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Food Health Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Moe's Southwest Grill

General Manager

Columbia, SC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... for food handling, general cleanliness and maintenance of exterior, kitchen and dining areas. In doing so, you must maintain a score of 90% or higher for all city/county health inspections and ...

Moe's Southwest Grill

General Manager

Sumter, SC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... for food handling, general cleanliness and maintenance of exterior, kitchen and dining areas. In doing so, you must maintain a score of 90% or higher for all city/county health inspections and ...

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Kitchen Manager

Columbia, SC · On-site

Our goal is to allow your passion for food, family, and hospitality to create memorable experiences ... all health inspections meet required state standards. * Ensuring that operational basics and ...

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Kitchen Manager

Columbia, SC · On-site

Our goal is to allow your passion for food, family, and hospitality to create memorable experiences ... all health inspections meet required state standards. * Ensuring that operational basics and ...

Bonefish Grill

Restaurant Manager

Columbia, SC · On-site

Demonstrates knowledge of the entire food and drink menu and its preparation. * Maintains current ... Ensures all health inspections meet required state standards. Qualifications * 2+ years of prior ...

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All JobsFood Health Inspector JobsFood Health Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC

Food Health Inspector information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$22.7K

$50.8K

$91.6K

How much do food health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for food health inspector in Columbia, SC is $50,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,600.00 and $58,700.00 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 Columbia, SC?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Health Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Health Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Food Health Inspector jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Food Health Inspector job openings:

Food Health Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Health Inspector job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,826 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

General Manager

Moe's Southwest Grill

Columbia, SC • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Moe's Southwest Grill rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 105 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

62nd of 107 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

PAY: $65,000 - $75,000 BASED ON EXPERIENCE
LARGE FRANCHISE GROUP WITH GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME AN OPERATING PARTNER IN 1-2 YEARS - $100K+
NO LATE NIGHTS
SUMMARY
The general manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our Moe's Southwest Grill. This includes ensuring that all guests are satisfied with their dining experience, overseeing the development and performance of managers, shift leaders and team members. In addition, they are responsible for optimizing profits by utilizing Sterling Systems.
GENERAL
  • Oversee and manage all areas of the restaurant to ensure guest satisfaction and increased profitability.

GUEST SERVICE
  • Ensure 100% guest satisfaction in areas of Quality, Service & Cleanliness. If that goal is not met, respond to guest complaints, taking any and all actions needed to ensure that the dissatisfied guest becomes a regular guest.

PERSONNEL
  • Provide direction to team members regarding operational and procedural issues. We do it the Moe's Way!
  • Maintain an accurate and on-going staffing needs plan for your restaurant. Interview prospective employees and ensure the 4 steps of staffing are followed.
  • Develop all team members by providing ongoing feedback. Conduct performance reviews to establish and evaluate performance goals.
  • Create a work environment that is known in the community to be "the place to work".

FOOD SAFETY AND PLANNING
  • Must be ServSafe certified.
  • Must be certified Moe's Manager.
  • Enforce sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness and maintenance of exterior, kitchen and dining areas. In doing so, you must maintain a score of 90% or higher for all city/county health inspections and Steritech inspections.
  • Ensure compliance with Moe's/Sterling Operational Standards. In doing so, you must maintain a score of 90% or higher when The Rose Inspection is conducted by Moe's corporate personnel.
  • Maintain a professional image including cleanliness, uniforms and appearance standards.
  • Manage food flow from ordering, receiving, storing and serving to ensure high quality product, proper portioning and low waste.

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensure that proper security procedures are in place to protect guests, employees and Sterling assets.
  • Ensure a safe guest and working environment to reduce the risk of injury and accidents. Complete all necessary reports in a timely manner in the event that a guest or employee is injured.
  • Effective shift management.
  • When receiving a Moe's Gotta Know or mystery shopper report, investigate any complaints or problems and make a plan to improve operations.

FINANCIAL
  • Adhere to Sterling standards to increase sales and minimize costs. Must meet sales, labor hours and food/paper cost goals.
  • Utilize the monthly P&L to analyze areas for profitability improvement. Make an effective plan & implement to increase profitability.
  • Responsibility to ensure that all financial reporting (invoices, personnel, payroll and administrative) are completed accurately, on time and in accordance with Sterling policies and procedures.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
  • Book one spirit night per month according to Sterling policies and procedures.
  • Provide a strong presence in local community by having a high level of community involvement by the restaurant and personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • College degree preferred but not required. Previous restaurant experience is a must. A combination of related experience and education will be considered as an alternative.
  • Knowledge of computers (MS Word and Excel)
  • Must possess a valid drivers license.
  • Must be eligible to work in The United States.
  • Must agree to a background check.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Self-discipline, strong initiative, leadership ability and outgoing personality.
  • Pleasant, polite manner with a neat, clean appearance
  • An effective motivator.
  • Must be able to handle the pressures of simultaneously coordinating a wide range of activities and team members to ensure 100% guest satisfaction.
  • Must possess good communication skills.
  • Ability to effectively multi-task.
  • Ability to perform effective interviews to determine the experience and qualifications of job applicants.
  • Ability to effectively supervise 15-25 team members to achieve desired goals.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Weekly work week should be 50 hours. Occasionally a manager's hours will vary to ensure the proper operation of the restaurant.
  • Position requires prolonged standing, bending, stooping, twisting, lifting items and supplies weighing 50 pounds, and repetitive hand and wrist motion.
  • Ability to perform all functions at the restaurant level as well as delivering caterings as needed.
  • Work with hot, cold and hazardous restaurant equipment. Operation of phones, computers and other office equipment.

ACCOUNTABILITIES
  • Reports to district manager for his or her area.
  • Completes job responsibilities and performance objectives in a timely and effective manner and in accordance with Sterling policies and procedures.
  • Maintains a harmonious working environment that will maximize team member morale, tenure, productivity and efficiency/effectiveness.
  • Always be a positive representative of Sterling Restaurants to team members and the community.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or requested.

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