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Nutrition Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Inspector/Packer

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

... for nutrition, health, beauty and wellness categories. Our global product innovation and sustainability expertise enables us to solve packaging challenges around the world every day, producing a ...

Packer/Inspector - DAY SHIFT

Alsip, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

ACD Alsip IL Full time REQ_90922 To remove finished product from the machines, inspect product to ... for nutrition, health, beauty and wellness categories. Our global product innovation and ...

Reviews, develops, and implements a plan of correction for culinary and nutritional services concerns and/or deficiencies noted during quality assurance and state and city survey inspections. * Works ...

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Showing results 1-20

Nutrition Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$56.6K

$102K

How much do nutrition inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for nutrition inspector in Chicago, IL is $56,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nutrition inspector?

Nutrition Inspectors are professionals responsible for evaluating and monitoring food establishments, schools, or other facilities to ensure compliance with nutrition standards and regulations. They assess food quality, safety, labeling, and nutritional content, and may provide guidance to improve menu offerings. Nutrition Inspectors play a key role in promoting public health by helping organizations meet local, state, and federal nutrition guidelines. Their work helps ensure that consumers receive safe, healthy, and properly labeled food products.

What are some common challenges nutrition inspectors face during facility inspections?

Nutrition Inspectors often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with complex and evolving food safety regulations, managing time efficiently to cover all inspection points, and communicating findings diplomatically to facility staff. They may also need to handle resistance or lack of cooperation from inspected parties, and must stay vigilant for subtle violations that could impact public health. Developing strong communication and organizational skills helps inspectors overcome these challenges and maintain high standards of safety and nutrition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nutrition inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nutrition Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety, nutrition science, and inspection protocols, often supported by a degree in nutrition, food science, or a related field. Familiarity with regulatory standards, HACCP systems, and inspection or auditing software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure that food products comply with health regulations, protect public safety, and support accurate and clear reporting.

What is the difference between Nutrition Inspector vs Food Safety Auditor?

AspectNutrition InspectorFood Safety Auditor
Required CredentialsOften requires nutrition-related certifications or degreesRequires food safety certifications, sometimes overlapping with nutrition
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, health departments, food inspection sitesFood manufacturing facilities, restaurants, regulatory agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in health and government sectors focusing on nutrition standardsIn food industry and regulatory bodies focusing on safety compliance

Nutrition Inspectors and Food Safety Auditors share overlapping credentials and work environments, but focus on different aspects of food regulation. Nutrition Inspectors primarily assess nutritional standards and compliance, while Food Safety Auditors concentrate on overall food safety and hygiene practices. Both roles are essential for ensuring food quality and safety, often working within government or industry settings.

How do you become a nutrition inspector?

To become a nutrition inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a background in nutrition, food science, or public health. Many positions require relevant experience or certification, such as a food safety or health inspector license, and familiarity with inspection procedures and regulations. State or local health departments usually oversee hiring and certification processes.

What job categories do people searching Nutrition Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Nutrition Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Nutrition Inspector jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Nutrition Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Nutrition Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,595 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Food Service Supervisor - Harvey School Nutrition

Harvey, IL


Whitsons Culinary Group
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 68 rated caterers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Food Service Supervisor - Lead with Heart in School Nutrition

Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time

Love kids? Love food? Love leading a team with purpose?
Join us as a Food Service Supervisor and help create a positive dining experience that fuels learning, builds community, and makes every student feel cared for. In this role, you'll lead a dedicated team in a school setting, making sure every meal is safe, nutritious, and served with a smile.


What You'll Be Doing:
  • Leading daily kitchen operations-from prepping meals to service-with quality and care.

  • Opening and closing the kitchen, managing inventory, and reducing waste.

  • Guiding and motivating your team while creating a positive, supportive work environment.

  • Rolling up your sleeves-90% of your day is hands-on in the kitchen and serving area.

  • Keeping everything clean, safe, and ready for health inspections (and gold stars!).

  • Assisting with menu planning, food ordering, and using government commodities.

  • Making sure every plate meets our standards for taste, nutrition, and presentation.

  • Handling student and staff feedback with positivity and solutions.

  • Celebrating special menus, wellness programs, and school community events.


Why This Role Rocks:
  • You're the person who helps keep kids happy, healthy, and ready to learn.

  • Your leadership makes the kitchen run smoothly and your team feel valued.

  • You bring heart and structure to a space where students count on us every day.


What We're Looking For:
  • A natural leader who inspires confidence and kindness.

  • Someone who loves good food and making people smile.

  • Organized and ready to thrive in a busy, school-day schedule.

  • Hands-on, team-oriented, and willing to jump in wherever needed.

What You'll Need:
  • High School Diploma or GED (Culinary experience a big plus!).

  • 3+ years in food service, with leadership or supervisory experience.

  • Knowledge of food safety, cooking procedures, and portion control.

  • ServSafe Certification (or willingness to obtain).

  • Strong communication skills; bilingual Spanish is a plus.

  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stay on your feet throughout the day.

Why You'll Love Working Here:
  • No late nights or major holidays - Enjoy a consistent school-day schedule.

  • Great benefits - Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.

  • Room to grow - Training and career development opportunities.

  • Feel-good work - Every meal makes a difference in a student's day.

Apply today and help us live our mission: Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time.

Pay Rate: $21/hour

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education

  1. High school diploma or GEDrequiredwith at least 5 years of experience in school nutrition programs;additionaleducation in food service management, nutrition, or culinary arts a plus.

Experience

  1. Minimum 3 years of food service experiencerequired; school nutrition program experiencerequired; culinary backgroundrequiredwith a genuine passion for food and working knowledge of cooking procedures, recipe adherence, and scaling.

Certifications

  1. ServSafecertificationrequiredwhere mandated by client, bid, state, or localjurisdiction;must be knowledgeable of all applicable local health and food safety ordinances.

Technical Proficiency

  1. Proficiencyin Microsoft Office Suite required; ability to communicate electronically via email and other platforms; ability to learnnew programsquickly.

Other Qualifications

  1. Demonstrated ability to develop talent and manage multiple priorities; strong critical thinking skills; excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills with clients, parents, students, and support staff.
  1. Strong time management and organizational skills; bilingual in Spanish highly desirable; must be able to drive a personal vehicle to other work sites as needed.

Core Competencies

  1. Food Safety & Compliance:Ensures all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards are consistently upheld across all locations; prepares teams and facilities for health inspections and internal audits.
  1. Team Leadership & Development:Motivates and supports food service staff through hands-on supervision, training, and consistent,equitabletreatment; builds a positive and productive kitchen culture.
  1. Execution & Accountability:Manages food production, merchandising, cost control, and compliance responsibilities with reliability and follow-through; meets operationaldeadlinesevery service period.
  1. Customer Focus:Fields complaints and inquiries with professionalism;maintainsa high standard of service for students, parents, and school staff throughout every meal period.
  1. Communication:Communicates clearly with the GM, DM, school staff, vendors, and team members; contributes to monthly client communications and conducts regular team meetings.
  1. Organizational Discipline:Maintainsaccurateinventory records, compliance documentation, and ordering systemsin accordance withWhitsonsand regulatory standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position.Hours are aligned with the school district's food service schedule.Extended hours including evenings and/or weekends may berequiredin support ofspecial eventsor operational needs.

Travel Requirements

This position may require travel to multiple school locations within the district and occasional out-of-district travel. A valid driver's license and personal vehicle arerequired.

Physical Demands of the Job

The Team Member is required to stand on their feet for the majority of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle food, tools, and equipment; andreach withhands and arms. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. Specific vision abilitiesrequiredinclude close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

This positionoperatesprimarily in a cafeteria and food service establishment. Work is primarily hands-on during meal periods, with office and administrative work completed before or after service. The noise level is moderate to loud during active service periods.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of thevarious typesof workand dutiesthat may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar,relatedor a logical assignment to the position, and the Company reserves the right to addadditionalduties ormodifyexisting duties.

The job descriptiondoes not constitutean employment agreement between theCompanyand employee and is subject to change by theCompanyas the needs of theCompanyand requirements of the job change.


Whitsons Culinary Group logo

About Whitsons Culinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whitsons Culinary Group, located in Islandia, NY, US, operates in the food service industry, offering a diverse range of services including school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining, and culinary education. First established in 1979, the family-owned company has built a reputation for its bespoke catering services, committed to delivering nutritionally balanced, tastefully diverse and quality assured meals. The company embraces a mission to enrich life one meal at a time, underlined by a focus on food quality, health, wellness, superior service, and social responsibility.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Islandia, NY, US

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What Whitsons Culinary Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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