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Food Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BrightFarms Inc

Food Safety Technician

Yorkville, IL · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Conduct nightly walkthroughs for food defense, food safety hazards (ex. condensation), and pest control checks. * Support in pre-op and post-op inspections to verify readiness and cleanliness of ...

BrightFarms

Food Safety Technician

Yorkville, IL · On-site

Conduct nightly walkthroughs for food defense, food safety hazards (ex. condensation), and pest control checks. * Support in pre-op and post-op inspections to verify readiness and cleanliness of ...

Pure's Food Specialties

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Packaging Operators (3rd Shift)

Northlake, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

... food defense, HACCP and SQF requirements · Responsible for immediately reporting all food safety and quality issues to your supervisor · Follow supervisor's directives and be able to support the ...

Multipack South

Quality Control Manager

Shreveport, LA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Reports deficiencies or practices that could compromise food safety, quality and food defense to the Quality Assurance Manager, SQF Practitioner and Senior Management in a timely manner so that ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Sun Prairie, WI

$44K/yr

Follow all food safety and food defense procedures while working in the mixing and production areas. Essential Skills * 2-3 years of machine operation experience in a production or manufacturing ...

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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
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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.

2nd Shift Manufacturing Packaging Line Lead

Calise Bakery

Lincoln, RI • On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

2nd Shift Packaging Line Leader

Come work at New England's favorite bread and bulky roll manufacturing company! Calise Bakery has an immediate opening for our 2nd Shift Packaging Line Leader. This position is responsible for leading and coordinating a team of employees to ensure compliance with the highest standards of safety, food safety and quality throughout the plant. The Line Leader shall be engaged in continuous improvement in order to drive increases in line efficiencies and units per man hour while decreasing waste in plant operations. Responsible to coordinate all employees of the packaging line receive on going training in safety, quality and food safety. Responsible to insure that all employees assigned to line and all activities of the line complies with all AIB standards for GMPs, HACCP, Food Defense and BRC on a continual basis. Facilitate and ensure full implementation of corrective actions.

Job Requirements:

  • Assign all employees to work stations
  • Coach, counsel and train packaging line personnel in daily operations.
  • Facilitate cross-training packaging line personnel in daily operations
  • Oversee and coordinate all operation activities within the assigned packaging line to ensure compliance with food safety standards, SSOPs, GMPs, HACCP, Food Defense and BRC. This includes training for line employees in each of these key areas to enforce a culture of food safety.
  • Support all GMP, HACCP, Food Defense and BRC related programs, policies and procedures including internal plant audits, monthly meetings and documentation of results
  • Participate to the extent required in all food safety audits w/AIB, RIDOH and FDA and insure compliance w/all regulations.
  • Oversee and coordinate all operations activities within the packaging line including sorting, bagger operator, Tray loader. Floor runner and packaging line workers.
  • Oversee and coordinate activities through change over to ensure product quality and reduce change over time
  • Monitor sorter set up and quality inspection
  • Monitor bagger operation, kwik locks and metal detection
  • Monitor tray packing
  • Monitor trailer logs to ensure accurate information is being inputted
  • Maintain proper documentation
  • Report any conditions that require adjustments to the process or machinery to the Shift Manager
  • Coordinate activities with production line leader so that product produced and packed on a line meet quality standards
  • Actively participate in plant meetings with other line leaders and shift managers to evaluate and discuss plant performance and measure against clearly defined goals
  • Conduct weekly line meetings using agenda provided by shift manager
  • Conduct daily shift huddles (safety topic, schedule, plan for the day)
  • Maintain strict adherence to weights programs and documentation.
  • Prepare reports and documentation to inform management of line performance
  • Regularly inspects all equipment and coordinates with maintenance and shift manager for necessary repairs
  • Looks for operational changes (product, equipment, job functions, materials, etc.) to improve company KPI
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Job Qualifications:

  • Previous experience with Packaging equipment or as a Machine Operator
  • Good verbal and written communication skills, fluency in Spanish preferred
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills plus attention to detail
  • Minimum of 12 months' experience in the food industry.
  • Demonstrable understanding of following an established process
  • Demonstrable understanding of HACCP, GMPs, and SOPs
  • Experience with GMP, BRC or SQF audits, AIB preferred.
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite and related software to complete reports and logs
  • Lead by example – promotes safety, quality, food safety culture.

Physical Requirements:

  • Bend to grasp objects and ability to climb ladders
  • Bend and lift loads not to exceed 50 pounds unassisted or 100 pounds with assistance
  • Work in very hot temperatures (>90 degrees F) seasonally
  • Must be able to work Saturdays, evenings and most holidays
  • Ability to work in a noisy environment while being exposed to wheat flour and

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