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Food Health Inspector Jobs in Visalia, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Food Health Inspector information

See Visalia, CA salary details

$24.9K

$55.9K

$100.7K

How much do food health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for food health inspector in Visalia, CA is $55,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $64,600.00 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 Visalia, CA?

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

What cities near Visalia, CA are hiring for Food Health Inspector jobs?

Cities near Visalia, CA with the most Food Health Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Health Inspector job openings in Visalia, CA 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 $55,855 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Environmental Health Specialist I/II

Kings County

Hanford, CA • On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

Full-time

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


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct inspections of retail food establishments, public swimming pools, water systems, and medical waste facilities to ensure compliance with health codes.

  • Enforce environmental health safety laws, rules, and regulations, and issue violation notices when necessary.

  • Provide educational information and guidance to property owners, employees, and the public regarding environmental health regulations and safety practices.


Kings County (California) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

JOB OPPORTUNITY The Kings County Department of Public Health is currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of: Environmental Health Specialist I/II: Level I: $55,723.20 - $67,995.20 Annually Level II: $61,568.00 - $75,150.40 Annually We are seeking Environmental Health Specialists I/II to help protect community health across a wide range of environmental programs. You'll conduct inspections, enforce health and safety regulations, respond to environmental concerns, and provide hands-on guidance in areas like consumer protection, hazardous materials, drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, and land use. Whether you're building your skills or working independently as a registered specialist, you'll make a real impact in keeping our community safe and compliant

We encourage you to apply today to join a dedicated team serving our community. To discover what makes Kings County a great place to live and work, click here to watch a short video. You can click here to watch a brief video showcasing the exceptional benefits available to our employees.

DUTY SAMPLE Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions. Performs regulation and enforcement of environmental health safety laws, rules, and regulations; interprets the more specialized environmental health regulations, rules, and policies related to environmental health program areas.

Inspects retail food establishments, public swimming pools and spas, water systems and medical waste facilities for compliance with applicable health codes; visually inspects for conformance with applicable codes and regulations; collects required food and water samples; follows up on complaints; writes and issues violation notices. Conducts housing, detention facilities, and school inspections and issues corrective action and violation notices. Provides educational information to property and business owners, employees, and the public on environmental health regulations and safety; instructs food service workers on the proper handling of food.

Performs plan review and approval of food facilities, body art facilities, commercial swimming pool facilities, septic systems, and water wells. Compiles data for and prepares comprehensive reports related to inspections, investigations, and studies completed. Provides general information to the regulated community and public regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations; receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns, and complaints from the public regarding division activities and programs.

Confers with officials of other public agencies and persons with private business. Participates in community education and public information efforts. Maintains files, databases, and records related to citations and violations; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.

Provides training to less experienced staff and volunteers as assigned. Performs related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS **Minimum requirements must be met by the closing date** Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Education: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biological or physical sciences, environmental health science, or a closely related field, including 30 semester units, or equivalent, of basic science. Experience: Environmental Health Specialist I: None required. Environmental Health Specialist II: One (1) year of increasingly responsible experience performing duties at a level equivalent to the classification of Environmental Health Specialist I with Kings County.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Licenses: Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment. Certifications: Environmental Health Specialist I:Possession of a letter of acceptance as an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee from the California Department of Health Services. Environmental Health Specialist II: Possession of a valid California Department of Health Services certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist to be maintained throughout employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. Ability to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends and holidays, work on-call and overtime as necessary, and travel within and outside the County. Ability to become medically certified to use personal protective equipment including respirators.

Environmental Health Specialist I Environmental Health Specialist II SELECTION PROCESS: **EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER** All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. The selection process may include the following: (1) Screening committee (pass/fail) and/or (2) Written examination(pass/fail) and/or (3) Oral examination (100%) This may include a written practical component (100%) to determine placement on the eligible list. Note: Those applicants who are among the top 40 written test scores will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST Veteran's Preference Application You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date. TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Final Date to Apply: August 14, 2026, EXTENDED August 28, 2026 SME Review: Week of August 17, 2026 Oral Examination: Week of September 1, 2026


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