Food Safety Specialist Internships
Food safety specialist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience in food safety systems, mentorship from working food safety specialists, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with Mars, National Beef, and Foremost Farms among the employers posting roles now.
Find Food Safety Specialist InternshipsOverview
Showing 5 of 16+ Food Safety Specialist Internships
Location:
- We are hiring for a Food Safety Intern position to start in January.
- Address: 411 S. Limestone Lexington, KY Note: online applications accepted only.
- Schedule: To be determined based on class schedule and business needs.
- Requirement: Hospitality, Environmental Health or Workplace safety experience is preferred.
- Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour.
We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1589929.
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.
Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!
General Description:
In this role, you will work closely with the Food Safety Manager if there is one staffed on campus, otherwise you will work with the onsite manager or chef. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in the field of food science, food safety, quality assurance, or dietetics. Learn about practical food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles in an active food service environment. Assist in execution of food safety program.
You Must Possess:
- Interest in the world of Contract Food Service Management
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
- Must be undergraduate student
- Detail orientation with strong organizational skills
- Enjoy building relationships
- General working knowledge of food service
- General interest and knowledge of food safety, sanitation and HACCP principles
- ServSafe or equivalent ANSI certified food safety certification
Interest in one or more of the following:
- Food Safety
- Food Science
- Quality Assurance
- Sanitation Systems
- HACCP
- Supply Chain Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Environmental Health
- Food Microbiology
- Food Code Compliance
Job Responsibilities (May include any or all):
Under the supervision of onsite Quality Assurance Manager
- Maintain cohesive database of all food safety metrics that can be used for tracking and trending compliance
- Conduct routine food safety self-inspections
- Conduct one-on-one or group food safety training sessions
- Work with Quality Assurance Managers to find solutions to food safety challenges
- Participate in Board of Health inspections
- Participate in third party food safety audits
- Assist in the development of impactful of audit corrective action plans that include preventative measures
- Participate in completion of corrective action plans
- Help monitor sustained improvement related to action items
- Work with Managers and Chefs to ensure all corrective /preventative action is effective and sustained
- Work with Managers and Chefs on continual improvement
- Observe food safety handling of associates and identify opportunities for improvement
- Participate in monitoring food temperatures through HACCP
- Assess HACCP program compliance deficiencies and develop strategies for improvement
Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate awareness, understanding and skills necessary to work in a diverse environment
- Understand HACCP and how HACCP principles are applied in a food service environment
- Develop and execute a project as assigned by mentor to address a specific area of concern or opportunity for improvement
- Understand food service sanitation systems and processes
- Understand how cleaning and sanitizing programs are most effectively executed and validated
- Understand the food recall process and the role of retail food service in the process
- Be familiar with the Big 8 food allergens, and understand how the risk of allergic reactions is managed in retail food service
- Be familiar with common crisis scenarios the affect food service operations (loss of power, loss of water, boiled water notice, foodborne illness outbreaks, etc.) and the proper responses to these events
This is a paid intern position; however, it is not eligible for paid time off (PTO) or benefits such as medical, dental, vision, etc.
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Maryland, Washington State, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf
Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods. Business needs may vary from year to year.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.
Location:
- We are hiring for a Food Safety Intern position to start in January.
- Address: 411 S. Limestone Lexington, KY Note: online applications accepted only.
- Schedule: To be determined based on class schedule and business needs.
- Requirement: Hospitality, Environmental Health or Workplace safety experience is preferred.
- Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour.
We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1589929.
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.
Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!
General Description:
In this role, you will work closely with the Food Safety Manager if there is one staffed on campus, otherwise you will work with the onsite manager or chef. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in the field of food science, food safety, quality assurance, or dietetics. Learn about practical food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles in an active food service environment. Assist in execution of food safety program.
You Must Possess:
- Interest in the world of Contract Food Service Management
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
- Must be undergraduate student
- Detail orientation with strong organizational skills
- Enjoy building relationships
- General working knowledge of food service
- General interest and knowledge of food safety, sanitation and HACCP principles
- ServSafe or equivalent ANSI certified food safety certification
Interest in one or more of the following:
- Food Safety
- Food Science
- Quality Assurance
- Sanitation Systems
- HACCP
- Supply Chain Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Environmental Health
- Food Microbiology
- Food Code Compliance
Job Responsibilities (May include any or all):
Under the supervision of onsite Quality Assurance Manager
- Maintain cohesive database of all food safety metrics that can be used for tracking and trending compliance
- Conduct routine food safety self-inspections
- Conduct one-on-one or group food safety training sessions
- Work with Quality Assurance Managers to find solutions to food safety challenges
- Participate in Board of Health inspections
- Participate in third party food safety audits
- Assist in the development of impactful of audit corrective action plans that include preventative measures
- Participate in completion of corrective action plans
- Help monitor sustained improvement related to action items
- Work with Managers and Chefs to ensure all corrective /preventative action is effective and sustained
- Work with Managers and Chefs on continual improvement
- Observe food safety handling of associates and identify opportunities for improvement
- Participate in monitoring food temperatures through HACCP
- Assess HACCP program compliance deficiencies and develop strategies for improvement
Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate awareness, understanding and skills necessary to work in a diverse environment
- Understand HACCP and how HACCP principles are applied in a food service environment
- Develop and execute a project as assigned by mentor to address a specific area of concern or opportunity for improvement
- Understand food service sanitation systems and processes
- Understand how cleaning and sanitizing programs are most effectively executed and validated
- Understand the food recall process and the role of retail food service in the process
- Be familiar with the Big 8 food allergens, and understand how the risk of allergic reactions is managed in retail food service
- Be familiar with common crisis scenarios the affect food service operations (loss of power, loss of water, boiled water notice, foodborne illness outbreaks, etc.) and the proper responses to these events
This is a paid intern position; however, it is not eligible for paid time off (PTO) or benefits such as medical, dental, vision, etc.
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Maryland, Washington State, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf
Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods. Business needs may vary from year to year.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.
Food Safety Specialist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Food Safety Specialist Internship Search
Apply for summer roles in the fall
Large food manufacturers and consumer packaged goods companies open summer internship applications as early as August or September. If you wait until spring, the structured cohort programs are often closed. Set a reminder to start searching in early fall so you're applying in the first wave, not chasing leftover spots.
Build a project portfolio before you apply
Without a long work history, your portfolio does the heavy lifting. Document two or three food safety projects with clear outcomes, a completed HACCP plan, a sanitation SOP, a mock regulatory audit, or a food labeling compliance analysis. Recruiters want something to assess, and these artifacts show you can do the actual work.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied directly to your university, and professors with industry connections often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside your campus activity widens the pool you can reach and surfaces roles that never appear at fairs.
Practice the food safety intern interview format out loud
Food safety intern screens typically include scenario-based questions on HACCP principles, root cause analysis, and regulatory compliance situations. Practice walking through your reasoning out loud, not just arriving at an answer, because interviewers weigh how you think through a food safety problem as much as the conclusion you reach.
Target structured co-op and rotational programs early
Many large food companies and ingredient suppliers run formal co-op or rotational internship programs designed to train people new to the field, rotating interns across quality, sanitation, and regulatory teams. These programs recruit months ahead of their start dates and fill fast, so identify the ones that fit your school schedule and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 100% of the food safety specialist internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start sorting through listings so you're not spending time on roles you can't take. Filter by location and work type first on Migrate Mate, then focus your applications on the openings that actually fit.
Food Safety Specialist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a food safety specialist internship?
Lead with coursework, lab reports, and completed food safety projects rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A documented HACCP plan, sanitation audit, or food safety case study gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where food safety recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a food safety specialist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What drives it for food safety specialist interns is consistent performance on real audits or compliance projects, available headcount, and acting on return-offer conversations before the internship ends. Position yourself well, but keep applying to other roles so you're not counting on a single outcome.
When should I apply for food safety specialist internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large food companies and manufacturers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often wrapping up hiring by November or December. Smaller companies, co-ops, and regional food producers post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly means you won't miss roles from either type of employer.
Are food safety specialist internships paid?
Most professional food safety specialist internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and you'll see it disclosed directly in listings where the employer includes it. Unpaid internships exist but are less common at established food manufacturers and regulatory consulting firms.
What should a food safety specialist internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Feature two or three documented projects showing tools and methodologies used, a completed HACCP plan, a sanitation standard operating procedure you authored, or a food safety audit report are the proof artifacts that matter most for this role. Add relevant coursework in food science, microbiology, or regulatory compliance, and keep the resume to one page.
Are there remote food safety specialist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the food safety specialist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they draw applicants from across the country, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
What is a food safety co-op internship?
Co-op programs place food safety students with an employer for a full semester or academic term, longer than a standard summer internship, and are common at universities with accredited food science programs. They recruit early, often partner directly with specific schools, and are competitive because the extended duration gives employers meaningful time to evaluate candidates for future full-time roles.
Can international students get food safety specialist internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
See All 16 Food Safety Specialist Internship Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Food Safety Specialist Internships