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Food Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nash Produce LLC.

Director of Food Safety

Nashville, NC · On-site

Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and food safety and defense standards issued by the FDA and other federal, state and local agencies involved with food safety activities. Maintain ...

Performance Food Group

Quality Assurance Tech

Waco, NE · On-site

Review, implement, and train on SOP's, SSOP's, HACCP and food defense plans. Coordinate and ensure completion of Corrective Action Preventative Action Plans (CAPA) for all regulatory, third party ...

Grupo Bimbo

Quality Food Safety Manager

Cicero, IL · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Support Quality and Food Safety Manager in evaluating compliance to conducting plant wide inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense * Ensure active participation in the Product ...

Bimbo Bakeries USA

Quality Food Safety Manager

Cicero, IL · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Support Quality and Food Safety Manager in evaluating compliance to conducting plant wide inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense * Ensure active participation in the Product ...

PepsiCo

Plant Controls Specialist

Dallas, TX

$60K - $94K/yr

Lead Food safety and Food Defense programs for the Plant to assist Plant Management maintain FSSSC22000 Certification. * Support R&D development including testing and retail production for test ...

PepsiCo

Plant Controls Specialist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$60K - $94K/yr

Lead Food safety and Food Defense programs for the Plant to assist Plant Management maintain FSSSC22000 Certification. * Support R&D development including testing and retail production for test ...

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How much do food defense jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food defense in the United States is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in Food Defense roles?

Professionals in Food Defense often face challenges such as staying current with evolving regulatory requirements and identifying potential vulnerabilities in complex supply chains. They must also develop and implement effective preventive measures while coordinating closely with various departments, including quality assurance, security, and supply chain management. Additionally, maintaining a culture of vigilance among staff and responding rapidly to incidents or threats are critical aspects of the role. Successful food defense specialists are proactive, detail-oriented, and effective communicators.

What is the difference between Food Defense vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood DefenseFood Safety Specialist
CertificationsFEMA, HACCP, FSMAHACCP, ServSafe, FSMA
Work EnvironmentSecurity-focused, manufacturing, processing plantsInspection, quality control, compliance in food facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, government agencies, retailFood production, quality assurance, regulatory agencies

Food Defense focuses on protecting the food supply from intentional contamination or sabotage, emphasizing security measures. Food Safety Specialists concentrate on preventing unintentional contamination through safety protocols and compliance. While both roles aim to ensure safe food, Food Defense is security-oriented, whereas Food Safety is quality and safety compliance-oriented.

What is food defense?

Food defense refers to the protection of food products from intentional contamination or adulteration by biological, chemical, physical, or radiological agents. Unlike food safety, which aims to prevent unintentional contamination, food defense focuses on preventing acts of tampering or terrorism that could harm public health or disrupt the food supply. This involves implementing security measures, conducting vulnerability assessments, and training staff to recognize and respond to potential threats. Food defense is critical for ensuring consumer safety and maintaining trust in the food system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Food Defense role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Food Defense role, you need expertise in food safety regulations, risk assessment, and vulnerability analysis, typically backed by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with food defense plans, regulatory standards (such as FSMA and HACCP), and incident response systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals identify threats and coordinate preventive measures. These skills and qualities are vital for protecting the food supply chain from intentional contamination and ensuring public health and regulatory compliance.
More about Food Defense jobs
What states have the most Food Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Defense jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Defense jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Defense jobs are:
Food Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Defense job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,753 per year, or $22 per hour.

Food Safety Specialist

The Regional Food Bank

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Do you want your work to directly protect the safety and well-being of people across Oklahoma? You ensure compliance with food safety regulations and customer expectations in every environment where food is handled while strengthening organizational readiness for food defense. You support all Operations by advancing food safety knowledge, documentation and consistent execution of SOPs while serving as a primary contact for onsite USDA inspection and working closely with PPC staff. What success looks like in the first 6-12 months includes maintaining accurate food safety records, strengthening HACCP compliance, leading effective audits and training efforts and contributing to a safe, sanitary and inspection-ready operation.
Day in the Life
Quality Assessment and Record Keeping
  • Oversees daily ATP testing and device calibration.
  • Maintains accurate records and activity reports for product-related work.
  • Writes SOPs, deviations, inventory logs and change control processes.
  • Performs daily assessments of quality parameters, calibration, raw materials, maintenance, procedures, training and auditing.

Safety and Sanitation
  • Ensures a safe and sanitary working environment for volunteers and staff.
  • Adheres to USDA, AIB GMP, state and local guidelines.
  • Completes required sanitation and safety reports.

Operational Leadership
  • Provides leadership in daily operations.
  • Monitors HACCP compliance practices of employees and volunteers.
  • Conducts data analysis, trend identification and corrective actions.
  • Develops HACCP plans.

Food Safety and Compliance
  • Enhances the food safety and food defense program.
  • Responds to non-compliance notifications from regulatory agencies.
  • Conducts internal food safety audits and facilitates training.

Nutrition and Project Support
  • Supports nutrition programming for the Regional Food Bank.
  • Assists with equipment purchasing research and specification development

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or at least four years of relevant experience.
  • At least one year of food service experience.
  • Ability to obtain AIB, HACCP and ServSafe for Managers certifications.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Working toward a master's degree in a relevant field.

Safety Sensitive Designation
This position is classified as Safety Sensitive under Oklahoma law. Employees in safety sensitive roles perform duties where even a momentary lapse in concentration could result in injury to themselves or others or cause environmental harm. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma cannot hire applicants who hold a medical marijuana card for safety sensitive positions.
Physical & Environmental Expectations
This role requires lifting, climbing, balancing and working in industrial environments with exposure to extreme temperatures, weather, dust, chemicals, fumes, noise and vibrations. PPE use is required, and travel, on-call availability and overtime may be necessary.
EEO & Accommodation Statement
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
We'll Take Care of You
The Regional Food Bank offers a combination of competitive benefit plans and work-life assistance:
  • 100% paid Medical, Short-Term Disability and Basic Life and AD&D insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Dental and Vision benefits
  • Long-term disability
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid parental leave
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Holiday savings program
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Wellness events

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