1

Public Health Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Public Health Nutritionist II

Salinas, CA ยท On-site

$6.1K - $8.4K/mo

Public Health Nutritionist II $6,169 - $8,425 per Month Open Until Filled Priority Screening Date ... inspections. As of September 8, 2023, Health Department may offer up to $10,000 signing bonus to ...

Public Works Inspector

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Requirements Minimum Qualifications * 5 years of experience as a Public Works Inspector ... Health insurance * Dental insurance * Vision insurance * Paid time off Schedule: * Full Time, 8 ...

Public Works Inspector

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Requirements Minimum Qualifications * 5 years of experience as a Public Works Inspector ... Health insurance * Dental insurance * Vision insurance * Paid time off Schedule: * Full Time, 8 ...

Public Works Inspector

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Requirements: Minimum Qualifications * 5 years of experience as a Public Works Inspector ... Health insurance * Dental insurance * Vision insurance * Paid time off Schedule: * Full Time, 8 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Public Health Inspector information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$55.2K

$74.5K

How much do public health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for public health inspector in California is $55,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $55,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public health inspector do?

As a public health inspector, you monitor public facilities and private businesses to ensure they meet the required standards for public health and safety. As part of your duties and responsibilities, you may provide certification to buildings that pass all tests, review employee training programs, issue fines, suspend licenses, and take samples to send to labs. Public health inspectors often make unannounced visits and typically return for a second check to see whether or not the problem is fixed. This job frequently involves travel throughout a wide area, so a driver's license is essential to success. Public health inspectors are usually government employees, though you may find similar positions within franchise companies that want to inspect their own locations.

What does a public health inspector do?

A Public Health Inspector is responsible for assessing and ensuring that public places such as restaurants, food processing plants, swimming pools, and other facilities comply with health and safety regulations. They conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and enforce laws to prevent the spread of disease and protect community health. Their duties also include educating business owners and the public about health standards and practices, as well as documenting violations and recommending corrective actions.

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

To thrive as a Public Health Inspector, you need a strong background in environmental health, public health regulations, and inspection procedures, typically supported by a degree in environmental health or a related field and relevant certification or licensure. Proficiency with inspection management software, laboratory testing equipment, and data analysis tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong problem-solving skills help inspectors assess risks and educate the public. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure community safety, enforce health standards, and prevent the spread of disease.

How does a public health inspector typically collaborate with other departments or agencies during inspections?

Public Health Inspectors frequently work in partnership with various municipal, state, and federal agencies, as well as other departments such as fire, building, and environmental services. During inspections, they may coordinate with these teams to address overlapping concerns, such as code compliance or environmental hazards, and share findings to ensure public safety. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as inspectors often participate in joint investigations or follow-up actions with these partners. This collaborative approach helps streamline processes and ensures comprehensive enforcement of public health standards.

What is the difference between Public Health Inspector vs Environmental Health Officer?

AspectPublic Health InspectorEnvironmental Health Officer
CredentialsCertification in public health or environmental health, often requiring a diploma or degreeSimilar certifications, often with additional specialization in environmental policies
Work EnvironmentInspecting restaurants, food establishments, and public facilitiesAssessing environmental hazards, pollution control, and community health issues
Employer & IndustryPublic health departments, municipal agenciesGovernment agencies, environmental organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping roles in public health enforcementRelated but broader environmental focus

Public Health Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting food safety, sanitation, and public health compliance. Environmental Health Officers have a broader scope, including environmental hazards and pollution control. Both roles require similar certifications and work within public health or environmental agencies, but their specific responsibilities differ based on their focus areas.

How hard is it to become a public health inspector?

Becoming a public health inspector typically requires completing a post-secondary education in public health, environmental health, or a related field, followed by obtaining relevant certifications or licenses depending on the region. The process involves gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions and developing skills in inspection procedures, health regulations, and communication. The difficulty varies based on educational background and regional licensing requirements but generally involves a combination of education, training, and certification.

How much do public health inspectors get paid?

Public health inspectors typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level inspectors may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals or those in supervisory roles can earn higher salaries. Certification and knowledge of health codes are important for career advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Health Inspector jobs in California?

The most popular types of Public Health Inspector jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Public Health Inspector jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Health Inspector jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Public Health Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Public Health Inspector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Public Health Inspector jobs in CA?

For Public Health Inspector jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Public Health Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,233 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Environmental Health Inspector - Consumer Protection (6120) - San Francisco Department of Publi[...]

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Environmental Health Inspector โ€“ Consumer Protection (6120)

San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is seeking an Environmental Health Inspector to work in the Population Health Division overseeing consumer protection and environmental health inspections.

Company Description

The Department of Public Health prioritizes equitable and inclusive access to quality healthcare for its community and values diversity in its workforce. All employees work to advance equity, inclusion, and diversity with a specific lens and focus on race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexuality, disability, and immigration status.

Mission

The mission of the San Francisco Department of Public Health is to protect and promote the health of all San Franciscans. The Population Health Division provides core public health services for the City and County of San Francisco: health protection, health promotion, disease and injury prevention, and disaster preparedness and response.

Responsibilities

Under direction, the 6120 Consumer Protection Environmental Health Inspector conducts inspections of housing, industrial plants and premises, solid waste facilities and vehicles, sources of noise emission, fixed and mobile food facilities, and public health and safety hazards in order to enforce established laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to abatement of violations found; recommends appropriate actions to remedy situations; issues citations; prepares pertinent reports; implements various environmental health programs and services; and performs related duties as required.

  1. Enforces provisions of the health, housing, planning and air pollution codes; State health and safety, industrial relations, administrative, agricultural and penal codes, State general safety orders, and sanitary aspects of meat plant construction, local ordinances and noise abatement and other environmental hazards; may be required to specialize in any of these or other activities related to the duties of the class.
  2. Investigates complaints involving buildings; takes necessary action to abate illegal health, sanitary and safety conditions; coordinates efforts with the various city departments in the enforcement of the building, electrical, plumbing, fire and police codes; appears as witness in court litigation when required and testifies in cases involving food establishments, housing, commercial buildings, and other matters.
  3. Conducts complaint inspections of dwellings, hotels, apartment houses, business establishments and other multiple dwellings; checks for sanitation, general maintenance of structural and operational features, light, ventilation, use and occupancy, safety and for compliance with applicable codes; detects violations; coordinates efforts with applicable city departments in the enforcement of appropriate codes; makes followโ€‘up inspections to assure ordered corrections have been made; makes recommendations for order of vacation or condemnation of buildings remaining in violation; prepares condemnation reports; appears and testifies at condemnation hearings.
  4. Conducts complaint inspections at sites of noise sources to determine the noise source; prepares legal notices of violations of noise ordinance; recommends corrective action to be taken by the violators; prepares cases for argument before the Variance Board.
  5. Conducts food and drink establishment inspections; detects violations; orders corrections to effect compliance with established requirements, recommends alternative design modification and equipping to comply with applicable codes and regulations; processes and insures compliance of applicable portions of building permit applications and plans; advises operators and employees on proper handling procedures and sanitary methods; may obtain samples of products and submit them for laboratory analyses, examinations and tests; conducts foodborne illness investigations; recommends issuance or denial of permits to operate food establishments or suspension or revocation of existing permits; appears and testifies at hearings; prepares related notices to courts, records and correspondence pertaining to duties performed, observations made, violations found and actions taken.
  6. Conducts miscellaneous inspections of facilities, including laundry establishments, ambulatory homes for the aged, overnight animal boarding for compliance with pertinent regulations, and recommends issuance or denial of permit to operate; investigates growth of poison oak and other noxious weeds; investigates and adjudicates refuse removal rate disputes between scavenger companies and the public; investigates all complaints regarding the lack of required refuse collection service and/or unlawful disposal of refuse, debris and garbage accumulation on lots, streets, public places, yards; investigates infestations of rodents and other vermin; investigates mosquito complaints; checks applications and plans for construction of swimming pools; issues permits for small water supplies; inspects for cross connections and approves backflow prevention devices.
  7. Performs other special and miscellaneous duties as required, including sanitation and hazardous materials surveys, domestic water supply sampling, recreational water facilities, reclaimed waste waters; participates in meetings and educational conferences.
Other Duties

The 6120 Consumer Protection Environmental Health Inspector may perform other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications
  • Possession of a REHS (Registered Environmental Health Specialist) certificate issued by the State of California Department of Public Health Services.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License.
Equal Employment Opportunity

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr