Compliance & Food Safety Officer

About Berkeley

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As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

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Departmental Overview

In the Division of Student Affairs and under the Residential Student Services Programs portfolio, Cal Dining is a self-operated dining program focused on culinary excellence, social responsibility and supporting the living/learning environment of our customers. With more than 12,000 meal plan holders, Berkeley Dining serves over 5 million meals per year in 14 facilities with a combination of residential 'all you care to eat' dining, retail 'a la carte' dining, training table, early childhood meal production and catering. Berkeley Dining services the campus seven days per week, seventeen hours per day employing 450 full and part time staff and approximately 400 Cal student workers across multiple locations.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the incumbent is responsible for researching, developing, testing, implementing, training, documenting, monitoring, and evaluating department food and occupational safety processes and procedures. Incumbent will provide departmental oversight and support the standardization of food safety practices, regulatory compliance, and sustainability standards. This position will supervise a customer-facing dietitian and a Culinary Trainer, who will provide hands-on training support. This position will create auditing programs and materials to be used at all dining units on a regular basis defined after an initial 6-month research period.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: April 14, 2026

Responsibilities

Documentation, Auditing, and Compliance Oversight

• Conduct routine and ad hoc internal food safety audits as well as facility and equipment inspections
• Prepare corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plans to ensure safe work practices and food safety standards are implemented
• Maintain all food safety, compliance, and workplace safety documentation
• Develop, maintain, and implement standardized compliance and auditing materials in alignment with HACCP principles, GMPs, local/state food regulations, and internal quality standards
• Identify trends, risks, and compliance gaps; provide written recommendations for corrective actions
• Audit compliance-related documentation such as food production logs, time and temperature logs, allergen signage, sanitation logs, and waste tracking
• Attend and support Dining Safety Committee meetings as the departmental liaison
• Collaborate with Divisional Safety Officer, EH&S, UHS, and unit management on safety initiatives
• Analyze workplace accident data and recommend improvements
• Consult on new location planning to ensure alignment with Food Retail Code and safety standards
• Support training and documentation needs during new unit openings
• Ensure required certifications (Food Protection Manager, Allergen, etc.) are maintained

Analysis & Communication

• Track trends in audit findings and safety incidents
• Recommend training needs and process improvements
• Gather and analyze compliance metrics
• Stay informed on regulatory changes
• Prepare reports for leadership and regulatory agencies
• Act as liaison for complaint investigations

Training Programs & Materials

• Develop and maintain SOPs and quality control systems
• Ensure safety documentation is current and accessible
• Manage training programs in food safety, allergen awareness, sustainability, occupational safety, and equipment maintenance
• Support hands-on training delivery
• Oversee chemical program, including inventory and compliance

Supervision & Leadership

• Draft and recommend policies for standardization
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and accountability
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance oversight
• Conduct check-ins and support professional development
• Oversee dietitian and meal plan accommodations
• Address cross-contact and accommodation concerns
• Collaborate on performance management and disciplinary processes

Professional development & other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interpret complex policies, regulations, and data
• Ability to draft clear, enforceable policies and SOPs
• Experience developing training programs for large organizations
• Familiarity with adult-learning theory
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and California Retail Food Code
• Ability to learn Cal OSHA standards
• Ability to translate audit findings into action
• Strong communication, flexibility, critical thinking, and time management
• Experience working with diverse teams
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Public Health, Hospitality Management, or related field and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Food Protection Manager Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing allergen control programs
• CCC certification (American Culinary Federation)
• IHA-accredited HACCP Certification
• ANAB-accredited Food Allergy Certificate