Retail Food Safety Inspector - Spartanburg Area

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of South Carolina is seeking a Retail Food Safety Inspector for the Spartanburg County area. This role involves conducting inspections of food establishments including restaurants and schools, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and maintaining thorough records. Strong attention to detail and a background in the natural sciences are required. Generous state benefits, including health and retirement plans, are offered along with a company vehicle for travel.

Benefits

Generous State benefits including health and dental insurance.

13 paid holidays and generous leave accruals.

Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.

Employee Assistance Program with free counseling.

Take home State vehicle provided.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal food laws and regulations required.
• Experience in food safety or service industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Inspect food establishments to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Prepare reports and outline enforcement actions when necessary.
• Conduct investigations related to foodborne illnesses.

Skills

Knowledge in food safety

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences

Associate's degree with two years of experience

High school diploma with four years of experience

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 Inspectorfor Spartanburg 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 the 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 initiate 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 but not limited to proficiency testing and standardization.
• Providing complete, detailed reports of inspections, and outline any necessary enforcement action.
• Conducting complaint investigations in accordance with applicable Standard Operation Procedure 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 issues permits for new facilities.

Did we mention that a take home State vehicle is provided?

BENEFITS

• Generous State benefits to include retirement, health, vision, dental and life insurance.
  • Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for employee only coverage is less than $100/month!
  • Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan 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)

• Abachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or a related field. Natural or physical science 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 or a high school diploma and four (4) years of environmental health or related experience, such as Food Safety/Service Industry, may be substituted for the required degree.
• A valid state driver's license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.

• Knowledge/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.
• Must be able to operate in confined spaces; and inspect inside, over top, behind, and under kitchen equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences and prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and shift objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods in extreme heat and cold.
• Must work effectively in a transparent, team-oriented environment and prepare reports / written correspondence with accurate technical regulatory language.
• Ability to exercise judgement 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.