ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Safety Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chick-Fil-A

Food Safety Director

Santee, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Oversees Food Safety Assessments (FSA), EcoSure inspections, Quality Improvement Visits (QIV), Secret Shopper evaluations, and other operational audits. * Develops and executes action plans to ...

CookUnity

Food Safety Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Ensure the facility is always inspection-ready for local regulators and third-party auditors. * Collaborate with the Food Safety team to deliver chef and employee training on food safety and ...

CookUnity

Food Safety Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Ensure the facility is always inspection-ready for local regulators and third-party auditors. * Collaborate with the Food Safety team to deliver chef and employee training on food safety and ...

CookUnity

Food Safety Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Ensure the facility is always inspection-ready for local regulators and third-party auditors. * Collaborate with the Food Safety team to deliver chef and employee training on food safety and ...

Kevin's Natural Foods

Food Safety Specialist

Mariposa, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Food Safety Specialist supports the execution and continuous improvement of food safety and ... Conduct and/or coordinate incoming material inspection and usage decision execution on SAP as ...

Steritech

Food Safety Specialist

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Conducting Audits and Inspections * Implementing and Monitoring food safety * Training and Educating staff * Investigating food safety incidents * Ensuring compliance with regulations * Maintaining ...

Steritech

Food Safety Specialist

San Jose, CA

$18 - $25/hr

Conducting Audits and Inspections * Implementing and Monitoring food safety * Training and Educating staff * Investigating food safety incidents * Ensuring compliance with regulations * Maintaining ...

Rentokil

Food Safety Specialist

San Jose, CA

Conducting Audits and Inspections * Implementing and Monitoring food safety * Training and Educating staff * Investigating food safety incidents * Ensuring compliance with regulations * Maintaining ...

Steritech

Food Safety Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Conducting Audits and Inspections * Implementing and Monitoring food safety * Training and Educating staff * Investigating food safety incidents * Ensuring compliance with regulations * Maintaining ...

Steritech

Food Safety Specialist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Conducting Audits and Inspections * Implementing and Monitoring food safety * Training and Educating staff * Investigating food safety incidents * Ensuring compliance with regulations * Maintaining ...

CookUnity

Food Safety Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Ensure the facility is always inspection-ready for local regulators and third-party auditors. * Collaborate with the Food Safety team to deliver chef and employee training on food safety and ...

CookUnity

Food Safety Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Ensure the facility is always inspection-ready for local regulators and third-party auditors. * Collaborate with the Food Safety team to deliver chef and employee training on food safety and ...

CookUnity

Food Safety Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Ensure the facility is always inspection-ready for local regulators and third-party auditors. * Collaborate with the Food Safety team to deliver chef and employee training on food safety and ...

Ifg

Food Safety Supervisor- Sanitation

Torrance, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

The Food Safety Supervisor supports operational excellence by ensuring sanitation programs ... Conduct and oversee sanitation verification activities, including preop inspections, ATP testing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Safety Inspector JobsFood Safety Inspector Jobs in California

Food Safety Inspector information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$50.8K

$76K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in California is $50,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $59,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food safety inspector?

Food Safety Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that food products are safe, properly labeled, and comply with local, state, and federal regulations. They inspect food processing facilities, restaurants, and other food establishments to check for cleanliness, proper food handling, and storage practices. These inspectors also investigate complaints, collect samples for laboratory analysis, and educate food workers about safety standards. Their work helps protect public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

What are some common challenges food safety inspectors face during inspections, and how are they addressed?

Food Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as non-compliance with regulations, resistance from facility staff, and time constraints when covering multiple locations. To address these issues, inspectors rely on strong communication skills to educate and collaborate with facility personnel, thorough documentation practices, and staying up-to-date with evolving food safety standards. Building rapport with businesses and maintaining professionalism helps foster cooperation and ensures that public health remains the top priority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food safety inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Safety Inspector, you need a background in food science, microbiology, or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications and regulatory knowledge. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory equipment, and reporting systems like HACCP is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and integrity are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure thorough inspections, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health.

What is the difference between Food Safety Inspector vs Food Quality Auditor?

AspectFood Safety InspectorFood Quality Auditor
CertificationsFood Safety Certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP)Quality Management Certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, HACCP)
Work EnvironmentInspecting food production facilities, restaurants, and processing plantsAuditing food manufacturing processes, quality systems, and compliance
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, food production companiesFood manufacturing, certification bodies, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food safety enforcementAssessing food quality standards and compliance

The Food Safety Inspector primarily focuses on ensuring food safety compliance through inspections, while the Food Quality Auditor emphasizes evaluating and maintaining food quality standards. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the food industry, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How do you become a food safety inspector?

To become a food safety inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Relevant experience in food production or safety, along with certifications such as ServSafe or other food safety certifications, can improve job prospects. Inspectors often need to pass a state or federal exam and may be required to complete on-the-job training or specialized courses.

How hard is it to be a food safety inspector?

Becoming a food safety inspector requires completing relevant education, such as a high school diploma or higher, and obtaining certifications like the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification. The job involves inspecting food establishments, enforcing safety regulations, and often requires attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to handle sometimes challenging environments. The difficulty varies based on experience, training, and the complexity of inspections, but it generally involves a combination of education, certification, and on-the-job training.

How much do food safety inspectors make in the US?

Food safety inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, with experienced inspectors and those in certain regions earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, certifications, and the employing agency, and inspectors often work in government agencies or private companies ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Food Safety Inspector jobs in California?

For Food Safety Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Inspector jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Inspector jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:

Food Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,781 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Food Safety Director

Chick-Fil-A

Santee, CA • On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Chick-fil-A rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7,663 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 107 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

DESCRIPTION
At Chick-fil-A, Food Safety Directors are responsible for leading the restaurant's food safety and quality initiatives while developing systems that protect our guests, our team, and our brand. Food Safety Directors serve as the subject matter expert for food safety by ensuring compliance with Chick-fil-A standards, regulatory requirements, and restaurant procedures. They provide coaching, support, and accountability to Managers and Team Members while driving continuous improvement in food quality, cleanliness, and operational excellence. Food Safety Directors lead beyond their assigned shifts by identifying risks, implementing sustainable solutions, and creating a culture where food safety is everyone's responsibility. They successfully complete the Director Level Up Packet and have demonstrated the ability to lead through influence, develop others, and take ownership of results.
Other Requirements:
  • Must average 30+ Hours/Week (rolling 3 months)
  • Must have availability to lead three opening/closing shifts (including two night closes)
  • Must have Friday & Saturday availability (one closing required)
  • Successfully completes Director Level Up Packet
  • Maintains proficiency in restaurant operations and leadership expectations
  • Embodies and upholds Core Values, Ownership, and Professionalism
  • Champions and protects the Culture, Vision, Mission, and Purpose
  • Leads and develops Managers, Trainers, and Team Members through coaching, accountability, and example
  • Owns assigned projects and follows through on deadlines
  • Drives continuous improvement through self-development, projects, and store growth initiatives

Responsibilities include:
  • Owns the restaurant's food safety and quality systems while ensuring compliance with Chick-fil-A standards.
  • Oversees Food Safety Assessments (FSA), EcoSure inspections, Quality Improvement Visits (QIV), Secret Shopper evaluations, and other operational audits.
  • Develops and executes action plans to address inspection findings and drive continuous improvement.
  • Maintains restaurant readiness for all food safety inspections and audits.
  • Ensures food safety documentation, temperature logs, cleaning records, and required reports are accurate and completed on time.
  • Monitors food quality to ensure products consistently meet Chick-fil-A standards.
  • Coaches and develops Managers, Trainers, and Team Members on food safety, sanitation, and quality best practices.
  • Conducts routine food safety audits, investigates concerns, identifies root causes, and implements sustainable solutions.
  • Partners with Directors and Managers to strengthen food safety systems and communicates priorities, results, and action plans with leadership.
  • Models ownership, accountability, and attention to detail while fostering a culture of food safety and quality.
  • Performs any responsibilities needed to support the success of the restaurant.
  • Strictly adheres to all company policies and procedures.

A job at Chick-fil-A is more than just a job. It's a stepping-stone to a successful future in the world of business. Here are some of the great benefits of working at Chick-fil-A:
  • Flexible Hours - You probably have commitments to your family, friends, school or sports teams. We will try to arrange your work schedule around them.
  • Closed Sundays - All Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Sundays so you can have a day off to spend with family and friends.
  • Work Directly With A Chick-fil-A Operator - The Operator is an independent business person, responsible for the operation of the restaurant, who invests time in his or her employees, teaching them important business skills for the future.
  • Competitive Pay - Along with a competitive paycheck, you will work in a nurturing environment where you will learn valuable business and people skills.
  • It's a Great Place to Work - At Chick-fil-A, our Operators consider their team members to be more than just employees, they are a highly valued part of each Chick-fil-A restaurant. Our high retention rate is proof that team members really enjoy working at Chick-fil-A.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Previous experience preferred
  • Previous leadership experience an asset
  • Hard-working
  • Team-oriented
  • Friendly
  • Honest
  • Great customer skills
  • Ability to drive results

In our kitchens, we focus on fresh and simple ingredients. And we always have. Since the beginning, we've served chicken that is whole breast meat, with no added fillers or hormones, and we bread it by hand in our restaurants. Produce is delivered fresh to our kitchens several times a week. Salads are chopped and prepared fresh throughout the day. Whole lemons are freshly squeezed in our restaurants and combined with pure cane sugar and water (yep, that's all) to make Chick-fil-A Lemonade®. It may not be the easy way, but it's the only way we know.

What Chick-fil-A employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Chick-fil-A logo

About Chick-fil-A

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chick-fil-A, based in Atlanta, GA, US, is a well-known company in the quick-service restaurant industry. The company's official website is chick-fil-a.com. Chick-fil-A specializes in freshly prepared chicken sandwiches and other delicious chicken meals. It was founded by Truett Cathy in 1946, initially as a diner named 'The Dwarf Grill'. In 1967, the first Chick-fil-A restaurant was established. Today, Chick-fil-A operates more than 2,400 restaurants across the U.S. The core values of the company include integrity, excellence, continuous improvement, and caring. The mission of Chick-fil-A is to "Be America's best quick-service restaurant." The company prides itself on providing high-quality food and service, fostering a positive dining experience, and giving back to the communities they serve. Notable achievements include pioneering in-mall fast food and introducing the original boneless chicken sandwich.

Industry

Restaurants, food services and drinking places and traveler accommodation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Chick-fil-A Jobs

Apply