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Food Inspector Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Food and Beverage Manager

Statham, GA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

The Food and Beverage Manager will primarily be responsible for managing the Club's dining, event ... Visually inspect function rooms and equipment prior to functions to ensure proper cleanliness ...

Job Title QA/QC Inspector Work Setting This role will begin in our Athens, GA structural shop for training and then transition to a split schedule between our new stainless steel shop in Commerce, GA ...

Job Title QA/QC Inspector Work Setting This role will begin in our Athens, GA structural shop for training and then transition to a split schedule between our new stainless steel shop in Commerce, GA ...

The Food Service Worker is responsible for the supervision of inmate labor as well as team members assisting with the food service operation in a correctional facility. This position will also ...

Food Champion - Closing

Monroe, GA

$14 - $16.50/hr

Key responsibilities include taking orders or preparing food, assisting in resolving any service or food issues, maintaining food-safety standards and maintaining a clean, safe work and dining ...

Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are proud ...

Food Champion - Day Time

Monroe, GA

$14 - $17/hr

Key responsibilities include taking orders or preparing food, assisting in resolving any service or food issues, maintaining food-safety standards and maintaining a clean, safe work and dining ...

Food Production Worker

Buckhead, GA · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are proud ...

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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 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.
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 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 Inspector I - Weekend Night Shift

Quality Inspector I - Weekend Night Shift

Accurus Aerospace Corporation

Athens, GA • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Accurus Aerospace rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Inspectors are key personnel in the Accurus Quality Department and their duties are integral to our overall quality management system and customer satisfaction. Inspectors perform inspections on newly received goods and work-in-process, and are responsible for final inspections of machined aerospace parts and assemblies to ensure compliance with engineering requirements and work instructions. Inspectors are required to document specific information regarding approvals and non-conforming parts and may be involved in problem-solving internally to identify re-work requirements. Inspectors may provide quality and/or manufacturing process training for manufacturing personnel.
Essential Functions
To accomplish this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Determines and utilizes appropriate inspection methods and instruments (micrometers, height gauges, air gauges, radius gauges, calipers, etc.) to complete in-process and final inspection of machined aerospace parts and assemblies, including simple to moderate layouts and setups on a surface plate
  • Initiates nonconformance records and disposition of parts not meeting requirements
  • Continually strives to improve inspection effectiveness and efficiency by recommending and supporting the implementation of process improvements
  • Communicates effectively and professionally with internal and external personnel to identify root causes, troubleshoot and address errors and trends, and negotiate the resolution of non-conforming parts and necessary re-work or re-inspection
  • May obtain knowledge/instruction to perform CMM inspections under tutelage of qualified CMM operators
  • Completes other duties as required
  • Regular attendance on-site at the workplace is required

This role is identified as requiring ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance; therefore, qualified candidates must meet the definition of a U.S. Person (per EAR Part 772 and ITAR 120.15):
  • An individual who is granted U.S. citizenship, or
  • An individual who is granted U.S. permanent residence (i.e., a "Green Card" holder), or
  • An individual who is granted status as a "protected person"

Required Education and Work Experience
  • A high School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • An associate degree or similar post-secondary or vocational training in a related field is preferred
  • A minimum of six (6) months of experience in inspection for machined parts and/or assemblies is required; aerospace industry experience is preferred

Other Required Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated accuracy in reading and interpreting blueprints, planning and engineering documents, quality standards, customer specifications, and other technical design standards
  • Advanced mathematical skills (add, subtract, multiply, and divide using fractions and decimal equivalents)
  • Experience in accurately reading precision measuring instrumentation, including mics, calipers, height gauges, tape measures, and other similar devices
  • Completion of assigned internal training for Level I Inspectors, and periodic retraining or recertification is required
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing (English)

Physical Demands and Work Environment
To perform the essential functions of the role, employees must be able to perform the following activities with or without reasonable accommodations:
  • Regularly stand and walk throughout the facility, including all buildings and the manufacturing areas
  • Regularly lift, carry (short distances), and push/pull up to 50 pounds
  • Regularly climb steps, stairs, or ladders
  • Occasionally bend, crawl, stoop, squat, or kneel
  • Constantly communicate verbally and in writing (English) using a phone, texts, or other messaging
  • Visual acuity to accurately read mics, calipers, or other precision measuring instruments; accurately distinguish colors
  • Use hands and fingers to operate computer keyboards, measurement instruments, and manually examine parts

Working Conditions
Work is performed in a manufacturing shop environment where working conditions may vary significantly; the employee will be exposed to:
  • Excessive noise (hearing protection required)
  • Dust, smoke, fumes/vapors (occasionally)
  • Extreme temperatures (occasionally)
  • Hazardous equipment, including forklifts, hand tools, cranes or other lifting devices, and other equipment used in a machine shop environment

The use of PPE, including hearing protection, eye and hand protection, and safety footwear is required
We appreciate your interest in Accurus Aerospace; however, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Accurus offers a comprehensive employee benefit package upon completion of 30 days of employment. For full details, please visit the benefits section of our website.
Accurus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) employer and participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program. Please see our website for more information on employment practices.
Please note that Accurus only accepts applications submitted through our online recruiting system. For information on disability accommodations for applicants, please visit our career page.
All job offers are contingent upon successfully completing a drug screen and criminal background screening. Certain positions may require a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), a credit report, and/or a medical physical examination.
Thank you for considering Accurus for your next career opportunity.