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County Health Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vector Control Manager

Alameda, CA · On-site

$60.52 - $73.56/hr

ALAMEDA COUNTY HEALTH Alameda County Health is the local government agency that promotes and ... Upon request, our Vector Control staff will provide an on-site inspection of your property ...

... Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), Class A Certification. Please ensure all applicable ... Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more ...

Public Health Nutritionist II

Salinas, CA · On-site

$6.5K - $8.9K/mo

The Nutrition Case Management program in the Monterey County Health Department Public Health Bureau ... inspections. As of September 8, 2023, Health Department may offer up to $10,000 signing bonus to ...

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County Health Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do county health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for county health inspector in California is $54,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county health inspector?

County Health Inspectors are public health professionals responsible for ensuring that businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and public facilities comply with local and state health regulations. They conduct regular inspections to check for cleanliness, proper food handling, and safety practices to prevent health hazards and disease outbreaks. If violations are found, they may issue warnings, fines, or even shut down establishments until issues are corrected. County Health Inspectors also educate business owners and the public about health standards and safe practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county health inspector?

To thrive as a County Health Inspector, you need a strong understanding of public health regulations, environmental science, and inspection procedures, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental health or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, data collection tools, and sometimes state or national certification (such as REHS/RS) is often required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors navigate complex situations and educate the public. These competencies are crucial for ensuring community health standards are met and public safety risks are minimized.

What are some common challenges faced by county health inspectors during inspections, and how can they be addressed?

County Health Inspectors often encounter challenges such as uncooperative facility staff, incomplete documentation, or identifying subtle violations that could impact public health. To address these, inspectors rely on clear communication, professionalism, and a strong understanding of local health codes. Building rapport with business owners and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulations helps ensure compliance while fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

What is the difference between County Health Inspector vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectCounty Health InspectorFood Safety Inspector
Required CredentialsEnvironmental health license, state certificationFood safety certification, state or federal training
Work EnvironmentLocal government offices, inspection sites at restaurants, food facilitiesFood production facilities, restaurants, retail food establishments
Employer & IndustryCounty or city health departments, local governmentFood industry, regulatory agencies, health departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both County Health Inspectors and Food Safety Inspectors focus on food safety and sanitation, often working within local government or food industry settings. While their roles overlap, County Health Inspectors typically have broader responsibilities in environmental health, whereas Food Safety Inspectors specialize specifically in food safety compliance. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in public health and food regulation.

How do you become a county health inspector?

To become a county health inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. Certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or similar credential is often required or preferred, and inspectors must pass relevant licensing exams. Additionally, on-the-job training and knowledge of health codes, sanitation practices, and inspection procedures are essential.

How much do county health inspectors get paid?

County health inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the size of the county and the inspector's level of expertise, with some earning over $60,000 in higher-paying regions.

Is it hard to become a county health inspector?

Becoming a county health inspector typically requires completing relevant education such as a degree in environmental health or a related field, and obtaining certification from a recognized agency. The process involves passing exams, gaining experience, and sometimes meeting state-specific licensing requirements, making it moderately challenging for some candidates.

Is there a demand for county health inspectors?

County health inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing public health needs and regulatory requirements. Employment opportunities are often available in local government agencies, especially in areas with active food service, sanitation, and health inspection programs, and typically require relevant certifications and knowledge of health codes.

What cities in California are hiring for County Health Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most County Health Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various County Health Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Environmental Health Inspector - Consumer Protection (6120) - San Francisco Department of Publi[...]

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Environmental Health Inspector – Consumer Protection (6120)

San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is seeking an Environmental Health Inspector to work in the Population Health Division overseeing consumer protection and environmental health inspections.

Company Description

The Department of Public Health prioritizes equitable and inclusive access to quality healthcare for its community and values diversity in its workforce. All employees work to advance equity, inclusion, and diversity with a specific lens and focus on race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexuality, disability, and immigration status.

Mission

The mission of the San Francisco Department of Public Health is to protect and promote the health of all San Franciscans. The Population Health Division provides core public health services for the City and County of San Francisco: health protection, health promotion, disease and injury prevention, and disaster preparedness and response.

Responsibilities

Under direction, the 6120 Consumer Protection Environmental Health Inspector conducts inspections of housing, industrial plants and premises, solid waste facilities and vehicles, sources of noise emission, fixed and mobile food facilities, and public health and safety hazards in order to enforce established laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to abatement of violations found; recommends appropriate actions to remedy situations; issues citations; prepares pertinent reports; implements various environmental health programs and services; and performs related duties as required.

  1. Enforces provisions of the health, housing, planning and air pollution codes; State health and safety, industrial relations, administrative, agricultural and penal codes, State general safety orders, and sanitary aspects of meat plant construction, local ordinances and noise abatement and other environmental hazards; may be required to specialize in any of these or other activities related to the duties of the class.
  2. Investigates complaints involving buildings; takes necessary action to abate illegal health, sanitary and safety conditions; coordinates efforts with the various city departments in the enforcement of the building, electrical, plumbing, fire and police codes; appears as witness in court litigation when required and testifies in cases involving food establishments, housing, commercial buildings, and other matters.
  3. Conducts complaint inspections of dwellings, hotels, apartment houses, business establishments and other multiple dwellings; checks for sanitation, general maintenance of structural and operational features, light, ventilation, use and occupancy, safety and for compliance with applicable codes; detects violations; coordinates efforts with applicable city departments in the enforcement of appropriate codes; makes follow‑up inspections to assure ordered corrections have been made; makes recommendations for order of vacation or condemnation of buildings remaining in violation; prepares condemnation reports; appears and testifies at condemnation hearings.
  4. Conducts complaint inspections at sites of noise sources to determine the noise source; prepares legal notices of violations of noise ordinance; recommends corrective action to be taken by the violators; prepares cases for argument before the Variance Board.
  5. Conducts food and drink establishment inspections; detects violations; orders corrections to effect compliance with established requirements, recommends alternative design modification and equipping to comply with applicable codes and regulations; processes and insures compliance of applicable portions of building permit applications and plans; advises operators and employees on proper handling procedures and sanitary methods; may obtain samples of products and submit them for laboratory analyses, examinations and tests; conducts foodborne illness investigations; recommends issuance or denial of permits to operate food establishments or suspension or revocation of existing permits; appears and testifies at hearings; prepares related notices to courts, records and correspondence pertaining to duties performed, observations made, violations found and actions taken.
  6. Conducts miscellaneous inspections of facilities, including laundry establishments, ambulatory homes for the aged, overnight animal boarding for compliance with pertinent regulations, and recommends issuance or denial of permit to operate; investigates growth of poison oak and other noxious weeds; investigates and adjudicates refuse removal rate disputes between scavenger companies and the public; investigates all complaints regarding the lack of required refuse collection service and/or unlawful disposal of refuse, debris and garbage accumulation on lots, streets, public places, yards; investigates infestations of rodents and other vermin; investigates mosquito complaints; checks applications and plans for construction of swimming pools; issues permits for small water supplies; inspects for cross connections and approves backflow prevention devices.
  7. Performs other special and miscellaneous duties as required, including sanitation and hazardous materials surveys, domestic water supply sampling, recreational water facilities, reclaimed waste waters; participates in meetings and educational conferences.
Other Duties

The 6120 Consumer Protection Environmental Health Inspector may perform other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications
  • Possession of a REHS (Registered Environmental Health Specialist) certificate issued by the State of California Department of Public Health Services.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License.
Equal Employment Opportunity

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

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