ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Safety Microbiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Humetis Group

Quality & Food Safety

Albany, GA · On-site

Support microbiological verification, environmental monitoring, mycotoxin testing, allergen management, and other food safety programs. * Conduct root cause analysis for food safety incidents and ...

Gonzalez Food Products

Food Safety Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Food Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience) * Minimum 2 years of food safety and quality management experience in food ...

Pictsweet Company

Director, Food Safety

Bells, TN · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

We are currently seeking a Director for our Food Safety Department, reporting to the VP of ... Third Party GFSI audit, Sanitation, Microbiology, Pest Control, Allergen Management, HACCP, GMP ...

The Pictsweet Company

Director, Food Safety

Bells, TN · On-site

We are currently seeking a Director for our Food Safety Department, reporting to the VP of ... Third Party GFSI audit, Sanitation, Microbiology, Pest Control, Allergen Management, HACCP, GMP ...

Ifg

Food Safety Supervisor- Sanitation

Torrance, CA

$70K - $100K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology, or a related field preferred . * At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in food ...

Epicured, Inc.

Food Safety Manager

Glen Cove, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Monitor product quality, shelf life, microbiological testing, validation programs, and quality metrics. Production Support * Partner with Production and Culinary teams to integrate food safety ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Safety Microbiology Jobs

Food Safety Microbiology information

See salary details

$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do food safety microbiology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety microbiology in the United States is $70,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food safety microbiology, and why are they important?

To excel in Food Safety Microbiology, you need a solid understanding of microbiological techniques, food science, and regulatory standards, typically backed by a degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, pathogen detection methodologies, and certifications such as HACCP or SQF is common in this role. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for analyzing data and conveying findings. These competencies are vital to accurately identify hazards, ensure food safety, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

What is food safety microbiology?

Food safety microbiology is the scientific study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and parasites, that can contaminate food and cause foodborne illnesses. Professionals in this field work to identify, control, and prevent the growth of harmful microbes throughout the food production process. They play a critical role in ensuring that food products are safe for consumption by conducting laboratory testing, monitoring sanitation practices, and staying up-to-date with food safety regulations. Their work helps protect public health and supports compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in food safety microbiology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in food safety microbiology often encounter challenges such as staying up-to-date with evolving pathogens, ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards, and effectively communicating scientific findings to non-technical stakeholders. To address these, it is important to engage in continuous education, participate in industry workshops, and maintain clear documentation of procedures and results. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and production, also helps promote a culture of food safety and ensures timely implementation of corrective actions.

What is the difference between Food Safety Microbiology vs Food Microbiologist?

AspectFood Safety MicrobiologyFood Microbiologist
CertificationsOften requires microbiology and food safety certificationsSimilar certifications, including microbiology and food safety
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, quality assuranceLaboratories, research settings, food manufacturing plants
Industry UsageFocuses on preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring safety standardsBroader role including product development, research, and quality control

Food Safety Microbiology primarily concentrates on identifying and controlling microorganisms to prevent foodborne illnesses, ensuring food safety compliance. In contrast, Food Microbiologists may engage in research, product development, and broader microbiological studies within the food industry. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in their core focus and responsibilities.

More about Food Safety Microbiology jobs

What cities are hiring for Food Safety Microbiology jobs?

Cities with the most Food Safety Microbiology job openings:

What states have the most Food Safety Microbiology jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Safety Microbiology jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Microbiology jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Microbiology jobs are:

Food Safety Microbiology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Microbiology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.

Department Supervisor (Microbiology and Food Testing)

Element Materials Technology

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Element Materials Technology rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

Overview
Element Materials Technology has an opportunity in Fort Wayne, Indiana for a Department Supervisor in its Food Testing Laboratory. This lab plays a leading role in food testing and environmental monitoring, ensuring a safe food supply in the Midwestern food market and beyond. The Department Supervisor is a key member of the department's quality and safety teams, ensuring quality data is produced on time and in a safe and reliable manner. You will be relied upon heavily by other colleagues such as technicians, peers, management and beyond. In this role you will be working alongside the technicians to support and guide staff in timely completion of daily work. You will also be interacting daily with other internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
  • Act as primary subject matter expert for microbiological and chemical food testing
  • Under the direction of the Operations Manager, assist in the efficient operation and growth of the lab
  • Provide direct supervision of laboratory technical staff
  • Responsible for ensuring laboratory coverage 365 days a year by planning weekend and holiday rotations
  • Provide professional and timely customer service to both internal and external customers
  • Provide status updates, quote assistance and other customer service responsibilities as needed
  • Participate in supervisory responsibilities including hiring decisions, performance management input, decisions and execution, and approval of timecards and overtime
  • Understand the customer needs to translate and deliver desired customer results
  • Adhere to, support and follow all Element safety guidelines
  • Review and manage inventory to ensure critical supplies are maintained in stock
  • The position is a working supervisor that will be able to fill in at the bench level where required due to staffing shortages or sample volume surges

Skills / Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in food safety, microbiology, biochemistry, or another related technical field with at least one year of supervisory experience is required. A minimum of 3 years' experience in a supervisory role in an industry similar or related to food testing and/or food quality assurance with college courses in microbiology or food safety may substitute for a bachelor's degree
  • Applicants that possess food microbiology specific experience in a commercial lab that tests food for target pathogens using molecular and cultural techniques as well as quantitative analysis of typical indicator parameters are preferred
  • Familiarity with FDA BAM, USDA MLG, and AOAC methods is recommended
  • Working knowledge of laboratory quality and safety
  • Strong computer skills and basic mathematical skills with the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra
  • Experience with LIMS data entry and data review
  • Capacity to lift <50 lbs. often and > 50 lbs. on occasion and stand on feet for long periods of time
  • Ability to work primarily alone and make independent decisions during the course of the work day
  • Proven ability to read, understand and interpret program or test requirements and able to analyze and translate into finished testing or report data
  • Able to communicate and demonstrate the importance of meeting all applicable requirements of the food laboratory
  • Interpersonal skills essential to relate to and coach a diverse multicultural and multigenerational team
  • Excellent communication skills as well as email and telephone etiquette
  • Proven and recognized ability to provide accurate and timely status reports to internal and external customers
  • Capable of tracking multiple testing jobs / programs from start to finish and assist with contract review of job status daily, including follow-up emails and phone calls daily to and from internal and external customers

#LI-TK1
Diversity Statement
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

What Element Materials Technology employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply