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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Worker

Columbus, GA · On-site

$200 - $300/wk

... and inspect food and supply deliveries Support inventory tracking of food, supplies, and equipment Maintain strict cleaning, safety, and sanitation standards Ensure food quality standards ...

Food Service Worker

Columbus, GA · On-site

$9.50 - $10/hr

... and inspect food and supply deliveries Support inventory tracking of food, supplies, and equipment Maintain strict cleaning, safety, and sanitation standards Ensure food quality standards ...

Butcher

Columbus, GA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

Butcher

Phenix City, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

Butcher

Columbus, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

Butcher

Columbus, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

Butcher

Columbus, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

Butcher

Columbus, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

Butcher

Opelika, AL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

Butcher

Columbus, GA · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

Butcher

Lagrange, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

Butcher

Phenix City, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... and inspect them to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards. Maintain and clean the meat preparation counter to reduce the risk of food contamination and adhere to food safety ...

FR1 Forklift Oper-Grind Rm

Opelika, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Perform daily pre-operational and safety inspections; report any damage or mechanical issues prior ... Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who: * ​People First: At Golden ...

BULK- Forklift Operator

Opelika, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Perform daily pre-operational and safety inspections; report any damage or mechanical issues prior ... Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who: * People First: At Golden ...

FR1 Forklift Oper-Grind Rm

Opelika, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Perform daily pre-operational and safety inspections; report any damage or mechanical issues prior ... Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who: * People First: At Golden ...

BULK- Forklift Operator

Opelika, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Perform daily pre-operational and safety inspections; report any damage or mechanical issues prior ... Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who: * ​People First: At Golden ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Safety Inspector information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$32.2K

$46.1K

$68.9K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Columbus, GA is $46,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,900.00 and $54,200.00 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 Columbus, GA?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Inspector jobs in Columbus, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Inspector jobs in Columbus, GA are:

What cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs?

Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 81% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,058 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


J.M. Smucker rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 442 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Your Opportunity as a Quality Assurance Associate
As a part of the Hostess/Smucker's Quality Assurance Team you'll be responsible for monitoring compliance with food safety and quality standards & procedures on and off the production floor to ensure product conforms to specification and food safety practices are followed. Assist in documentation involving HACCP, Food Safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices.

Location: Columbus, GA Bakery

Work Arrangements for Quality Assurance Associate:

  • 100% Onsite (Can be from 8,10 or 12-hour shifts)

  • 1st Shift (6am-6pm)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Monitor production to ensure all documentation is complete. Monitor scaling of raw materials, mixing of ingredients to ensure compliance with formula cards (i.e., correct ingredients, correct lot codes, quantities). Verify and conduct process control audits and address out of specification findings in a timely manner.
  • Verify control points are being monitored and are acceptable per food safety requirements.
  • Ensure product specifications, weights, color and other attributes of finished product are acceptable.
  • Control out of specification products and provide recommendation of disposition.
  • Monitor packaging to ensure correct labelling, date coding, and correct packaging is being followed.
  • Organoleptic tests of finished goods to ensure acceptance to standards, taste, eye appeal, odor etc.
  • Advise QA Manager regarding questionable product, discarding of bad product or possible stopping of production line to correct or prevent product food safety & quality issues.
  • Monitor production processing and assist operators in making adjustments to processing methods during production to improve product quality & consistency.
  • Monitor metal detectors and scales to ensure complete accuracy.
  • Assist production employees with label printing as necessary.
  • Work with production and warehouse to control, maintain, and/or improve as appropriate the handling, storage and usage of all other materials.
  • Provide individual or group training to production employees on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), product specifications, SPC, production controls, formulas, visual quality inspection criteria, GMP, Food Safety procedures.
  • Assist in development of SOPs by working with production operators to understand current operating procedures, identify best methods. Assist in developing HACCP/Food Safety Plans, Food Defense Plans and Global Food Safety Initiative audit schemes such as BRC.
  • Participate in audits and participate in internal audits.
  • Perform GMP inspection.
  • Control and retain samples and associated reports.
  • Conduct sampling as required by company procedures.
  • Conduct inspections of equipment during preoperational inspection, changeovers and/or as required by company policies.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Requires high school diploma, or equivalent.
  • Previous experience in Quality or Food Safety in a food manufacturing environment.
  • Requires flexible schedule & strong computer skills in excel and other programs.
  • Must be self-disciplined, pay attention to detail, multitask, be comfortable training and be a good communicator.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to stand, walk, kneel/squat, climb, bend and lift a maximum of 50lbs.

Learn more about working at Smucker:

  • Our Total Rewards Benefits Program

  • Our Thriving Together Philosophy Supporting All Impacted by Our Business

  • Our Continued Progress on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity

Follow us on LinkedIn

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, and encourage minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

TheRight Placefor You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in ourBasic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with usonLinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.


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