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

Food Production Operator Job Duties : * Inspect and verify product packaging by checking bag seals, labels, and weights to ensure they meet strict quality and food safety standards * Record ...

Inspect and maintain bearings, fluid levels, chain/belt tension, sprockets, gears, pins, and guards ... Report any food safety concerns immediately Occupational Safety: * Follow all safety policies ...

Inspect and maintain bearings, fluid levels, chain/belt tension, sprockets, gears, pins, and guards ... Report any food safety concerns immediately Occupational Safety: * Follow all safety policies ...

Inspect and maintain bearings, fluid levels, chain/belt tension, sprockets, gears, pins, and guards ... Report any food safety concerns immediately Occupational Safety: * Follow all safety policies ...

Inspect and maintain bearings, fluid levels, chain/belt tension, sprockets, gears, pins, and guards ... Report any food safety concerns immediately Occupational Safety: * Follow all safety policies ...

Thai Specialty Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$38K - $42K/yr

Inspect the quality of raw ingredients and finished food products to ensure standards are ... Comply with all sanitation, food safety, and health regulations. * Maintain high standards of ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Production Operator

Verstela

Wilsonville, OR

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Ready to turn your food production experience into a long-term career? This food production operator role is a great opportunity to join a respected, growing food manufacturer that invests in its employees. 
 
We're hiring full-time, temp-to-hire Food Production Operators to work in a clean, fast-paced production environment where quality and food safety come first. This is more than just a temporary job—you can be hired on in as little as 60 days, receive a $4/hour pay increase upon conversion, enjoy regular overtime opportunities, and build a career with a company known for promoting from within and recognizing hard work.
 
If you're looking for stability, career growth, and the chance to join a company where your contributions matter, we'd love to hear from you.
 
Food Production Operator Job Duties:
  • Inspect and verify product packaging by checking bag seals, labels, and weights to ensure they meet strict quality and food safety standards
  • Record production data, label information, and quality control results consistently
  • Operate forklift to move products through warehouse and stage for mixing process
  • Oversee machines that mix ingredients and check products for accuracy
  • Follow all cleaning schedules and safety protocols, including proper PPE usage
Schedule: Day and Swing shift with overtime opportunity 
  • Day: Monday – Friday, 3am-1:30pm
  • Swing: Monday - Friday, 1pm-11:30pm 
 
Pay: $22/hr
  • Increase at conversion to $26/hr
Food Production Operator Requirements
  • 1 year experience required in a food production, manufacturing, or warehouse environment
  • Comfortable following food safety, sanitation, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards 
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify quality issues and maintain product consistency 
  • Ability to follow written work instructions, recipes, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) accurately 
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs consistently throughout your shift 
Benefits offered by Verstela to temporary employees:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Short Term Disability
  • Term Life and AD and D
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Prescription Plan
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan
Location: Wilsonville, OR – not accessible by public transit
 
Interested in this Food Production Operator Position? Apply now to speak with someone right away!