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Food Health Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... healthier and happier. The Role and Why It's Important The Food Service Manager Trainee works ... Inspect signage and displays for quality and quantity of merchandise and order product for ...

New

OTR Driver

Lenox, IA · On-site

$52 - $76/hr

Business Unit Description Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution ... Perform proper pre-trip, on-the-road trip, and post-trip inspections as required by Federal Motor ...

Part Time Box Truck Driver

Davenport, IA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Free Health Management Resources and Programs Gordon Food Service Store, the retail division of ... Perform daily pre/post trip inspection of vehicles and equipment. Completes check in process ...

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Showing results 41-60

Food Health Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$23K

$51.6K

$93K

How much do food health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for food health inspector in Iowa is $51,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $59,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food health inspector?

Food Health Inspectors, also known as food safety inspectors or sanitarians, are professionals responsible for ensuring that food establishments comply with health and safety regulations. They inspect restaurants, food processing plants, and other food-related businesses for cleanliness, proper food handling, storage practices, and sanitation standards. Their work helps prevent foodborne illnesses by identifying violations, educating staff, and enforcing corrective actions. Inspectors may also investigate complaints and respond to outbreaks of foodborne illness.

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

To thrive as a Food Health Inspector, you need knowledge of food safety regulations, inspection techniques, and a relevant degree in environmental health or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, laboratory testing tools, and certifications such as the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain objective under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate inspections, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health.

How does a food health inspector typically collaborate with restaurant staff during inspections?

Food Health Inspectors work closely with restaurant staff to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. During inspections, they communicate openly with managers and kitchen staff, explaining regulations and observing food handling practices. Inspectors aim to educate staff about proper procedures, answer questions, and provide feedback to help prevent violations. Their approach is generally collaborative, focusing on improving food safety standards rather than simply penalizing non-compliance.

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

AspectFood Health InspectorFood Safety Specialist
Required CredentialsFood safety certifications, health department trainingFood safety certifications, sometimes additional industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentInspecting restaurants, food processing plants, public facilitiesDeveloping safety protocols, conducting training, analyzing food safety data
Employer & Industry UsageHealth departments, government agenciesFood companies, consulting firms, regulatory agencies

Food Health Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting food establishments to ensure compliance with health regulations, while Food Safety Specialists develop safety protocols and provide training to prevent foodborne illnesses. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the food industry, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

How do I become a food health inspector?

To become a food health inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Many states require passing a certification exam and gaining on-the-job training, with some jurisdictions requiring specific licensing or certification to conduct inspections and enforce health regulations.

How hard is it to be a food health inspector?

Becoming a food health inspector requires completing relevant training, obtaining certifications such as food safety licenses, and passing a state or local exam. The job involves inspecting food establishments, enforcing health regulations, and often working irregular hours, which can be physically demanding and detail-oriented.

How much do food health inspectors make in the US?

Food health inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, with higher earnings possible with experience, certifications, and in certain regions. Salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, and the specific agency or organization they work for.

Is there a demand for food health inspectors?

Food health inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing public health regulations and the need to ensure food safety in restaurants, processing plants, and other food establishments. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as food safety standards become more stringent and inspections increase, often requiring certification and knowledge of health codes.

What are popular job titles related to Food Health Inspector jobs in Iowa?

For Food Health Inspector jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Health Inspector jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Health Inspector jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Health Inspector jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Food Health Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Health Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,602 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Environmental Health Specialist MR037

State of Virginia

Carroll, IA • On-site

$45K - $46K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with food sanitation evaluations, on-site soils assessments, private well inspections, rabies abatement activities, communicable disease investigations, migrant labor camp inspections, and general environmental complaint investigations.

  • Complete required training in the VDH Soils, VDH Food, or VDH Shellfish programs and obtain at least one qualifying credential within 30 months.

  • Participate in structured formal and on-the-job training to build foundational skills across multiple environmental health program areas.


State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 50 rated states


Job description

Environmental Health Specialist MR037

Apply now Job no: 5111523
Work type: Restricted Full-Time
Location: Carroll County, Virginia, Carroll, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services

Title: Environment Health Specialist MR037

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $45,739-$46,575

Pay Band:

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: MT ROGERS-CARROLL

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Carroll County Health Department is seeking a dedicated Environmental Health Specialist I to join our team. This entry-level position performs a variety of environmental health duties as a trainee under close supervision. Responsibilities include assisting with food sanitation evaluations, on-site soils assessments, private well inspections, rabies abatement activities, communicable disease investigations, migrant labor camp inspections, and general environmental complaint investigations. New employees receive structured formal and on the job training designed to build foundational skills across multiple environmental health program areas.
Candidates must be able to complete required training in the VDH Soils, VDH Food, or VDH Shellfish programs and obtain at least one qualifying credential within 30 months, such as VDH Standardized in Food, DPOR COSE or AOSE, or NSSP State Standardized Inspector. Upon successful completion of training and credentialing, employees will advance to the Environmental Health Specialist II position. This role is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals looking to start a career in environmental public health with strong supervision, professional development, and a clear growth pathway.
**This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Public Health Infrastructure Grant for period ending November 30, 2027. The availability of funding is scheduled for review before the grant expiration date and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.**

Minimum Qualifications

Ability to communicate effectively with the public as well as other internal/external partners and staff; proficient in basic computer software programs
Ability to provide services in professional, courteous manner, present educational programs to adults; uses a customer-service oriented approach to assignments and works effectively as a team member
Time management skills necessary to meet workload demands
Knowledge and/experience in assigned program area
Ability to influence behavior of foodservice employees/management, provide services in professional, courteous manner, present educational programs to adults; uses a customer-service oriented approach to assignments and works effectively as a team member
Must be able to complete training in the VDH Soils program, VDH Food program or VDH Shellfish program and be able to obtain credentials in one of the following within 18 months: VDH Standardized in Food, DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE), DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE) or National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) State Standardized Inspector
A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency

Additional Considerations

Experience in environmental health, such as experience gained as an Environmental Health Associate

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other nancial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Contact Information

Name: Jessica Bennett

Phone: N/A

Email: jessica.bennett@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 01 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 10 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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