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

Foster Farms

Maintenance Supervisor

Turlock, CA · On-site

$81K - $101K/yr

Establishes daily priorities based on production demands, equipment condition, food safety risks ... Supports regulatory inspections, audits, and corrective action plans as required. * Leads, trains ...

Valley Milk LLC

Wet Process Operator

Turlock, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Perform routine equipment inspections and identify maintenance concerns before failures occur ... Follow all GMP, HACCP, Food Safety, OSHA, and company safety requirements. Maintain excellent ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Packaging Operator III

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Description Performs inspections for product quality and periodically monitors packaging equipment ... Understand that I am responsible for reporting food safety issues observed so appropriate action ...

Kagome Inc.

Packaging Operator III

Los Banos, CA

$18 - $21.50/hr

Performs inspections for product quality and periodically monitors packaging equipment to maintain ... Understand that I am responsible for reporting food safety issues observed so appropriate action ...

Certified Group

Research Associate

Turlock, CA · On-site

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ... Perform maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments, including inspection, calibration ...

OFI

Machine Operator (Seasonal)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$24.70/hr

Inspect the line prior to start-ups and changeovers * Troubleshoot problems as they arise, make ... Food Safety * Forklift driving experience, license not required * Must become forklift certified ...

Certified Group

Research Associate

Turlock, CA · On-site

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ... Perform maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments, including inspection, calibration ...

Thorntons

Store Manager

Merced, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $23.74/hr

... food safety requirements are always met and par levels are maintained for a craveable and ... inspections, certificates, and necessary records • Perform additional duties as assigned Key ...

Thorntons

Store Manager

Merced, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $23.74/hr

... food safety requirements are always met and par levels are maintained for a craveable and ... inspections, certificates, and necessary records • Perform additional duties as assigned Key ...

Joseph Gallo Cheese Company

DRYER OPERATOR

Atwater, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $23.50/hr

Routine inspections of all working parts. * Move pallets using pallet jack or forklift as required. Food Safety Requirements/Responsibilities: * Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA ...

Joseph Farms

DRYER OPERATOR

Atwater, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $23.50/hr

Routine inspections of all working parts. * Move pallets using pallet jack or forklift as required. Food Safety Requirements/Responsibilities: * Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA ...

Joseph Gallo Cheese Company

DRYER OPERATOR

Atwater, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $23.50/hr

Routine inspections of all working parts. * Move pallets using pallet jack or forklift as required. Food Safety Requirements/Responsibilities: * Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA ...

Joseph Farms

MILK RECEIVER

Atwater, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $27.50/hr

Routine inspections of all working parts. * Keep accurate records * Milk Receiving entries in NAV Food Safety Requirements/Responsibilities: Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 8, 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,338 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Tower Operator - Plant 1

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.

Hilmar, CA • On-site

$24.71 - $28.20/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state-of-the art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high-quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein and lactose. The Cheese and Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses, to protein supplements and infant formula. We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries helping bring their vision into reality.
Throughout our decades of success and growth we have remained committed to our mission and values and these principles unite our people and guide all that we do.
A Typical Day
The primary responsibilities of the Tower Operator are to run and maintain Cheese towers and related equipment.
Job Responsibilities
  • To ensure the correct operation and follow all Procedures of the Typical Day assigned equipment.
  • Ability to identify flows from HCV's to packaging including completing Product Transitions
  • Troubleshoot and communicate any Plant issues with related equipment and/or Process
  • Understand and maintain the operation and Sanitation of all Typical Day equipment including: CIP (Clean In Place) system, COP (clean out of place systems), Operator Based Maintenance and Pre and post CIP inspections
  • All In Process Sampling as assigned
  • To notify/communicate with management/maintenance any problems with equipment or processes that could affect Safety, Food Safety or quality.
  • Ability to learn and operate computer related processes and controls.
  • Responsible for proper product safe handling and reforming procedures
  • Active participation and ownership in your training and development program and associated activities, classes and events, which will be held before, during, after shifts and during scheduled days off.
  • Help coach and train teammates and participate in on the job, buddy training.
  • Place high priority on food safety and sanitation by understanding and executing HCC's food safety and sanitation policies and procedures. This includes communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates and participating in food safety and sanitation root cause analysis and improvement activities when required.
  • Prioritize safety above all other job duties by always having a safety-first approach. This includes reporting any safety issues, observations, opportunities to your teams and follow up.

What You Will Need
  • English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write and speak English
  • Basic computer skills
  • Must be able to work 12-hour variable shifts, including weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.
  • Ability to lift up to 60lbs

What Will Put You Ahead
  • High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution
  • SAP experience
  • Dairy manufacturing experience

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to:
  • Stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and talk or hear.
  • Stand and walk almost the entire workday.
  • Employees must be physically capable of working in any of the job tasks within their respective area.
  • Required to work at heights and in fairly small areas.
  • Pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, handling and grasping, twisting/turning, repetitive bending.

Food safety is a companywide responsibility and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high quality products.
This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned
Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO. We participate in E-Verify.
English Information | Spanish Information
Salary Range: USD ($24.71 - $28.20) ANN
The final compensation offered within this range will depend on factors including the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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