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Food Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHI St Alexius Health Dickinson

Food Manager

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$29.51 - $43.89/hr

ServSafe Food Protection Manager upon hire * ServSafe Allergen (ServSafe Gen) within 60 days * FHP:- within 30 days or state requirement Preferred * Bachelor's/Associate degree in Nutrition ...

Riverside

Food service associate

Nassawadox, VA

$15 - $19.50/hr

Food Protection Manager - VA State - ANSI approved Food Protection Manager Certification - VA State (Required) To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at

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Food Protection information

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$5

$16

$18

How much do food protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for food protection in the United States is $16.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food protection?

Food protection refers to the methods and practices used to keep food safe from contamination, spoilage, and foodborne illnesses. This includes proper handling, storage, preparation, and sanitation techniques to prevent harmful bacteria, viruses, and other hazards from affecting food. Professionals in food protection often work to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and educate others about safe food practices. Their work is critical in restaurants, food manufacturing, and public health settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food protection, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Protection, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, hazard analysis, and sanitation practices, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with HACCP, food safety management systems, and certifications such as ServSafe or Certified Professional–Food Safety (CP-FS) is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure food safety compliance, protect public health, and help prevent foodborne illnesses.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in food protection roles, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in food protection often encounter challenges such as staying updated with constantly evolving food safety regulations, managing risks of contamination during processing, and ensuring consistent compliance across different departments. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, collaboration with quality assurance and production teams, and implementing robust monitoring systems. Proactive communication and regular audits also help maintain high food safety standards and support a culture of continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Food Protection vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood ProtectionFood Safety Specialist
CertificationsServSafe, HACCPServSafe, HACCP
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, food manufacturing, retailRegulatory agencies, consulting, food industry
Industry UsageFocuses on preventing food contamination and spoilageEnsures compliance with safety standards and regulations
Job FocusImplementing protection measures to prevent foodborne issuesMonitoring, auditing, and enforcing safety protocols

Food Protection and Food Safety Specialist roles overlap in certifications and work environments, but Food Protection emphasizes implementing measures to prevent contamination, while Food Safety Specialists focus on compliance and regulatory enforcement. Both are vital for maintaining food quality and safety standards.

Is food safety a good career?

Food protection professionals ensure the safety and quality of food products by inspecting facilities, enforcing regulations, and conducting training. The field offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement and requires knowledge of food safety standards, certifications, and attention to detail.

What degree do I need to be a food protection specialist?

A food protection specialist typically needs at least a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many roles require a bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, public health, or a related field. Relevant certifications, such as ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, are also often required or preferred for employment in food safety roles.

What cities are hiring for Food Protection jobs?

Cities with the most Food Protection job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Protection jobs?

The most popular types of Food Protection jobs are:

Food Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Protection job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,566 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Food Protection Associate - 3rd Shift

Instinct

Lincoln, NE

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Company Description: Instinct® is a rapidly growing, family owned marketer and manufacturer of natural pet foods for dogs and cats. Instinct® is the Raw Brand, with a mission to get more raw nutrition into every bowl of dogs and cats, for proven healthier and happier long life. Our company mission is to Empower people to transform the lives of pets. We are committed to hiring and developing a team of passionate, performance-oriented professionals who love to win and make a positive difference.
Sign-on Bonus up to $2,000
Position Summary: This position is responsible for performing industrial sanitation duties in a food processing plant. The majority of the time will be on sanitation, but this individual will also be required to understand and carry out other tasks to support the greater team.
Hourly Pay: $18.50/hr
Primary Job Responsibilities
Sanitation:
  • Daily cleaning of plant processing equipment and facilities.
  • Disassemble and assemble equipment.
  • Use industrial chemicals for cleaning equipment.
  • Use scratch pads to remove contaminants from equipment.
  • Daily cleaning and scratching of drains, totes, and other miscellaneous equipment.
  • Interpret SDS sheets to ensure the safe handling of chemicals.
  • Assist with pre-operational inspections.
Janitorial:
  • Janitorial duties as assigned.
Miscellaneous Plant Duties:
  • May be required to assist at warehouse locations.
Physical amp; Environmental Requirements
  • Lifting up to 60 pounds.
  • Occasional squatting.
  • Must be available to work on weekends.
  • Comfortable working in 40 degree temperature.
  • Ability to work standing up for entire shift.
  • Must be able to read and understand Safety Data Sheets.
  • Ability to comply with all safety requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices.
Personal Attributes
  • Must be punctual and dependable.
  • Ability to work productively with little or no supervision.
  • Ability to adapt to changing task demands.
  • Must be able to follow work instructions and complete all tasks in a safe manner.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Team oriented.
Preferred Skills and Technical Expertise:
  • Experience working with cleaning and sanitation chemicals.
  • Understanding of the Hazardous Communication Standard (HAZCOM) and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS) of chemicals.
Preferred Experience
  • 1 year experience cleaning and sanitizing equipment in a manufacturing environment.
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive compensation package includes health amp; dental insurance, life amp; AD amp;D insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, Paid Time Off, short and long term disability, Purpose Days off for company partner volunteer opportunities, and 401(k) with company match.
Our Instinct is to CHAMPION Diversity
At Instinct, we are as passionate about our people as we are about the pets we call family. We are committed to inclusion, empowerment, and respect. We believe that just like our pets, what sets us apart unleashes our greatest strengths. We thrive on the ability to not only empower people to transform the lives of pets through raw nutrition, but also to empower each other to inspire a culture that celebrates our differences. Our unique approach to pet food is what makes us who we are as a company, and our individual identities are what makes us a successful, innovative, authentic team.

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