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Food Inspector Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

NEOVOLTA POWER LLC

Quality Inspector

Pendergrass, GA

$21 - $30/hr

Responsible for quality inspection and control throughout the production process, including incoming materials, in-process operations, and final products. This role ensures compliance with ...

Far Inspections

Local Housing Vacancy Inspector

Monroe, GA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Apply HERE Only FAR Inspections is actively seeking a reliable independent contractor to perform residential mortgage inspections in Walton County, Georgia and surrounding communities. If you live in ...

Manor Lake Athens

Food Service Supervisor

Athens, GA · On-site

Take food inventory at least once per month or as instructed and ensure Inventory Control ... Make daily inspections of workstations to ensure that sanitation guidelines are being followed

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All JobsFood Inspector JobsFood Inspector Jobs in Athens, GA

Food Inspector information

See Athens, GA salary details

$10.6K

$39.4K

$60.8K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for food inspector in Athens, GA is $39,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $42,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Food Inspectors?

Food Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that food products meet safety and quality standards set by government agencies. They examine food processing facilities, storage areas, and products to detect contamination, improper handling, and violations of health regulations. Their work helps prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures that consumers receive safe, high-quality food. Food Inspectors may also collect samples for laboratory analysis and educate businesses about food safety practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, microbiology, and public health, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and reporting systems is essential for effective monitoring and documentation. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help Food Inspectors identify risks and collaborate with various stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure public safety, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of the food supply chain.

What are some common challenges Food Inspectors face during inspections, and how can they effectively address them?

Food Inspectors often encounter challenges such as non-compliance with safety regulations, language barriers with facility staff, and time constraints when inspecting multiple sites. To address these issues, inspectors rely on clear communication, detailed checklists, and ongoing training to stay current with evolving food safety standards. Building rapport with facility personnel and maintaining a thorough, objective approach helps ensure that all issues are identified and resolved efficiently, ultimately protecting public health.

What kind of inspectors make the most money?

Food inspectors with advanced certifications, supervisory roles, or specialized expertise tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors working in large organizations or in regions with higher living costs generally make more, and those with experience and additional training can advance to higher-paying positions such as senior or lead inspector.

How do I become a food inspector?

To become a food inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field. They must complete relevant training or certification programs, gain experience in food safety or inspection, and often pass a written exam or practical assessment. Food inspectors usually work for government agencies and may need to obtain specific state or federal certifications depending on the jurisdiction.

What is the difference between Food Inspector vs Food Safety Officer?

AspectFood InspectorFood Safety Officer
Required CredentialsDegree in Food Technology, Microbiology, or related field; certification may be requiredSimilar qualifications as Food Inspector; often requires additional training in food safety standards
Work EnvironmentInspecting food production units, markets, and restaurantsOverseeing food safety compliance, conducting audits, and public awareness
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, food manufacturing, and inspection departmentsGovernment health departments, regulatory agencies, and food industry

Both Food Inspectors and Food Safety Officers work to ensure food quality and safety, often with overlapping roles. Food Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting food establishments and products, while Food Safety Officers handle broader compliance and public health initiatives. The roles are complementary, with similar qualifications and work environments, but differ slightly in scope and responsibilities.

What Is a Food Inspector?

A food inspector makes sure that all food produced at a farm, processing plant, slaughterhouse, or other food production facility meets rigorous health and safety requirements before shipment. As a food inspector, your duties include performing physical inspections of the food, investigating health, sanitation, and safety practices at a facility, and writing reports based off of your investigations and interviews. You must be able to notice any potential for bacterial or other contamination and be willing to stop production to uphold public safety.

How long does it take to be a food safety inspector?

Becoming a food safety inspector typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification programs that can last from several weeks to a few months. Many inspectors also gain experience through on-the-job training or related food safety or health inspection roles before qualifying for full certification or licensing, which can take additional months depending on the jurisdiction.

What qualifications do I need to be a quality inspector?

Food inspectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or specialized training in food safety or microbiology. Certification from relevant agencies, such as the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, is often preferred or required, along with knowledge of food safety standards and inspection procedures.
More about Food Inspector jobs
What are popular job titles related to Food Inspector jobs in Athens, GA? For Food Inspector jobs in Athens, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Food Inspector jobs? Cities near Athens, GA with the most Food Inspector job openings:
Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Athens, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,381 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Quality Assurance Inspector

CJ Foodville USA Inc

Gainesville, GA • On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Quality Assurance Inspector

REPORTS TO: Quality Control Manager

Job Type Full Time Employee, Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Quality Control

LOCATION: Gainesville, GA


SUMMARY:


The QA Inspector is responsible for conducting routine walkthrough inspections of the production floor, performing pre-operational checks, in-process quality inspections, and reviewing sanitation, temperature, and production records. This role ensures that products are manufactured in compliance with internal quality standards and food safety requirements (SQF/GMP). The QC Technician reports any deviations to the manager and supports corrective actions in collaboration with the production team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Perform routine quality inspections throughout the production process to ensure compliance with internal quality standards and food safety requirements (SQF/GMP).
  • Conduct pre-operational inspections to verify sanitation, equipment cleanliness, and readiness prior to production start-up.
  • Inspect in-process products for weight, appearance, texture, color, and specification compliance.
  • Monitor and verify critical process parameters including temperature, time, and sanitation controls.
  • Review and verify production, sanitation, and quality records for accuracy and completeness.
  • Identify, document, and report non-conformances or deviations to the Quality Control Manager or QA team.
  • Support corrective actions and preventive measures in collaboration with production personnel.
  • Verify compliance with allergen control, hygiene, and GMP requirements on the production floor.
  • Collect samples and perform basic quality or microbiological testing as required.
  • Ensure adherence to all safety, hygiene, and regulatory requirements during inspection activities.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in food science, or related field preferred.

  • 1+ years of experience in food manufacturing or quality inspection preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree or coursework in Food Science, Quality Assurance, Food Engineering, Microbiology, or a related field preferred.
  • Prior experience in Quality Control (QC) or production operations within a food manufacturing environment preferred.
  • Basic understanding of food safety and quality systems such as GMP, SQF, and HACCP.
  • Experience with, or the ability to learn, production processes, sanitation controls, and review of production records.
  • Ability to perform visual inspections and basic quality evaluations, including color, texture, and overall appearance.
  • Strong documentation and record-keeping skills, including inspection logs and reports.
  • Ability to accurately report quality issues and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Flexibility to work in a manufacturing environment and adapt to production schedules, including shift work if required.
  • Strong sense of responsibility for complying with food safety, hygiene, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
  • Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data entry into internal systems.
  • Bilingual in Korean and English