Deadline: September 14, 2026
The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for the position Retail Food Inspection Specialist. The employee in this position performs safety inspections of risk level 1 and 2 retail food establishments, which are considered low-risk related to food-borne illness. (example: convenience stores) The Retail Food Inspection Specialist inspects food designed for human consumption, as well as the facility location. The specialist will be knowledgeable of the Food Code and will use it as the basis for inspections. The person in this position will observe and educate food handlers on proper food processing and handling techniques, safe food handling practices, pest control, cleanliness, and proper storage. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Health Officer, Codes Administrator, and/or his/her designee. This is a non-supervisory management, FLSA-exempt position.
Compensation & Benefits
The City of Harrisburg offers an annual salary range of $44,500.00 – $50,000.00. This full-time FSLA-exempt position also includes an excellent benefits package: defined pension plan, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time) and health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision).
How to Apply
If interested, please submit a cover letter, your resume, three employment references and salary history to:
Email: HR@harrisburgpa.gov (electronic submission preferred)
The City of Harrisburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Wanda R.D. Williams, Mayor
Definition
The employee in this position performs safety inspections of risk level 1 and 2 retail food establishments, which are considered low-risk related to food-borne illness. (example: convenience stores) The Retail Food Inspection Specialist inspects food designed for human consumption, as well as the facility location. The specialist will be knowledgeable of the Food Code and will use it as the basis for inspections. The person in this position will observe and educate food handlers on proper food processing and handling techniques, safe food handling practices, pest control, cleanliness, and proper storage. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Health Officer, Codes Administrator, and/or his/her designee. This is a non-supervisory management, FLSA-exempt position.
Location/Equipment
Work is performed at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center. However, fieldwork and meetings outside the office are required. Comprehensive knowledge of personal computers (including database software packages), telephones, and other related office equipment is required. Duties are typically performed on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.. The employee in this position may be exposed to fumes, odors, toxic materials, inclement weather, and locations of poor ventilation and uneven terrain. Food inspectors may lift, carry, pull or push between 30 and 50 pounds in the course of their responsibilities.
Essential Functions
Work involves but is not limited to the following: Conducting safety inspections of risk level 1 and 2 retail food establishments to ensure adherence to sanitation and operational regulations. Evaluate food packaging, storage requirements, and employee knowledge. Observe daily practices to ensure staff are correctly implementing established food safety protocols. Monitor and document temperatures, expiration dates, and overall condition of food on site, refrigeration units, and hot food holding units. Identify unsanitary conditions in food facilities. Inspect outside areas and check for signs of rodent/insect activity. Additionally, this position will evaluate establishment management and staff to determine compliance with Food Code requirements and overall performance. Prepare a variety of detailed reports documenting inspection findings, violations, and required corrective actions. Input data into databases. Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Health Office. This position involves extensive interaction with the public. Maintains regular, punctual, and predictable attendance. Reports to work and remains at work in a productive condition, which includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs. Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with supervisors, co-workers, and the general public. Completes all assignments in an efficient, consistent, and timely manner.
Non-Essential Functions
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Essential Skills & Knowledge
- Understanding of city, state and federal laws concerning food safety standards, adulterants, and preservatives.
- Ability to recognize visual characteristics of unsafe food, sanitation flaws, and potential hazards during visual walkthroughs.
- Ability to write clear, objective reports, document violations, and explain safety standards to food establishment managers.
- Ability to perform basic calculations, solve for unknowns and visualize data during daily work.
- Ability to properly gather, handle, and preserve food samples for laboratory testing without contamination.
- Capability to remain professional and objective when issuing citations or recommending enforcement actions.
Qualifications
A four-year bachelor’s degree in food science, food technology, chemistry, microbiology, or a closely related field or one (1) year of hands-on job experience in the food industry demonstrating sanitation practices and commercial handling of food. A valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C or equivalent is required.