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Food Systems Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Introduction to Food Systems - 1.5 Credits This course will help students to understand the connections between the kitchen and the rest of the world. It will provide them with the tools needed to ...

General Laborer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Food Systems Manager and/or Assigned DCR Department Supervisor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Employment Type: Temporary, Seasonal, or On-Call Position Summary The General Laborer supports the Dry Creek ...

Cook PT & FT

Woodland, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

We are passionately interested in local food systems, honey, mead, fermentation, and the people who dedicate their efforts to working in these fields! We have opened a small restaurant to offer food ...

Cook PT & FT

Woodland, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

We are passionately interested in local food systems, honey, mead, fermentation, and the people who dedicate their efforts to working in these fields! We have opened a small restaurant to offer food ...

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Food Systems information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$100.7K

$151K

How much do food systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for food systems in California is $100,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Systems vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood SystemsFood Safety Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science, Agriculture, or related field; certifications varyCertifications like ServSafe, HACCP; degree in Food Science or Microbiology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, farms, food production facilities, policy settingsFood manufacturing plants, inspection agencies, regulatory offices
Employer & Industry UsageAgencies, NGOs, food companies focusing on food systems and sustainabilityFood production companies, government agencies ensuring food safety compliance

Food Systems professionals focus on the entire food supply chain, sustainability, and food security, while Food Safety Specialists concentrate on ensuring food products meet safety standards and regulations. Both roles require related credentials and often work within the food industry, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations involved in a food systems role?

Food Systems professionals frequently collaborate with experts from agriculture, nutrition, environmental science, economics, and policy. This interdisciplinary teamwork is essential, as food systems are complex and span production, distribution, consumption, and sustainability. Professionals may work alongside farmers, supply chain managers, public health officials, and government agencies to develop solutions that address food security, waste reduction, and equitable access. Such collaboration not only enriches project outcomes but also enhances individual learning and career growth.

What are food systems?

Food systems refer to the entire network of processes and actors involved in producing, processing, distributing, consuming, and disposing of food. This includes everything from farming and food manufacturing to transportation, retail, and waste management. Food systems are shaped by social, economic, and environmental factors, and they play a crucial role in food security, nutrition, and sustainability. Understanding food systems helps address challenges like food waste, climate change, and access to healthy food.

What can I do with a food systems degree?

A food systems degree prepares individuals for careers in food production, distribution, policy, and sustainability. Graduates can work as food policy analysts, supply chain managers, sustainability coordinators, or food safety specialists, often requiring knowledge of agriculture, nutrition, and environmental impact. The degree provides a foundation for roles in government agencies, non-profits, or private companies focused on food security and sustainable practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a food systems role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Food Systems role, you need a solid understanding of agriculture, supply chain management, sustainability, and public health, often supported by a relevant degree in food science, environmental studies, or related fields. Familiarity with data analysis tools, food safety standards, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals navigate complex networks of producers, distributors, and policymakers. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, sustainable, and efficient food systems that meet global needs.
What are popular job titles related to Food Systems jobs in California? For Food Systems jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Systems jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Systems jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Systems jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Systems job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Systems job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,730 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Intro to Food Systems Adjunct

CIA

Saint Helena, CA • On-site

$2.7K/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Culinary Institute Of America rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

572nd of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The hiring rate for these courses are as follows: Base rate is $2,478; rate with Master's Degree is $2,726; rate with Master's Degree and two (2) years of college-level teaching experience is $2,974. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate's education and relevant experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process.
Please apply to learn more about the benefits of working for the CIA.
POSITION SUMMARY
Culinary Institute of America Adjunct Faculty members are responsible for teaching students a high standard of professionalism. The responsibilities of Adjunct Faculty include but are not limited to teaching and evaluating students. Adjunct Faculty members also maintain office hours, assist students who are having difficulty with studies, and honor college policies.
APFS-110: Introduction to Food Systems - 1.5 Credits
This course will help students to understand the connections between the kitchen and the rest of the world. It will provide them with the tools needed to select and source high quality, sustainable ingredients, and inspire them to explore and understand our food system. The focus will be on contemporary methods of food production, distribution, processing, marketing, purchasing, preparation, and waste management. These components will be examined from an environmental perspective with the objective of understanding the resource-intensive nature of the current food system and its impact on social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Particular emphasis will be placed on the contributions of restaurants to the climate crisis and their potential role in ameliorating its causes. It is hoped that through the experience of this course, students will contribute to food sustainability by practicing the responsible sourcing of ingredients.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Prepares daily lesson plans for classes and teaches classes as requested and scheduled, in a manner consistent with the philosophy, policies, and guidelines of the Institute.
  • Works individually as an advisor for students who may need extra help, who have questions about course information, who want career guidance, or who need assistance in their studies.
  • Provides regular and constructive feedback to students in an objective, consistent, and timely manner; evaluates and documents student performance using established methods and criteria; files course grades consistently and without prejudice.
  • Evaluates and document student performance using established methods and criteria.
  • Submits course grades promptly within the timeframe specified by College policy.
  • Compiles and presents instructional material at scheduled times and places in accordance with the College Catalog descriptions, course syllabi and outlines and class schedules as assigned.
  • Utilizes the established syllabus and textbook(s) for the course being taught.
  • Maintains record of student attendance, student progress, and grade distributions.
  • Maintains discipline and order during instructional activities.
  • Enforces sanitation principles (appropriate to teaching assignment), attendance policies, Institute's Professionalism, Uniform, and Hygiene Policy, and other academic policies).
  • Supports the mission and policies of the Institute as well as the overall strategic direction of the Education department.
  • Assumes responsibility for equipment and facilities of the classroom.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree.

Experience:
  • Minimum of one (1) year of teaching experience.
  • Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of work experience in the related topic area.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's Degree in related field for Food Safety.
  • PhD in related field.
  • One (1) year college level teaching experience.
  • Experience with Moodle preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to be adaptable, dependable and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive student issues with confidentiality and discretion.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills required.
  • Strong computer experience, which must include abilities to work effectively with MS Office suite products, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment and maintain collaborative relationships with all members of faculty and administration.
  • Must have an excellent and welcoming presence in front of guests and employees. Moderate to strong presentation skills are required.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Must be available to work the assigned course schedule.
  • Must be available to work nights and weekends as required due to business needs.
  • Regular work requires a great deal of sitting and standing for extended periods.
  • Regular work requires the use of a computer, sometimes in excess of eight (8) hours per day.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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