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Food Inspector Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Dover Food Retail (DFR) is a leading manufacturer of Display Cases, Specialty Products ... Job Title: Inspector Department: 4520 Reports To: Quality Manager Status: Full-time FLSA: Non ...

Complete monthly Mock Health Inspections and share data providing required corrective actions to Food Safety Director and other store leaders * Complete 6.10.2.6.10 Food Safety Checklist at least 3 ...

Food Safety Internship

Athens, GA ยท On-site

$10 - $12/hr

... inspections and share results with Back of House Leadership Support Kitchen Manager by coaching fellow Team Members to maintain good food quality practices Food Safety (20%) Complete SAFE Daily ...

Quality Inspector

Pendergrass, GA ยท On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 8, 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food inspector?

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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,381 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

AGRICULTURE ANIMAL INDUSTRY - MEAT INSPECTOR 1 (Part - Time)

Georgia

Athens, GA โ€ข On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

AGRICULTURE ANIMAL INDUSTRY - MEAT INSPECTOR 1 (Part - Time)

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000001283

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$15.00/ PER HOUR

Job Description:

We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership.

  • The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.
  • The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

This position is not eligible for benefits and is limited to 29 hours per week.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

This position is assigned to the following counties:

  • BANKS
  • BARROW
  • CLARKE
  • COLUMBIA
  • ELBERT
  • FRANKLIN
  • GLASCOCK
  • HANCOCK
  • HART
  • JACKSON
  • LINCOLN
  • MADISON
  • MCDUFFIE
  • MORGAN
  • OCONEE
  • OGLETHORPE
  • RICHMOND
  • TALIAFERRO
  • WARREN
  • WILKES

Applicants must reside in this county or the surrounding area or be willing to relocate.

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, learn to inspect red meat, red meat products, and meat processing facilities to determine compliance with legal standards.

  • This includes antemortem and post-mortem inspections.
  • This position requires a personal vehicle or transportation. Incumbents must work in adjoining areas as program requirements dictate, although travel outside of the assigned area is expected to be less than 25% of total travel.
  • This position will provide general support services to the Meat Inspection Division.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Support Services Worker - Vocational or technical degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, pest control, entomology, or a closely related field from an accredited college; or a high school diploma or GED and one year of experience in the area of assignment; or two years of college which included 12 semester/20 quarter hours in chemistry or life sciences and one year of directly related experience; or two years of experience at a lower level (RCT090) or position equivalent.

NOTE:

The selected candidate must complete USDA Inspection Methods training at the first available opportunity after being hired.

This is a temporary/hourly position.

Positions in this job are established for less than 9 months or scheduled for less than 30 hours per week and are not eligible for benefits if the position status is temporary (i.e., SCOA 513).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

  • State or Federal Meat Inspection or Food Inspection experience.
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university in Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or a closely related field; and
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Please note:Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to phone/emailinquiries regarding application status. Only candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY: Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

  • Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *

Minimum Qualifications:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.