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Food Inspector Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

Food Authority

Food Safety Coordinator

Jessup, MD · On-site

Conduct internal audits, inspections, and corrective action follow-up activities. * Monitor regulatory compliance and prepare documentation for customer and regulatory audits. * Maintain food safety ...

Food Authority

Food Safety Coordinator

Jessup, MD · On-site

Conduct internal audits, inspections, and corrective action follow-up activities. * Monitor regulatory compliance and prepare documentation for customer and regulatory audits. * Maintain food safety ...

Actalent

Quality Inspector

Jessup, MD

Ensure adherence to GMPs, GLPs, and food safety standards throughout all inspection and testing activities. * Document and report all deviations and non-conformances to operations leads and quality ...

Actalent

Quality Inspector

Jessup, MD · On-site

Ensure adherence to GMPs, GLPs, and food safety standards throughout all inspection and testing activities. Document and report all deviations and non-conformances to operations leads and quality ...

Actalent

Quality Inspector

Jessup, MD · On-site

Ensure adherence to GMPs, GLPs, and food safety standards throughout all inspection and testing activities. Document and report all deviations and non-conformances to operations leads and quality ...

US Inspect

Home Inspector

Rockville, MD · On-site

$55K - $105K/yr

About US Inspect Since 1987, US Inspect has been delivering top-tier residential inspection services. We operate with the heart and culture of a small business, but we equip our team with the ...

US Inspect

Home Inspector

Rockville, MD · On-site

$55K - $105K/yr

About US Inspect Since 1987, US Inspect has been delivering top-tier residential inspection services. We operate with the heart and culture of a small business, but we equip our team with the ...

US Inspect

Home Inspector

Rockville, MD · On-site

$55K - $105K/yr

About US Inspect Since 1987, US Inspect has been delivering top-tier residential inspection services. We operate with the heart and culture of a small business, but we equip our team with the ...

ATI Inc

Construction Inspector

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Transport/Equipment (Patient Lifts, Elevators, Transport Systems, Pneumatic Tube, Food Service, Sterilizers, Mortuary, & Laboratory) * Welding Inspection * Painting and Metalizing Inspection

Mead & Hunt

Construction Inspector

Columbia, MD

$30 - $35/hr

Construction Inspector Established in 1900, Mead & Hunt is a nationally recognized professional ... From architecture, food/beverage processing, and federal to transportation, water infrastructure ...

Mead & Hunt

Construction Inspector

Columbia, MD

$30 - $35/hr

Construction Inspector Established in 1900, Mead & Hunt is a nationally recognized professional ... From architecture, food/beverage processing, and federal to transportation, water infrastructure ...

Opus Inspection

Lane Inspector

Annapolis, MD · On-site

This is a Full Time Lane Inspector Position. Opus is a world-leading vehicle inspection and intelligent vehicle support company that has been contributing to a safer and cleaner world since the ...

Mead & Hunt

Construction Inspector

Columbia, MD · On-site

$24.50 - $30/hr

From architecture, food/beverage processing, and federal to transportation, water infrastructure ... A Construction Inspector will be responsible for providing inspection services for transportation ...

Mead & Hunt

Construction Inspector

Columbia, MD · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

From architecture, food/beverage processing, and federal to transportation, water infrastructure ... A Construction Inspector will be responsible for providing inspection services for transportation ...

Cube Root Corporation

Inspector

Washington, DC · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Inspectors shall work under the direction of the Resident Engineer and be responsible for performing inspection of Contractor's work, as assigned by the Resident Engineer to verify the work is in ...

VSC Fire & Security

Inspector

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$23 - $40/hr

VSC Fire & Security in Baltimore, Maryland is seeking candidates for the position of Inspector . What we offer: * Excellent pay $23.00 - $40.00 and up based on experience * Overtime eligible

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All JobsFood Inspector JobsFood Inspector Jobs in Columbia, MD

Food Inspector information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$10.9K

$40.5K

$62.5K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for food inspector in Columbia, MD is $40,475.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $43,200.00 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.

More about Food Inspector jobs
What are popular job titles related to Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, MD? For Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Food Inspector jobs? Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Food Inspector job openings:
Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Columbia, MD 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 $40,475 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Food Safety Coordinator

Food Authority

Jessup, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Food Safety CoordinatorPosition Summary:
The Food Safety Coordinator is responsible for supporting and maintaining food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and sanitation programs within a food storage and distribution, warehouse environment. This role works closely with operations and management teams to ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA, GMP, SQF and customer requirements. This role serves as the site's SQF practitioner. The position reports directly to the Food Safety Manager.
Salary: 50K-55K DOE
Shift: 8AM-4:30PM
Days: Monday-Friday
Key Responsibilities, including but not limited to the following:
  • Maintain and monitor food safety and quality programs. Serves as the site's SQF practitioner.
  • Assist with HACCP, FSMA, GMP, sanitation, allergen control, and CAPA programs.
  • Conduct internal audits, inspections, and corrective action follow-up activities.
  • Monitor regulatory compliance and prepare documentation for customer and regulatory audits.
  • Maintain food safety records, logs, and training documentation.
  • Work with teams to Investigate food safety, quality, and customer complaints and implement corrective actions.
  • Support employee food safety and GMP training programs.
  • Work with operations teams to improve food safety performance and reduce risks.
  • Assist during third-party, customer, FDA, USDA, or local regulatory inspections.
  • Assist in verifying third-party receiving team practices to ensure compliance with food safety program and customer requirements.
  • Assist with holds, releases and disposal of product. Maintains accurate documentation.
  • Assist in quality inspection checks, gather information & reports findings to food safety manager.
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • 2+ years in food manufacturing or food storage, distribution, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, sanitation, and food industry regulations.
  • Familiarity with food distribution and or manufacturing is a plus.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred Certifications:
  • HACCP Certification
  • PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual)
  • SQF or other GFSI-related training
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to walk warehouse areas regularly.
  • Ability to lift to 40 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to work in refrigerated & freezer environments.
  • Occasional after-hours availability or schedule adjustments for audits, incidents, or regulatory deadlines.
Why join us?
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Opportunity to play a role in safety, compliance and operational.
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment.

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