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Food Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$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

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$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

Food Services Team Lead

Gloucester, VA

$16.20 - $21.08/hr

Food Protection Manager - VA State - ANSI approved Food Protection Manager Certification - VA State within 180 Days(Required) To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System ...

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Food Protection information

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$5

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How much do food protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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.

Food Service Associate Hospital

On-site

Riverside Health System Non-Providers
Hospitals • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Riverside Health System Non-Providersexternal

$15 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Smithfield, Virginia

Hiring Range

$15.00 - $19.50/Hourly Actual pay is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, education, credentials, skills, internal equity, and business needs.


Overview
The Food Services Associate is responsible for preparing and serving foods to patients, visitors and hospital team members. Will demonstrate knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards. Promotes and maintains safe work environment for staff as well as our customers.
What you will do

  • Complete food preparation following recipes/techniques as designated on production worksheets and in compliance with regulatory guidelines and Food & Nutrition Services policy/procedures. Demonstrate the competence to complete prep work, including but not limited to slicing lunch meat, chopping fruits & vegetables, preparing salads and sandwiches. Complete meal service ensuring proper portion control and plate presentation.
  • Demonstrate the ability to follow therapeutic menus to ensure patients receive consistent, competent, and quality nutritional care within their diet therapy guidelines and as ordered by the physician. Accurately assemble patient tray based on the patient/resident specific tray ticket or tray card (as applicable), ensuring accuracy to diet order and allergy restrictions.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of food safety, infection control, and sanitation regulatory compliance requirements and Food & Nutrition Service policy/procedures. Consistently comply with temperature, quality, sanitation & storage at all key steps in the food production process. Actively use the FIFO (First-in/First-out) system to ensure that food items that are already in stock are used first to control food waste. Label & date all product according to policy and alerts management of any discrepancies to the norm.
  • Demonstrate positive interpersonal relations with patients and patient families so that patients and their families perceive positive patient care from the hospital. Demonstrate positive communication with internal customers (physicians, team members, etc.). Demonstrate flexibility and reliability when meeting the needs of the customer.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use time effectively and during periods of heavy workload, is able to aid other workers in the completion of their work. Ensure completion of all assigned cleaning tasks, as noted in job work flows and posted assignment sheets, prior to end of shift. Alert supervisor/manager when unable to complete tasks as assigned


Qualifications
Education

  • High School Diploma or GED, (Preferred)


Experience

  • 1 year Prior food service experience, preferably in a healthcare facility (Preferred)


Licenses and Certifications

  • Allergen Awareness Certification - VA State - ANSI-approved Allergen Awareness certificate program within 180 Days (Required)
  • Food Handlers Card (FH) - VA State - ANSI-approved Food Handlers certificate program within 30 Days (Required) or
  • 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 https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.

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