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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Foster Farms

Food Safety Quality Assurance Rep C

Turlock, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $21.80/hr

Ensure compliance to Food Safety systems through monitoring of process and documentation. * Ensure ... Verify sanitation practices through pre-operational and operational inspection of equipment and ...

New

OFI

Quality Control (Seasonal Grave Shift)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$24.54/hr

Perform all related quality control inspector tasks; inspection of product for physical attributes ... Food Safety * Experience in quality control and Nuts preferred * Ability to work in a changing ...

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All JobsFood Safety Inspector JobsFood Safety Inspector Jobs in Merced, CA

Food Safety Inspector information

See Merced, CA salary details

$38K

$54.3K

$81.3K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Merced, CA is $54,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $63,900.00 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 cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:

Food Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,338 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Food Safety Specialist

Kevin's Natural Foods

Mariposa, CA • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate and execute microbiological sampling, assays, environmental monitoring, air monitoring, and water potability sampling.

  • Conduct and coordinate inspections, audits, investigations, and follow-up on non-conformances and corrective actions.

  • Support validation studies, external lab submissions, internal audits, external audits, and other special projects as assigned.

Job description

The Food Safety Specialist supports the execution and continuous improvement of food safety and quality programs to ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and company standards. This role is responsible for coordinating testing, monitoring, audits, investigations, and corrective actions while partnering with cross-functional teams to maintain a safe, high-quality manufacturing environment.
What You'll Do:
  • Coordinate and/or execute Raw Material, WIP, and Finished Good microbiological sampling and assays.
  • Conduct and/or coordinate incoming material inspection and usage decision execution on SAP as assigned.
  • Coordinate and/or execute Environmental Monitoring swabbing as required.
  • Coordinate and/or execute air monitoring and water potability sampling.
  • Coordinate external lab submissions as and when needed.
  • Execute designed validation study protocols in the plant(s) as assigned.
  • Conduct inventory checks and place requests for lab/QA supplies.
  • Coordinate and/or execute internal audits as assigned.
  • Support external audits as needed.
  • Follow up on all non-conformances and corrective actions from internal and external audits as necessary.
  • Coordinate and schedule Third-party calibrations and validations as needed.
  • Conduct relevant data entry, trending and tracking as assigned.
  • Support Food Safety related investigations where necessary (e.g., customer complaints)
  • Support the CAPA Program.
  • Support with Material Quality Notifications (MQN).
  • Support Material Risk Assessments (MRA) and Packaging Risk Assessments (PRA) development.
  • Support Raw Material Specification development.
  • Support Food Safety and other trainings as necessary.
  • Support with Mars gap assessments, technical audits and non-compliances.
  • Support and/or execute special projects or other assignments as assigned.
  • Other duties as assigned or necessary.

What You'll Need:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Microbiology or a related field
  • Self-motivated with proven leadership skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office.
  • Thrive in a start-up environment.
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Prior experience in food environment a plus.
  • Bilingual - English/Spanish beneficial.
  • Must be able to work in a team environment.
  • Must have a positive attitude.
  • Must have good written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, effectively under pressure, and deadline-oriented environment.
  • Flexible availability: we work night and weekend shifts.

Competencies
  • Technical Capacity.
  • Organizational Skills.
  • Problem Solving/Analytical.
  • Time Management

Healthy, Diverse Teams Breed Innovation:
Kevin's Natural Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We deeply believe that diverse backgrounds and experiences make better teams, and we seek to attract talent from all walks of life. The team at Kevin's is smart, humble, and passionate and we value a work environment that fosters personal development and opportunities to move within our small, but quickly growing organization.
More About Kevin's Natural Foods:
Kevin's Natural Foods is a line of refrigerated and frozen meals, sides, soups, and sauces on a mission to empower even the busiest people to eat clean without sacrificing flavor. Co-founded by Kevin McCray who battled an auto-immune disorder for years, Kevin's Natural Foods was born from his desire to make clean eating seamlessly fit into any lifestyle. Shockingly delicious and made with clean ingredients, Kevin's products are ready in minutes and always free from gluten, soy, and refined sugar.
In 2023, Kevin's Natural Foods joined the Mars Food & Nutrition family, allowing us to expand our reach, accelerate innovation, and bring our mission to even more households while staying true to the quality and integrity that define our brand. A true market disruptor, Kevin's is the first clean refrigerated entrée brand working to prove every day that proper nutrition can be as delicious as it is healthy.
Salary Pay Rate: $75,000.00- $85,000.00 + Bonus + Benefits
Compensation within this salary range is dependent upon the candidate's experience, education, and relevant qualifications
Kevin's Natural Foods uses E-verify to confirm employment eligibility. For more information, please see the links below:
https://www.everify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf
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