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

Waters Corporation

Quality Inspector II

Goleta, CA

Inspectors work with a variety of mechanical, electrical, optical, and fluid measurement and test ... Our Company helps ensure the efficacy of medicines, the safety of food and the purity of water, and ...

Waters Corporation

Quality Inspector II

Goleta, CA · On-site

Inspectors work with a variety of mechanical, electrical, optical, and fluid measurement and test ... Our Company helps ensure the efficacy of medicines, the safety of food and the purity of water, and ...

Waters Corporation

Quality Inspector II

Goleta, CA · On-site

Inspectors work with a variety of mechanical, electrical, optical, and fluid measurement and test ... Our Company helps ensure the efficacy of medicines, the safety of food and the purity of water, and ...

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All JobsFood Inspector JobsFood Inspector Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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 Sep 5, 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 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 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.

How hard is it to be a food inspector?

Becoming a food inspector requires completing relevant education, such as a degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field, and passing a certification exam. The job involves inspecting food production facilities, enforcing safety standards, and often working in various environments, which can be physically demanding and require attention to detail. Experience and knowledge of food safety regulations are essential for success in this role.

How much do food inspectors make in the US?

Food inspectors in the United States earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, with experienced inspectors and those working in certain states earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, and certifications such as the ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification.
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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:

Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,380 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Quality Inspector II

Waters Corporation

Goleta, CA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Waters Corporation is seeking a motivated individual to join the Quality Assurance Department as a Quality Inspector at Wyatt Technology in Goleta, CA.  In this role, the individual will be responsible for performing inspections and tests on incoming parts and material to ensure that inputs to production and service operations meet all requirements.  Inspectors work with a variety of mechanical, electrical, optical, and fluid measurement and test equipment and prepare associated inspection and test reports.

Join Waters in developing extraordinary light scattering instrumentation and field flow fractionation systems for our customers’ research and development of novel therapeutics, including vaccines, gene vectors, nano-drug carriers, monoclonal antibodies, and other advanced pharmaceuticals.


  • Perform various inspection tasks, including mechanical, electrical, optical, and fluid testing of incoming inventory.
  • Maintain inspection logs for all inspected parts.
  • Prepare written procedures for inspection processes.
  • Generate nonconforming material reports.
  • Other duties and tasks deemed appropriate for the position.

Education:

  • Two-year degree or two-plus years of related technical experience.

Experience:

  • Experience in the use of general inspection tools, ability to read blueprints, excellent computer skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted.

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in analytical instruments, separations technologies, and software, serving the life, materials, food, and environmental sciences for over 65 years. Our Company helps ensure the efficacy of medicines, the safety of food and the purity of water, and the quality and sustainability of products used every day. In over 100 countries, our ~ 16,000 passionate employees collaborate with customers in laboratories, manufacturing sites, and hospitals to accelerate the benefits of pioneering science. 

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.


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