ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$22.10 - $28.70/hr

Food Protection Manager - VA State - ANSI approved Food Protection Manager Certification - VA State within 180 Days(Required) * Certified Dietary Manager Certified Food Protection Manager (CDM CFPP ...

High Ridge House

Be Seen First

Cook - Food Service

Bronx, NY · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Maintain required food protection certification (or ability to obtain it) * Report safety concerns, equipment issues, or food safety risks immediately Qualifications * High school diploma or ...

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

Riverside

$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

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsFood Manufacturing JobsFood Processor JobsFood Protection Jobs

Food Protection information

See salary details

$5

$16

$18

How much do food protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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:

What are popular job titles for Food Protection?

Popular job titles for Food Protection:

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.

Environmental Health Scientist - Food Protection and Safety Lead

Salt Lake City, UT • Hybrid

Utah Division of Human Resource Management
See more jobs at Utah Division of Human Resource Managementexternal

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking an articulate, detail-oriented, and analytical professional to join our team as an Environmental Health Scientist for DHHS. This position will provide support to the Department's Environmental Health Program, serving as the primary Food Protection Lead and Standardizing Authority for Utah. In this position, you will act as a senior technical advisor and strategic communicator, responsible for interpreting, updating, and clearly conveying the intent and purpose of food safety and other assigned environmental health administrative rules to federal, state, and local partners.

If you are skilled in rule development, technical writing, and building consensus across public health agencies through clear communication, we encourage you to apply.

Principle Duties:

  • Complete the FDA standardization program and serve as the state's recognized FDA Standardized Retail Food Safety Inspection Officer, evaluating and standardizing LHD personnel to ensure consistent application of food safety standards statewide.
  • Update, revise, and maintain Utah's food protection rules, along with other assigned environmental health rules, to align with the current FDA Model Food Code, federal guidance, emerging science, and statutory changes, ensuring they are revised, reviewed, and filed as necessary. 
  • Articulate the legislative intent, public health rationale, and practical application of Utah's food protection and other assigned environmental health administrative rules to local health departments (LHDs), regulated industries, policy makers, and the public.
  • Manage approvals and review of applications for providers of food handler training programs and food safety manager certifications.
  • Design and deliver engaging oral presentations, training modules, workshops, and briefings for diverse audiences, including local health departments, industry partners, advisory boards, and public stakeholders.
  • Serve as a subject-matter expert (SME) for local environmental health directors and staff, helping them interpret complex regulatory language and maintain uniform statewide enforcement.
  • Facilitate collaborative working relationships and maintain alignment among DHHS, local health departments, the FDA, the USDA, the UDAF, and industry advisory committees.

Supplemental Information

  • Licensure as an Environmental Health Scientist. Per UCA 58-20b-301
  • This position is currently a hybrid of two (2) in-office and three (3) remote work days. Please note, a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion, at any time, and for any reason.
  • Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
  • Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

Apply