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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

PATTERNS

Quality Control Technician

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$20 - $25.75/hr

... food safety standards. This role involves conducting quality inspections, monitoring production processes, collecting samples, supporting audits, and assisting with corrective actions to maintain ...

Arlington County, VA

Food Service Coordinator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$27.02 - $41.88/hr

... inspections; * Ensuring a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment in accordance with Virginia and Arlington County health and safety regulations; * Purchasing inventory and properly store food ...

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All JobsFood Safety Inspector JobsFood Safety Inspector Jobs in Reston, VA

Food Safety Inspector information

See Reston, VA salary details

$37.5K

$53.5K

$80.1K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Reston, VA is $53,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,600.00 and $62,900.00 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 Reston, VA?

For Food Safety Inspector jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Inspector jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Inspector jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:

Food Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Field Safety Specialist (Independence Excavating)

Sterling, VA • On-site

Independence Excavating
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Independence Excavatingexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Independence Excavating rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Field Safety Specialist
Independence Excavating is looking for an experienced Field Safety Specialist in the Mid-Atlantic. In this role the Field Safety Specialist will oversee project safety either based on a project or covering one or more projects based off client or company needs. The FSS would also be responsible for enforcing company safety policies and procedures, complete deliverables as required by the Regional Safety Manager or Safety Director which could include training/audits etc. This position will travel 75% locally and 25% regionally.
Who is IX?
From breaking ground to the finished project, our team has been laying the groundwork for excellence on heavy civil construction and demolition projects for over 70 years. We combine innovations of industry with decades of successfully completed projects, proving we are a value-added partner from the ground up! Over seven decades, Independence Excavating has established a team of construction professionals that sets us apart from other contractors. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.indexc.com/
What do we believe in?
PEOPLE:
Provide a safe, family-oriented environment. Commitment to integrity. Protect our most valuable assets.
PERFORMANCE:
Always deliver the highest quality. Find solutions. Provide value to our partners.
COMMUNITY:
Positively impact the communities we serve. Give back. Leave the world a better place than we found it.
A typical day looks like:
  • Regularly visiting heavy civil construction locations in the Mid Atlantic Region as required
  • Assisting in development, implementation, and promotion of policies, procedures, and best practice (in coordination and under direction of the Regional Safety Manager of Safety Director)
  • Encouraging safe work standards and foster a safety-conscious culture among all team members
  • Conducting inspections and audits, identifying and reporting findings, and recommending corrective action
  • Facilitating or assisting with various safety training and orientations
  • Obtaining and maintaining necessary safety and health certifications, including First Aid/CPR and OSHA 30-hour Construction at minimum
  • Conducting or assisting safety meetings
  • Participating in incident investigations and assisting in development of lessons learned
  • Assisting in the review of federal, state and local inspection activity and proposed citations
  • Some limited/ temporary overnight travel may be required as part of the position
  • Other duties as assigned

Do you have what it takes?
  • Bachelor of Science in Safety Management or equivalent
  • 2-5 years of relevant safety experience in heavy civil construction
  • OSHA 30 Required
  • First Aid/CPR Required
  • Must be energetic to continually learn more about construction, industry-related safety, and keeping our workers safe
  • This job is physically demanding, and prospects must be able to stand/walk for long periods of time. Some job sites may require working in environments that can be very uncomfortable
  • Prospects must be able to work on project sites in all weather conditions
  • Must be able to communicate with field workers and field managers
  • Has the ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
  • Willingness and ability to manage responsibilities and time according to the requirements of each job site
  • Supervision or leadership experience
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
  • Weekly Competitive Pay!

Why IX?
  • Excellent Benefits:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • FSA & HSA
    • Life Insurance + Optional Family Life Insurance
    • Short-term and Long-term Disability
    • Wellness Incentive Program
  • Paid Holidays and PTO
  • 401(k) + Company match
  • Paid corporate training program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Stability and a variety of different roles that provide a path to career advancement
  • Family-owned and operated since 1956

Independence Excavating, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value workplace diversity and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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