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How much do environmental health food safety jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental health food safety in the United States is $34.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $40.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is environmental health food safety?

Environmental health food safety refers to the practices and policies that ensure food is handled, prepared, and stored in ways that prevent foodborne illness and protect public health. Professionals in this field inspect food establishments, monitor food handling processes, enforce health regulations, and educate the public and businesses about safe food practices. Their work helps minimize risks from contaminants, pathogens, and unsafe food handling, ensuring that the food supply is safe for consumption.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Health Food Safety Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Health Food Safety Specialist, you need a solid background in public health, microbiology, and food safety regulations, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree and state or national certifications (such as REHS/RS). Familiarity with inspection software, HACCP principles, and laboratory testing equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills are crucial for conducting inspections and educating stakeholders. These competencies ensure food safety compliance, prevent public health risks, and foster trust within the community.

What is the difference between Environmental Health Food Safety vs Environmental Health Specialist?

AspectEnvironmental Health Food SafetyEnvironmental Health Specialist
CertificationsFood Safety Certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP)Environmental Health Certifications (e.g., REHS/RS)
Work EnvironmentFood production facilities, restaurants, retailPublic health agencies, environmental sites
Industry UsageFood industry, retail, manufacturingPublic health, environmental protection

Environmental Health Food Safety focuses on ensuring food safety standards in production and retail settings, often requiring food safety certifications. Environmental Health Specialist covers broader environmental health issues, including sanitation and public health, typically with environmental health certifications. Both roles aim to protect public health but differ in their specific focus and work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Environmental Health Food Safety roles, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in Environmental Health Food Safety often encounter challenges such as staying current with evolving regulations, managing diverse inspection sites, and ensuring clear communication with various stakeholders. Addressing these challenges involves continuous professional development, strong organizational skills, and building collaborative relationships with local businesses and regulatory agencies. Utilizing digital tools for record-keeping and training can also streamline processes and support compliance, making day-to-day responsibilities more manageable.
More about Environmental Health Food Safety jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Health Food Safety jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Health Food Safety job openings:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Health Food Safety jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Health Food Safety jobs are:
Environmental Health Food Safety jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Health Food Safety job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,663 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Environmentalist - Food & Safety (Health Services)

Shelby County

Memphis, TN

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Summary  

Conducts regular sanitation inspections of establishments permitted by local and state authorities and open to the public. Monitors sanitation conditions, documents findings, and assists with compliance efforts in accordance with applicable health and sanitation regulations.
 

Pay Grade: 47 

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education  

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Two (2) years of experience in the environmental health field; AND 
  • Bachelor's degree from anaccredited college or university in physical, biological, chemical, environmental health sciences, or related field; OR 
  • An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience. 
  • PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. 
     

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conducts routine sanitation and food safety inspections of permitted establishments, including food service facilities, schools, childcare centers, pools, lodging facilities, and personal service establishments, in accordance with established procedures. 
  • Enforces local and state environmental health and food safety laws by identifying violations and documenting inspection findings in permitted establishments. 
  • Educates operators on identified violations and compliance requirements, providing guidance on corrective actions and applicable food codes. 
  • Investigates complaints related to foodborne illness and unsanitary conditions and conducts follow-up inspections as required. 
  • Performs re-inspections and ongoing monitoring of permitted establishments at required intervals to verify continued compliance. 
  • Initiates enforcement actions, including issuing violation notices and participating in environmental court proceedings when necessary. 
  • Participates in required training, standardization, and quality assurance activities, including TDH and FDA training, to maintain professional competency and consistency. 
  • Performs other related duties as required or directed.
     

KSAs 

  • Knowledge of environmental health principles, including basic chemistry, biology, and public or community health as applied to sanitation and food safety. 
  • Ability to interpret and apply environmental health laws and regulations during inspections of permitted establishments. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly explain inspection findings, violations, regulatory requirements, and compliance expectations. 
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including planning and organizing daily inspection activities efficiently. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office or comparable county systems.
     

Special Requirements 

  • Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license or secure one by date of employment. 
  • Must have access to an operable automobile and meet County requirements of automobile insurance upon date of employment. 
  • Must be able to work occasional weekends and/or modified work schedules, including adjusted days or hours, as operational needs require. 
  • Must successfully complete FDA-ORA-U Web-based Pre and Post Food Safety Courses within six (6) months of employment. 
  • Must maintain all required licenses, certifications, and training credentials throughout the duration of employment.
     

Physical Requirements 

  • Must be able to stoop, squat, crawl, and perform other physical duties as needed to investigate environmental health complaints as needed. 
  • Must be able to lift or pull up to 35 pounds at a time. 
  • Must be able to work in all types of weather. 
  • Must successfully pass a physical assessment.
     

Disclaimer  

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered andwill notautomatically disqualify the candidate. 

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer  

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include appointed positions with the Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department. 

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