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

Ensures regulatory food safety compliance. * Verifies the daily production plan, and any immediate needs to be addressed. May conduct pre-operation and other inspections, may reject materials or ...

Sanitation Lead

Woodland, WA · On-site

$24 - $26.50/hr

Verify sanitation quality and food safety standards. * Assist with pre-operational inspections and corrective actions. * Promote a safe workplace by following OSHA, USDA, and company requirements.

Sanitation Lead

Woodland, WA · On-site

$24 - $26.50/hr

Verify sanitation quality and food safety standards. * Assist with pre-operational inspections and corrective actions. * Promote a safe workplace by following OSHA, USDA, and company requirements.

Quality Control Technician

Gresham, OR

$20 - $25.50/hr

Inspect raw and finished product to verify adherence to quality. * Complete quality and food safety compliance tests including, USDA grading. * Verifying product adherence to identity preservation ...

Production Operator

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Following all food safety and operating procedures that are outlined by the company's standards ... Visually inspect packaging material, marking each pallet with received date. * Receive all raw ...

Production Operator

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Following all food safety and operating procedures that are outlined by the company's standards ... Visually inspect packaging material, marking each pallet with received date. * Receive all raw ...

Showing results 21-40

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 15, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,619 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Pear Tester-Seasonal Day Shift

The Neil Jones Food Company

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$20.50 - $21.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

The Neil Jones Food Company is an industry leader, processing superior quality fresh-packed, vine-ripened California tomatoes and Pacific Northwest fruit. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, NJFC has been providing our nation’s discerning foodservice, retail, industrial and institutional customers with the finest quality canned and pouched products for over 50 years. NJFC operates three production facilities: Northwest Packing in Vancouver, WA.; San Benito Foods, in Hollister, CA; and Toma-Tek in Firebaugh, CA.

We are looking for a seasonal Pear Tester to inspect fruit and size pears. This role will be responsible for testing each ripening room for temperature and pressure of pears twice a day at our Northwest Packing plant in Vancouver, WA. This is a seasonal position supporting our fresh pack season, typically August – November.

For additional information, please see our “About Us” video, Our Story - Neil Jones Food Company

Key Responsibilities:

  • Use harness and get in fork lift in order to look at pears on the truck and inspect the size and quality of fruit.
  • Mark and tag the bins.
  • Document where pears came from, temperature, and pressure of the fruit.
  • Performs all duties in accordance with safety rules and regulations.

Requirements:

  • Follows all Food Safety Initiatives and Good Manufacturing Practices, GMPs.
  • Ability to wear a harness and get in forklift basket in order to inspect pears on trucks.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing clearly and concisely.
  • Ability to perform the work accurately and thoroughly.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and work extended schedule, weekends, and any shift assigned during the fresh pack season, typically August to November.

Benefits:

  • Eligible for paid sick leave

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

The Neil Jones Food Company participates in E-Verify

E-Verify Participation

If You Have the Right to Work, Don't Let Anyone Take It Away

We are an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, and other protected status under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.