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Food Inspector Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Special Inspector

Ventura, CA

$30 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 ...

Food Hall Supervisor

Ventura, CA · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support the receiving and inspection of food and beverage deliveries; monitor inventory quality and quantity. * Assist in creating and managing team member schedules, assigning tasks, and ...

Inspector 2

Goleta, CA · On-site

$47K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

The Quality Inspector will perform required inspections (visual, dimensional, load tests, etc.) on mechanical, electrical or structural components or systems to ensure conformance with the quality ...

New

Inspector 2

Goleta, CA · On-site

$47K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

The Quality Inspector will perform required inspections (visual, dimensional, load tests, etc.) on mechanical, electrical or structural components or systems to ensure conformance with the quality ...

Senior Quality Inspector

Goleta, CA

$125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform hands-on inspections of electro-mechanical assemblies using established quality inspection methodologies and tools. * Interpret MIL, IPC, and ANSI specifications, as well as technical ...

Senior Quality Inspector

Goleta, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform hands-on inspections of electro-mechanical assemblies using established quality inspection methodologies and tools. * Interpret MIL, IPC, and ANSI specifications, as well as technical ...

Senior Quality Inspector

Goleta, CA · On-site

$66K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform hands-on inspections of electro-mechanical assemblies using established quality inspection methodologies and tools. * Interpret MIL, IPC, and ANSI specifications, as well as technical ...

Quality Control Inspector II

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$1.5K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The QC Inspector performs a variety of quality control test and inspection functions on materials, components and finished goods at various stages of the production process and compiles statistical ...

Quality Control Inspector II

Santa Barbara, CA

$1.5K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The QC Inspector performs a variety of quality control test and inspection functions on materials, components and finished goods at various stages of the production process and compiles statistical ...

QC Laboratory Technician

Buellton, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Quality Control (QC) Lab Technician supports the facility's animal food safety, quality, and ... Participates in inspection readiness and preparation activities, including frontline and backroom ...

QC Laboratory Technician

Buellton, CA

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Quality Control (QC) Lab Technician supports the facility's animal food safety, quality, and ... Participates in inspection readiness and preparation activities, including frontline and backroom ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Inspector information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$12.2K

$45.4K

$70.1K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for food inspector in Santa Barbara, CA is $45,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,700.00 and $48,400.00 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 Santa Barbara, CA?

For Food Inspector jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Food Inspector jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Food Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,380 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

At NV5, we provide comprehensive materials testing and inspection services across multiple states, including New Jersey, Florida, New Mexico, and California, with certified and approved laboratories. In addition to our fixed laboratories, we offer the flexibility of mobile laboratories to meet your testing needs on-site. Our expert team ensures that materials are thoroughly tested to verify compliance with applicable standards and specifications, ensuring they perform as designed.

Our services include specialized in-situ testing, such as ground-penetrating radar, floor flatness surveys, masonry shear testing, and forensic studies. Our field technicians and inspectors are certified by leading agencies, including ACI, ICC, and AWS, ensuring that on-site sampling and laboratory testing are conducted in strict accordance with ASTM and other relevant standards.

We are currently seeking to hire two Special Inspectors in the Ventura area with Caltrans and DSA project experience is highly desired!  

Join our team of inspectors in Ventura as we continue to grow and expand. Apply today! 


NV5’s Ventura, CA office is seeking Field Technicians and Special Inspectors with experience in two or more of the following:

  • Soil inspection
  • Reinforced concrete
  • Shotcrete
  • Masonry (Structural) 
  • Spray-applied fireproofing
  • Structural steel/welding inspection or non-destructive testing

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • DSA and Caltrans project experience and Caltrans certification are required 
  • ACI Level I Field Technician
  • ICC reinforced concrete
  • AWS- CWI welding inspector
  • ICC Structural Masonry
  • ICC Soils
  • ICC Fireproofing
  • ICC Structural Steel Bolting or Welding or NDT (ultrasonic, magnetic-particle, or liquid penetrant).
  • DSA Structural Masonry Inspectors are highly sought.

Our office is located in Ventura, CA, and we offer services throughout Kern, Visalia, and Kings counties, as well as occasionally in other areas and for overnight trips. The majority of our work involves public infrastructure, which is subject to California Prevailing Wages.

The pay range for this California position is $30.00- $45.00 base pay per hour. The base pay offered may be higher or lower, depending on the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, depending on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k), and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US