Food Inspector

Agriculture - Agency 18

Statewide, NE

$22.503

JR2026-00030422 Food Inspector (Open)

Do you have a passion for promoting public health and helping businesses succeed? Are you interested in a flexible schedule and healthy work/life balance? If so, we have a great opportunity for you! The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is searching for a teammate that will conduct food inspections in Bulter, Saunders, Seward, and Lancaster Counties! As a Food Inspector, you will be responsible for inspections of food establishments and food processors in compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act.

You can expect to have initial job training in Lincoln for 3-4 days, followed by field training to ensure you have what you need to succeed. A State vehicle is provided; you can look forward to eliminating that commute to work. Ongoing training and educational opportunities, as well as the State’s tuition reimbursement program, will provide you the right environment for professional growth and development.

Food Inspectors are required to pass a certified professional food safety credential examination approved by the department within 36 months; time in role, training, and experience will prepare you to successfully become credentialed. You can start in this position as a Level 1 and we will provide you the necessary tools and certification opportunities propelling you to a Level 2 within as little as two years. If you begin as a Level 1, you can expect to receive $20.936/hour plus our excellent fringe benefits! If you begin as a Level 2, with the necessary food safety credential, you can expect to receive $22.503/hour.

Why join us:
• Stable Employment Opportunity
• Career Development and Learning
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 156% match on the first 4.8% contribution to the Retirement Plan
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Generous Leave Accruals and Benefits
• Opportunity to be a part of a caring organization

Agriculture Food Sanitarian I: Any experience or education related to food industry or food safety and the ability to pass a certified professional food safety credential examination approved by the department within 36 months. Time in role, training, and experience will prepare individuals to successfully become credentialed.  

Agriculture Food Sanitarian II: Some experience or education related to food industry or food related safety AND possess (and continue to maintain) a professional safety credential approved by the department.

Knowledge of:  food industry; the principles and techniques of inspections; Nebraska Pure Food Act and Nebraska Food Code

Skill in:  effective communication, time management, planning and organization, problem-solving, critical thinking

Ability to: establish rapport with stakeholders; communicate with the public and businesses; interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards; make decisions and seek solutions; work independently with little supervision; stay overnight if traveling over 60 miles; prioritize work in an efficient manner; compile and interpret inspection data; work in inclement temperatures and environments exposed to infectious diseases and toxic/hazardous substances