Food Inspector

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Agriculture
- Agency 18

Location:

Statewide, NEHiring Rate:$22.503

Job Posting:

JR Food Inspector (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):07-20-2026

Job Description:

LOCATION:

This position provides an opportunity to serve throughout the following Nebraska counties:
Clay, Nuckolls, Thayer, Fillmore, Jefferson, Saline and Seward.

Do you have a passion for protecting 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 within East/Central Nebraska! 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.

Look at what we have to offer!13 paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately

Military leave
156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans

Dental and vision insurance plans

Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government

Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service

Training and Development based on your career aspirations

Fun, inviting teammatesA safe and secure environment

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Job Duties:

Conduct inspections of food establishments for compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act License establishments according to the Nebraska Pure Food Act Take appropriate action (re-inspection, hearings, notices, and closure) if an eminent health threat to the public is identified

Investigate consumer complaints, conduct plan reviews of food establishments, and complete inspection reports

Participate in educational opportunities including training and conferences

Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred to live in Service Area. 5+ years of food industry experience. Science/Biology background.

Other:
This position requires travel. As such, the…