Food Safety Specialist (Central Iowa) Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County

Does the daily grind have you looking for a new opportunity? Are you seeking a professional level position that gives you the freedom to work independently, manage your own work schedule and provides an opportunity for a good work-life balance? Our team of Food Safety Specialists come from a variety of backgrounds and tend to have a passion for food and public service.

They are primarily responsible for conducting risk-based inspections of a variety of food and lodging businesses. Food Safety Specialists work four ten-hour days and typically begin and end their work day  equip them with a state vehicle, inspection equipment, extensive training, a comprehensive support system and the knowledge they need to thrive.

Candidates for this position must reside in or be willing to relocate to one of the following Iowa counties upon acceptance of the position;
Dallas, Polk or Story counties.

At DIAL, our mission is to Achieve Compliance Through Education, Regulation, and Due Process for a Safe and Healthy Iowa. We strive to be an effective, efficient, and approachable regulatory agency. DIAL is comprised of eight core operational divisions, including Administrative Hearings, Health & Safety, Licensing, and more. We’re not just a regulatory agency, we’re a team dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and overall well-being of Iowans.

Food Safety Specialists are assigned inspections in a specific geographic region and are responsible for conducting risk-based inspections using an electronic inspection system. They plan and complete assigned inspections according to policies and procedures. Some inspections are scheduled with the food business; however, most are unannounced. For the technology buffs, some of our inspections are conducted virtually.

During a risk-based inspection our Food Safety Specialists:

• Observe food handling and sanitation practices and behaviors in restaurants, grocery stores, food trucks, food stands, food processing facilities and other food business
• Ask investigative and informational questions to understand food preparation processes from beginning to end
• Identify critical food safety gaps and regulatory violations and work directly with operators to make timely corrections
• Provide food safety education and resources to food businesses

We’re looking for a motivated and organized professional who is passionate about food and public service. Successful candidates will possess the following skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of the food industry
• Possesses a high level of organization and communication skills
• Experience solving problems
• Displays high standards of professional conduct, and
• Curious, inquisitive and detail-oriented

Joining DIAL means contributing to a safer and healthier Iowa, and in return, you will enjoy:

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Four ten-hour working days a week
• Home-based work environment
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Optional 401A plan with employer contribution.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)

Background check required.

Food Science selective is required (12 semester hours in microbiology, biology, food science, chemistry, hospitality management or other science related to food safety OR 6 months of experience applying food science and microbiology knowledge to prepare or process food safely, including but not limited to managing a food establishment's food safety program, quality assurance staff, chef, or management of a food establishment or manufacturing facility;

experience applying food safety regulations such as the FDA Food Code or Good Manufacturing Practices; or a combination of both experience and education.

12 semester hours in microbiology,…