Environmental Health Specialist I or II – Food Safety

Positions of this class are responsible for protecting the health of citizens by enforcing environmental health rules and regulations in the County’s service area. Employees are usually assigned to one of the following specialized areas: subsurface sewage disposal, retail food establishment, solid and hazardous waste, or water quality. Assists in other environmental health programs as assigned.

Our department values our community’s diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. Our department also encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

This is a full-time position represented by LIUNA Local 335.

• Design/Plan Review – the EHS will review designs and plans such as food establishment floor plans, food preparation plans, and Toolkits of various topics. This review is critical to ensure the facility or infrastructure and operational plans are in compliance with State and Local requirements.
• Site Inspections – the EHS will ensure food establishment matches design and plan criteria and that operations are conducted in compliance with state and local codes. These inspections ensure processes and practices protect the public health and prevent injury.
• Enforcement of Regulation – an EHS will routinely initiate enforcement when regulations are not met. The goal is to ensure compliance with public health rules. It is common for an EHS to issue Follow-up inspections, Probation Inspection, and sometimes temporary Closure Notices. In some instances, the EHS will partner with other agencies that can improve the process or offer resources to the one with whom enforcement is being pursued.
• Complaint and Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigation – an EHS will investigate complaints and illness potentially associated with a food establishment by performing record research, site visits, interviews, and investigations. Investigations can include obtaining clinical specimens, collecting food samples, and tracing possible sources of contamination, and working with external partners. All complaint and outbreak investigations conclude with a written summary of findings.
• Technical Assistance – the EHS often provides technical expertise and education to property owners, business owners, food workers, the general public, entrepreneurs, county departments, and other stakeholders. This task can include significant research and communication. Subject areas most commonly include food safety practices, regulatory requirements, and facility requirements.

The position may be asked to work in other EPH programs as needed. Organizational responsibilities include understanding and promoting the public health mission of the department; providing courteous, respectful, efficient customer service to all Public Health customers; honoring diversity of all department employees and constituents; participating in Emergency Preparedness activities and on-call rotations; striving for personal excellence in public health work.