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Public Health Food Safety Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Food Safety Specialist supports the Director of Food Safety in overseeing food safety ... Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Food Science, or a related field ...

Public Health Intern

Xenia, OH · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Areas that intersect public health are health care, social services, food service safety, environmental safety, administration, management, business, information systems, epidemiology, finances ...

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Public Health Food Safety information

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$13

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How much do public health food safety jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for public health food safety in the United States is $24.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is public health food safety?

Public health food safety involves the practices, regulations, and policies designed to ensure that food is safe for consumption and free from contaminants that could cause illness. Professionals in this field work to prevent foodborne diseases by inspecting food establishments, monitoring food production processes, and educating the public about safe food handling. They collaborate with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and the community to reduce risks and respond to outbreaks. Their work is essential for protecting the health of the population and maintaining confidence in the food supply.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public health food safety?

To thrive in Public Health Food Safety, you need a solid understanding of food science, microbiology, and public health principles, often backed by a relevant degree and certifications like Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS). Familiarity with inspection tools, HACCP systems, and regulatory databases is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals effectively identify risks and educate stakeholders. These competencies are crucial to ensure food safety standards are met and public health risks are minimized.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in public health food safety, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Public Health Food Safety often face challenges such as keeping up with evolving food regulations, responding quickly to outbreaks, and ensuring compliance among diverse food businesses. Addressing these challenges requires continuous education, strong communication skills, and collaboration with regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public. Building relationships and providing training to food handlers can also help prevent issues before they arise, creating a safer food environment for the community.

What is the difference between Public Health Food Safety vs Food Inspector?

AspectPublic Health Food SafetyFood Inspector
Required CertificationsCertified in Public Health (CPH), Food Safety CertificationsFood Safety Certification, State or Local Inspection Certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic health agencies, laboratories, community outreachGovernment inspection sites, food processing facilities, retail outlets
Employer & Industry UsagePublic health departments, government agenciesLocal, state, or federal food safety agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Public Health Food Safety professionals focus on developing policies, conducting research, and educating the public about food safety standards. Food Inspectors primarily perform on-site inspections to enforce regulations and ensure compliance. Both roles require similar certifications and work within government agencies, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

Is food safety a good career?

Public health food safety is a valuable career that involves ensuring the safety and quality of food products through inspections, testing, and compliance with regulations. It often requires knowledge of food science, microbiology, and relevant certifications, and can offer stable employment in government agencies, private companies, or consulting roles.
More about Public Health Food Safety jobs

What states have the most Public Health Food Safety jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Public Health Food Safety job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,367 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Senior Public Health Sanitarian, Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation

City of New York

Manhattan, NY

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

623rd of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

Open to candidates who are permanent or those who have filed for PROMOTION TO ASSOCIATE PUBLIC HEALTH SANITARIAN Exam No. 6513.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of Environmental Health works to prevent and control illness and injury related to environmental and occupational health risks through outreach, education, surveillance, and enforcement. With staff of 1,000, the Division covers a broad range of subject matter, including oversight of environmental investigations, lead poisoning, injury prevention, occupational health, food safety, childcare, radiation control, recreational and drinking water quality, air quality, climate health, vector control, veterinary public health and pest control. The Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation (BFSCS) protects the public, including New York's most vulnerable citizens from a broad range of hazards that may pose a threat to health or safety. This includes hazards related to food safety wherever meals are served to the public, including restaurants, school cafeterias, mobile food vending carts, senior centers, and soup kitchens, first-hand and second-hand smoke for all places of employment and public spaces. BFSCS also monitors compliance with regulations in other facilities, such as tattoo parlors, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters. Additionally, BFSCS investigates environmental health complaints received from New York City residents.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Supervise PHS in the daily activities of the program.
- Assign work to subordinates and establish a schedule for its completion.
- Review work of subordination and evaluate work performance.
- Take corrective action when required to maintain unit performance at a satisfactory level.
- Train staff in new job procedures and/or skills.
- Orient new employees to program rules, policies, and procedures.
- Perform special inspections, assignments, and investigations of difficult or unusual situations and takes appropriate corrective actions.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent leadership and supervisory skills
Why you should work for us:
- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.
Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.
Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!
Commitment to Equity:
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [email protected] or 347-396-6549.
ASSOCIATE PUBLIC HEALTH SANITA - 31220

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, i.e., biology, botany, chemistry, geology, physics, physiology, and zoology; of which not more than 12 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, i.e., environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, infection control or food service; and at least two years of satisfactory full-time experience performing inspections to assure compliance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations governing the areas of food, drugs and general environmental conditions; or
2. An associate degree from an accredited college, with 15 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, of which not more than 6 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, and 4 years of satisfactory full-time experience as described in "1" above; or
3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least 60 semester credits from an accredited college, including at least 15 semester credits in the physical and and/or biological sciences. Furthermore, to assure compliance with Section 11.112 of the Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR) - Title 10 (Health), all candidates must have at least 2 years of experience as a public health sanitarian as described in "1" above.
4. In order to be eligible for promotion to a supervisory level, candidates must have 2 years of experience as a public health sanitarian, pursuant to Section 11.112 of the Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR) - Title 10 (Health).

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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