ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Safety Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Safety JobsFood Safety Jobs in Reston, VA

Food Safety information

See Reston, VA salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do food safety jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for food safety in Reston, VA is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Food Safety, and why are they important?

To excel in Food Safety, a strong understanding of food science, microbiology, and regulatory compliance is essential, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as HACCP or ServSafe. Familiarity with food safety management systems, audit procedures, and laboratory testing tools is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving are crucial soft skills for identifying risks and ensuring compliance. These competencies are vital to protect public health, maintain product quality, and meet industry standards.

What is food safety?

Food safety refers to the practices, procedures, and regulations in place to ensure that food is handled, prepared, and stored in ways that prevent foodborne illnesses and contamination. It encompasses everything from proper handwashing and cooking temperatures to food storage and sanitation. Professionals in food safety work to identify and control risks at every stage of the food supply chain, protecting consumers and meeting legal requirements. Effective food safety helps prevent outbreaks and maintains public confidence in the food supply.

What are some common challenges faced by food safety professionals when implementing new safety protocols in a food processing facility?

Food safety professionals often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from staff, ensuring consistent compliance with protocols, and staying updated with evolving regulations. Effective communication and training are essential to help team members understand the importance of new procedures and how they impact product quality and consumer safety. Collaboration with quality assurance, production, and management teams is also key to successful implementation. Addressing these challenges proactively helps maintain a safe environment and supports continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Food Safety vs Food Inspector?

AspectFood SafetyFood Inspector
CertificationsFood Safety certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP)Food Safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentFood production facilities, restaurants, retail storesRegulatory agencies, government inspections
Employer & IndustryFood industry, manufacturing, hospitalityGovernment agencies, health departments
Job FocusEnsuring compliance with safety standards, training staffInspecting facilities, enforcing regulations

Food Safety professionals focus on implementing safety protocols and training staff within the food industry, while Food Inspectors primarily conduct inspections to enforce regulations. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and authority.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Food Safety?

The qualifications to get a job in food safety depends on the level of your position and where you are in your food safety career. Food safety coordinators typically need to have an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in food science or occupational health and safety. Managers and compliance officers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in food safety and compliance. If you are bilingual in English and Spanish, you may qualify for more job opportunities because many food production workers speak Spanish as a first language. Other important skills include excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, attention to detail, and knowledge of how to safely manufacture food.

More about Food Safety jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Safety jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Food Safety jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Safety jobs in Reston, VA? For Food Safety jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Safety jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Food Safety jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Food Safety jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Food Safety job openings:
Food Safety jobs near you

Food Safety Director

FMI- The Food Industry Association

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

FMI – The Food Industry Association: We’re Hiring a Food & Product Safety Director (Hybrid Role)


Do you have chemical safety experience with a passion for advancing food safety across the food industry? Are you a technical expert who can translate complex science and regulations into meaningful programs for industry stakeholders? If so, this role might be for you!


Quick Snapshot:

In this role, you’ll develop and implement food and product safety programs for product suppliers; direct food protection activities and provide technical expertise for the FMI membership; interact with federal, state, and local regulatory officials; and represent FMI and its members with external constituents.


What You’ll Do in This Role:

  • Develop and deliver food safety programs for product supplier members.
  • Lead and manage the Product Supplier Scientific Affairs Committee, including member engagement, meeting planning, and execution of key initiatives.
  • Serve as FMI’s technical expert on chemical contaminants in food, supporting science-based policy and regulatory approaches as well as provide technical expertise and guidance to members on food safety, regulatory, and scientific issues.
  • Support chemical safety initiatives through research, coordination, and engagement with industry stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and subject matter experts.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of programs, resources, and communications related to chemical safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Monitor emerging chemical safety trends, regulations, and industry developments to help inform organizational priorities and member guidance.
  • Develop and execute project plans aligned with FMI’s Strategic Plan, ensuring timelines, priorities, and deliverables are met.
  • Evaluate member needs and prioritize projects so that critical food safety objectives are met.
  • Establish and maintain contacts with regulators, academicians, experts, and others to resolve member questions and issues.
  • Partner with external stakeholders to enhance food safety programs and public health outcomes.
  • Conduct member outreach and site visits to understand industry practices and strengthen engagement.


Education and Skills You’ll Need to be Successful:

  • College degree in a field related to food safety, food science, chemistry, or toxicology. Advanced degree is preferred.
  • A minimum of seven to ten years of professional work experience with at least seven years directly related to food safety.
  • Knowledge of and/or experience working in the food industry, including knowledge and experience with food processing including HACCP and Preventive Control programs, food microbiology and a working knowledge of chemical contaminants and toxicology.
  • Knowledge of federal and state food regulations and regulatory authorities and agencies.
  • Excellent written communication skills. Editing and proofreading skills are a plus.
  • Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to create presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, and experience giving presentations to a variety of audiences.
  • Strong people skills, customer service, and team orientation.


Why FMI? We are the champions for the food industry and the issues that make a difference to our members in the food industry. Our work touches the lives of over 120 million households in the U.S. and representing a $1 trillion industry with over 6 million employees. By joining our team, you will become part of a diverse, engaging, and supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the future of the food retail industry.


Our Benefits: We offer a generous benefits package that includes health benefits, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, paid leave benefits, a monthly cell phone reimbursement, monthly commuter benefits, a summer hours program allowing you to work only four hours on Fridays during the summer (once your work is done), volunteer opportunities (if you want to give back to your community), the chance to join our employee wellness group and much more!


This position offers a hybrid work schedule, requiring you to work outside of our Arlington, Virginia office for a minimum of two full days per week. There are additional opportunities for employees to work fully remote throughout the year, including two weeks at the end of August, the week of Thanksgiving and two weeks at the end of December.


*The annual salary range listed reflects the minimum and maximum annual compensation for this position and has been established in good faith and in accordance with Virginia and federal law. Individual salary offers within this range will be based on the candidate's relevant experience, education, skills, certifications, and other job-related factors.


Apply Now: If you are looking to apply your technical expertise to advance food and product safety, we encourage you to apply.


Learn more about FMI by visiting our website at www.fmi.org


#FoodSafety #FoodScience #chemicals #chemist #ChemicalSafety #FoodProtection #FoodPolicy #FoodInitiatives #FoodIndustry #HybridWork #JoinFMI


FMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Apply