Public Health Specialist , II or III

Public Health Specialist I, II or III – Oklahoma State Department of Health, Elk City

Agency: 340 Oklahoma State Department of Health

Location:

Elk City – 400 East Third

Employment Type:

Full time (Regular)

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 8:00–5:00

Salary:
Level I: up to $52,030.00, Level II: up to $59,290.00, Level III: up to $63,800.00, based on education and experience.

The Public Health Specialist is responsible for planning, performing, or supervising technical and professional work involving consumer protection and public health services. Duties include inspections, surveys, investigations, compliance enforcement, consultative services, emergency response, and health risk assessment across regulated facilities and food establishments.

• Conduct inspections, surveys, and investigations of food establishments, lodging facilities, barber shops, public bathing places, schools, day care centers, nursing homes, hospitals, and other regulated facilities to identify health hazards, monitor food supplies, provide training and technical assistance, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Respond to complaints regarding food‑borne illnesses, adulterated foods, tampering, recalls, and infestations, and perform related investigations.
• Review epidemiological reports and complaints, conduct environmental assessments, prepare specimens for testing, and perform inspections for lead contamination and other hazards.
• Provide emergency response services for food‑related incidents, including fires, transportation accidents, contamination events, and power outages; conduct investigations as needed, including weekends and nights.
• Perform field tests for chemical sanitizing agents, collect and transport food samples, and maintain legal chain of custody.
• Direct embargo and disposal of unfit food products; evaluate imminent hazards warranting facility closure.
• Prepare records, reports, and correspondence on regulatory actions, conduct follow‑up inspections, testify at hearings, and serve as court witness when required.
• Assist in developing and implementing county Emergency Response Plans and bioterrorism training exercises; serve as responder in terrorist events.
• Maintain presence in the office as an essential function.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrate knowledge of mission, vision, values, policies, confidentiality standards, and code of ethical behavior.
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment.

• Level I: Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours in a biological, medical, physical, food science, chemistry, nutrition, engineering, epidemiology, or closely related field.
• Level II: Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours in a related field plus one year of professional public health or consumer protection experience, or a master’s degree and successful completion of state standardization for food establishment inspections.
• Level III: Bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental health, environmental science, or similar with at least 30 semester hours in related sciences, plus three years of professional experience and state standardization for food establishment inspections; or a master’s degree and two years of professional experience with state standardization.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
• Applicants must provide documentation of required education, certification, or licensure.
• All applicants are subject to a background check.

• Knowledge of public health issues in regulated establishments, food microbiology, basic epidemiology and chemistry, statistical analysis, food processing techniques, and applicable regulations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, communicate findings, conduct inspections & investigations, manage emergencies, and work collaboratively.

• State paid benefit allowance for insurance premiums.
• Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre‑existing condition exclusions.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Retirement savings plan with generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in first year for full‑time employees.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Student loan repayment options and tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies.
• Longevity bonus for years of service.

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.