conduct inspections of various food establishments. Role includes ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, preparing reports, and investigating complaints, while enjoying generous state benefits including retirement and health insurance.

Benefits

Generous State benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance.

Paid parental leave up to 6 weeks.

Employee Assistance Program for free counseling sessions.

Take-home State vehicle provided.

Qualifications

• Knowledge in food safety and sanitation.
• Experience with applicable food laws and regulations.
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance inspections of food establishments.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports and enforcement actions.
• Investigate foodborne illness cases and provide industry consultation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences

Associate's degree in related field with 2 years experience

High school diploma with 4 years related experience

Tools

Certified Food Service Manager

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 be a great opportunity for you! The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is hiring a Retail Food Safety Inspector for Anderson 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 complete, detailed reports of inspections, and outlining any necessary enforcement actions.
• Conducting complaint investigations in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures and program guidance.
• Investigating suspected cases of foodborne illness; collaborating with industry stakeholders in investigations.
• Providing programmatic consultation to food service industry personnel and other 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.
  • Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for employee-only coverage is less than $100/month!
  • Premium for full family coverage is only $307/month!
• 13 paid holidays; generous annual and sick leave accruals.
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free counseling sessions for employees and household members.
  • Free Life Management Services (legal, financial, and more).

• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or a related field. Natural or physical sciences may include, but are not limited to, Food Science, Nutrition, Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Public Health, etc.
• An associate's degree in the natural or physical sciences or related field and two (2) years of environmental health experience, or a high school diploma and four (4) years of environmental health or related experience, such as Food Safety/Service Industry, may substitute for the required degree.
• A valid state driver’s license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.

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

• Extensive in-state day travel using a state-provided vehicle.
• Ability to operate in confined spaces; and inspect inside, over top, behind, and under kitchen equipment.
• Effective communication skills with various audiences and ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and shift objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods in extreme heat and cold.
• Ability to work effectively in a transparent, team-oriented environment and to prepare reports and written correspondence with accurate technical regulatory language.
• Ability to exercise judgment in applying and interpreting policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; be detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Ability to read fine print on food product labels.
• Occasional overnight and/or out-of-state travel required.