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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO (NOW HIRING)

HelloFresh

Food, Safety & Quality Lead

Aurora, CO · On-site

Inspections & Audits: Oversee and complete food safety training, audits, and documentation, including temperature checks, expiration date verification, and sanitation swabs. Monitor and ensure team ...

New

HelloFresh

Food, Safety & Quality Lead

Aurora, CO · On-site

$22.25/hr

Inspections & Audits: Oversee and complete food safety training, audits, and documentation, including temperature checks, expiration date verification, and sanitation swabs. Monitor and ensure team ...

New

HelloFresh

Food, Safety & Quality Lead

Aurora, CO

Inspections & Audits: Oversee and complete food safety training, audits, and documentation, including temperature checks, expiration date verification, and sanitation swabs. Monitor and ensure team ...

New

HelloFresh

Food, Safety & Quality Lead

Aurora, CO · On-site

$22.25/hr

Inspections & Audits: Oversee and complete food safety training, audits, and documentation, including temperature checks, expiration date verification, and sanitation swabs. Monitor and ensure team ...

New

Corden Pharma Colorado

Sr. Safety Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

Performs periodic safety inspections and compliance audits * Reviews, investigates, and identifies ... Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Council for Harmonisation Q7 (ICH), and other ...

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All JobsFood Safety Inspector JobsFood Safety Inspector Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO

Food Safety Inspector information

See Wheat Ridge, CO salary details

$38.3K

$54.7K

$81.8K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Wheat Ridge, CO is $54,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $64,300.00 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 Wheat Ridge, CO?

For Food Safety Inspector jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs?

Cities near Wheat Ridge, CO with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:

Food Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,682 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Associate Director, Food Safety & Vendor Compliance

Denver, CO • On-site

Leprino Foods Company
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about Leprino Foods Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Within our Corporate Quality Assurance team located in Denver - Leprino is seeking a Associate Director, Food Safety & Vendor Compliance to help strengthen our food safety programs, supplier assurance processes, and regulatory compliance across our manufacturing network. We believe producing safe, high-quality dairy products starts with exceptional people, thoughtful collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement!
At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $162,000 and $189,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 15%.
What You'll Do:
  • Build and maintain food safety policies, programs, and standards that support compliance with FDA, USDA, NCIMS, state, and international food safety requirements.
  • Provide guidance to manufacturing facilities on food safety regulations, regulatory interpretations, and supplier compliance activities.
  • Partner with plant leadership to strengthen food safety systems, improve consistency, and address regulatory or operational challenges.
  • Lead the Food Safety and Vendor Compliance teams by coaching leaders, supporting professional development, and planning department priorities.
  • Review and approve raw material and packaging specifications through SAP to support product quality and regulatory compliance.
  • Coordinate supplier assurance activities, internal quality audits, and policy updates to strengthen food safety programs across the organization.
  • Build collaborative relationships with regulatory agencies and industry organizations while supporting inspections, approvals, and evolving regulatory expectations.
  • Identify emerging food safety risks, evaluate potential business impacts, and communicate recommendations to internal leadership.
  • Lead root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts that reduce recurring food safety concerns and strengthen preventive programs.
  • Support food safety training initiatives that build knowledge, encourage consistent practices, and help teams succeed.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to support new processes, equipment, and product initiatives while maintaining regulatory compliance.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):
  • A Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field.
  • Twelve years of food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or related experience with a Bachelor's degree, or eight years of related experience with a Master's degree.
  • Five years of leadership experience within food manufacturing, including people leadership and team development.
  • Five years of experience supporting food safety, quality assurance, or product development within the dairy manufacturing industry.
  • Experience interpreting and applying FDA, USDA, and other applicable food safety regulations.
  • The ability to travel as needed to support manufacturing facilities, suppliers, audits, and regulatory activities.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):
  • A Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
  • Experience using SAP Specification Management or comparable specification management systems.
  • Experience supporting cheese manufacturing or cultured dairy products.
  • Experience leading supplier assurance programs, internal quality audits, or enterprise food safety initiatives.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.
Offering You In Return:
A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.
Our Story:
Leprino's history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the "World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company." From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?
Leprino uses Psychemedics for a 90-day hair follicle drug test as a pre-employment screening tool and also participates in E-Verify. Some positions at the Denver corporate office may require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on role and location. Leprino supports a drug-free workplace and is an EEO / Affirmative Action Employer M / F / Disability / Veteran.

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