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Food Safety Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate's or Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology, or a related field preferred . * At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in food ...

Lead food & physical safety compliance - Ensure adherence to FDA Food Code, HACCP, OSHA standards ... Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent ...

Lead food & physical safety compliance - Ensure adherence to FDA Food Code, HACCP, OSHA standards ... Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent ...

Associate degree or certification in food safety, quality assurance, or a related field. Experience working in a food production or food service environment. Familiarity with food safety management ...

Associate degree or certification in food safety, quality assurance, or a related field. Experience working in a food production or food service environment. Familiarity with food safety management ...

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Food Safety Associate information

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$14

$26

$45

How much do food safety associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for food safety associate in the United States is $26.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Food Safety Associates face when ensuring compliance with food safety regulations?

Food Safety Associates often encounter challenges such as keeping up with frequently changing local, state, and federal regulations, ensuring all team members consistently follow sanitation protocols, and maintaining accurate documentation during busy production periods. They may also need to address non-compliance quickly to prevent larger issues and work collaboratively with other departments, such as quality assurance and operations, to implement corrective actions. Staying organized and proactive communication are key strategies to overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Food Safety Associate vs Food Quality Technician?

AspectFood Safety AssociateFood Quality Technician
CertificationsFood Safety certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP)Food safety and quality certifications (e.g., HACCP, SQF)
Work EnvironmentInspection, monitoring, and compliance in food production facilitiesQuality testing, inspection, and analysis in food manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageFood production, processing, and distribution companiesFood manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to food safety monitoringComparing quality control and safety roles in food industry

The Food Safety Associate focuses on ensuring compliance with safety standards through inspections and monitoring, while the Food Quality Technician emphasizes testing and maintaining product quality. Both roles require similar certifications and work in food production environments, but their primary focus differs: safety versus quality assurance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Safety Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Safety Associate, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and quality control, usually supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with food safety management systems, inspection tools, and certifications like ServSafe or HACCP is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the maintenance of high safety standards, prevent contamination, and support compliance with regulatory requirements.

What are Food Safety Associates?

Food Safety Associates are professionals responsible for ensuring that food products are prepared, processed, and handled in compliance with safety regulations and standards. They monitor food production processes, conduct inspections, and help identify potential hazards to prevent contamination. Their role is essential in maintaining food quality, protecting public health, and ensuring that businesses meet legal requirements. Food Safety Associates often work in food manufacturing, processing plants, or food service establishments.
More about Food Safety Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Safety Associate jobs? Cities with the most Food Safety Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Safety jobs? The most popular types of Food Safety jobs are:
What states have the most Food Safety Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Safety Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Safety Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,467 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Director of Food Safety

Director of Food Safety

Josephs Classic Market

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 hours ago


Job description

The Director of Food Safety is responsible for leading and elevating food safety standards across all Joseph’s Classic Market locations and commissary operations. This role will design, implement, and continuously improve best-in-class systems, sanitation programs, environmental monitoring, training initiatives, and compliance processes to protect guests, team members, and the brand. This leader serves as both a technical expert and cultural champion, building a proactive, prevention-focused food safety organization while developing strong food safety leaders across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety Strategy & Leadership

  • Define and execute a comprehensive food safety strategy aligned with regulatory requirements and industry practices
  • Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on sanitation, environmental monitoring, and emerging scientific research
  • Partner with executive leadership to embed food safety into business operations and decision-making
  • Lead food safety incident response, risk mitigation, and crisis management

Sanitation, Environmental Monitoring & Pathogen Control

  • Develop and standardize sanitation programs across stores and commissary operations
  • Establish and manage environmental monitoring programs (EMP), with a strong focus on Listeria detection and prevention
  • Oversee validation and verification of sanitation procedures and hygienic design principles
  • Implement preventive controls to minimize cross-contamination and food safety risks

Operations, Compliance, & Systems

  • Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, and all applicable state and local regulations
  • Develop and standardize food safety SOPs across all departments
  • Oversee key programs including allergen management, labeling, and HACCP-based systems
  • Lead internal audits, support inspections, and drive corrective action plans
  • Build tracking tools and reporting systems to measure performance and ensure accountability
  • Analyze data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement

Training, Culture & Team Development

  • Lead company-wide food safety training and certification programs
  • Build food safety ownership at all levels, from store associates to leadership
  • Coach and develop store and department leaders to drive consistent execution
  • Champion a culture of accountability, prevention, and operational excellence
  • Develop and mentor future food safety leaders


Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 7–10+ years of progressive food safety or quality assurance experience in grocery retail, fresh foods, or food manufacturing
  • Strong knowledge of FDA Food Code, HACCP principles, and regulatory requirements
  • Expertise in sanitation, environmental monitoring, and pathogen control
  • Experience managing multi-site operations and building scalable programs
  • Proven leadership, communication, and analytical skills

Preferred

  • Experience with ready-to-eat (RTE), deli, or prepared foods environments
  • Certifications such as PCQI, HACCP, or equivalent
  • Experience with data analytics and digital food safety systems
  • Demonstrated success building food safety culture and training programs


Key Competencies

  • Strategic thinker with strong execution capability
  • Data-driven and solutions-oriented
  • Hands-on leadership style
  • Strong cross-functional collaborator and skilled communicator
  • Proactive, prevention-focused mindset


Success Metrics

  • Health inspection and regulatory audit performance
  • Internal audit scores and consistency across locations
  • Reduction in food safety incidents
  • Training completion and compliance rates
  • Effectiveness and adoption of food safety programs across all stores
  • Customer experience metrics and feedback


Benefits

  • Positive Work Environment
  • Competitive Pay
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off & Personal Days
  • 20% Employee Discount





Interview Process
At Joseph’s Classic Market, we utilize VidCruiter as part of our interview process. This platform allows candidates to complete video interviews at their convenience, giving our hiring team the opportunity to better understand your experience and qualifications early in the process.

Employment Eligibility
Joseph’s Classic Market participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for all new employees. As part of the hiring process, employment eligibility will be verified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.