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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Steritech

Food Safety Specialist

Beaverton, OR · On-site

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

Beaverton, OR · On-site

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

Beaverton, OR · On-site

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

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Safety Inspector JobsFood Safety Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR

Food Safety Inspector information

See Portland, OR salary details

$37.5K

$53.6K

$80.2K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Portland, OR is $53,619.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,600.00 and $63,000.00 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 Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Inspector jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Inspector jobs in Portland, OR are:

Food Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,619 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Food Safety Specialist

Steritech

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Steritech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 37 rated health and safety providers

Job description

Benefits Start Day 1 for Full-Time Colleagues - No Waiting Period!
For more information about our benefits, see below!
We are proud to be a member of the Rentokil family of companies, the global leader in Pest Control and other services across more than 90 countries. We pride ourselves on being a trusted partner to many of the world's leading brands and serve consumer and business customers across multiple industries. We are extremely proud of our legacy of excellence and constantly work to fulfill our mission to "protect people, enhance lives, and preserve the planet."
What do our Food Safety Specialists do?
The primary purpose of this role is to support our hotel, restaurant, and grocery clients in upholding their brand standards, ensuring exceptional food quality, and delivering friendly, customer-focused service to enhance the overall guest experience
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Conduct assessments that measure conformity to established regulatory, industry, and proprietary brand standards for clients
  • Observe food prep and cooking standards to ensure food safety, health, and sanitation practices
  • Partner with clients to address root causes of assessment discrepancies and develop corrective action plans
  • Teach and coach clients how to make their workplace a safer and healthier environment for themselves and THEIR customers
  • Travel 50%-70%, or 8-10 days per month, including some evening and weekend work

Essential Job Duties:
  • Conducting Audits and Inspections
  • Implementing and Monitoring food safety
  • Training and Educating staff
  • Investigating food safety incidents
  • Ensuring compliance with regulations
  • Maintaining documentation and records
  • Ability and desire to influence others with tact and skill
  • Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback in a positive manner
  • Thrives in an autonomous working environment
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work based on urgency, efficiency and other factors
  • Strong technical knowledge of food safety is preferred

What do you need?
  • Meet the requirements to obtain a CP-FS certification
  • Available to work Monday-Friday and Saturdays and evenings as needed
  • Must possess a valid driver's license from state of residence
  • Licenses/certificates as required by federal, state, and/or local regulations (covered by us)
  • Strong knowledge of food safety is preferred
  • ServSafe and/or CP-FS Certification(s) a plus
  • Have excellent listening, organization, communication and time management skills

Why Choose Us?
A career with the Rentokil family of companies can be a professional trajectory filled with opportunity. We pride ourselves on being a world-class team that rewards high performance, and we love to promote from within. We offer competitive pay and many of our roles offer performance incentives.
Below you'll find information about some of what we have to offer. All Full-Time Colleagues qualify for the following and Part-Time Colleagues qualify for most benefits after they meet certain criteria.
Click here to read more about our Total Rewards Program which includes:
Professional and Personal Growth
  • Multiple avenues to grow your career
  • Training and development programs available
  • Tuition Reimbursement benefits (for FT Colleagues)

Health and Wellness
  • Full-time colleagues are eligible to begin enrollment immediately upon hire with benefits starting on day 1
  • Health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance plus much more

Savings and Retirement
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching contributions

Work-Life Balance
  • Vacation days & sick days
  • Company-paid holidays & floating holidays
  • A company mindset that prioritizes health, safety, and flexibility

We are looking for individuals who want to make a difference where our customers live and work. Is that you?
This company is a Drug Free workplace.
Rentokil is committed to complying with all Federal, State, and local laws related to the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities.
California residents click here to review your privacy rights.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
By applying to this job, you agree to receive initial texts from systems used on behalf of Rentokil North America, Inc., possibly including Workday, Loop, and HireVue. These systems utilize text messages to communicate with you throughout the application, interview, and pre-hire processes. You can set your communication preferences or opt out of text messages from each system at any time following the initial message. Message and data rates may apply.

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