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

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 ...

MILK RECEIVER

Atwater, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $27/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 ...

Inspect products to ensure they meet quality standards. * Load raw product into machinery and ... Follow all safety protocols and adhere to food safety standards (e.g., GMPs, HACCP). * Work ...

General Manager (WC)

Merced, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $30.75/hr

... ensure food safety requirements are consistently met and that par levels are maintained for a ... local inspectors by taking immediate and appropriate action, and communicating and maintaining ...

General Manager (WC)

Merced, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $30.75/hr

... ensure food safety requirements are consistently met and that par levels are maintained for a ... local inspectors by taking immediate and appropriate action, and communicating and maintaining ...

Sanitation Worker Specialty

Atwater, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Responsible to comply with all Quality and Food Safety Management standards and/or systems to ... Work with QA Inspector and follow up as appropriate to ensure that all operating and sanitation ...

Sanitation Worker Specialty

Atwater, CA

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Responsible to comply with all Quality and Food Safety Management standards and/or systems to ... Work with QA Inspector and follow up as appropriate to ensure that all operating and sanitation ...

Sanitation Worker Specialty

Atwater, CA

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Responsible to comply with all Quality and Food Safety Management standards and/or systems to ... Work with QA Inspector and follow up as appropriate to ensure that all operating and sanitation ...

Forklift Driver

Hughson, CA · On-site

$18 - $20.25/hr

Perform a safety forklift inspection and battery check and report any equipment malfunctioning or ... food safety, sanitation, food production and nutritional guidelines. * Established and ensures ...

Dispatcher - Delhi Feed Mill (Days)

Delhi, CA · On-site

$29.10 - $36.40/hr

Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of ... This is important in performing driver evaluations and vehicle safety inspections. Class A Driver ...

Schedule Daily phyto and USDA inspections. * Complete all paperwork for shipped orders and ship out ... Food Safety * The role is performed on site at a facility that regularly processes tree nuts.

New

Inspect PPE used for cleaning and report or replace any damaged equipment * Complete MS work order ... food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements * Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers ...

New

Showing results 41-60

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:
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.

$23.50 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description

We are one of the most respected premium all-natural cheese makers in North America, and we continue to win prestigious awards for, not only our high-quality products, but also in recognition of our passion for sustainable practices. Today, we are in our third generation as a family business, who seeks innovative opportunities to maximize profitability & return on all assets, while being a trusted & responsible employer, who actively participates in the community & who cherishes the natural environment.


Our success is based upon the quality of the employees that we hire-top-notch talent who share our company's commitment to our customers and a passion for making the country's finest quality products, using only all natural ingredients.


Our employees are our greatest driving force, and we pride ourselves on ensuring their stability. All our employees receive Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program! Joseph Gallo Farms also offers a competitive benefits package at a group rate to all our full-time employees and their dependents.


Benefits:

  • 401(k) retirement plan w/ company match
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays, etc.)
  • Free cheese!

Requirements

Summary of Functions:

Primary responsibilities are to safely run related equipment with the goal of producing consistent quality product.


Major Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Collect Milk Samples from Tankers
  • Conduct SLBL Test on incoming milk
  • Unload milk from tankers into Silos
  • Loading of Cream
  • Transferring of Milk/Cream from and to Silos and other equipment
  • Monitor and operate raw whey equipment
  • Transferring of raw whey from and to Silos and other equipment
  • Transfer Separated whey to Protein
  • Communicate with Protein about Whey
  • CIP and sanitation of equipment related to Milk and Whey EX: Tankers, Silos, and Lines
  • Cleaning of floors, walls, tools, etc.
  • Knowledge and practice of Chemical safety, workplace safety, and GMPs
  • 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, HACCP, and SQF regulations.

Comply with GMPs in the plant.

Assist in the maintenance of Food Safety and Quality system.


Organizational Relationships:

Position reports to the Production Supervisor


Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Basic Computer Skills (Microsoft Excel and Word)
  • Minimum 1 year work experience.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Must be a team player and the ability to work independently.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to obtain General Samplers and Weighers license


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the 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.

  • Effectively handle lifting of various objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee will be required to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb stairs.
  • Ability to sit at a computer for long periods of time


WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • This position will work in a cold storage environment with regular trips to manufacturing and warehouse centers.
  • Regular exposure to elements such as odor, noise, dust, heat, cold, or chemicals.



This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned.

Joseph Gallo Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer / EEO