Consumer Protection Specialist/Senior Consumer Protection Specialist

GUNNISON COUNTY•Gunnison, CO

4d•$34 - $43•Onsite

About The Position

Gunnison County is hiring a Consumer Protection Specialist or Senior Consumer Protection Specialist in its Environmental Health & Consumer Protection program within the Department of Health & Human Services. The selected level and compensation will depend on the candidate’s education, relevant experience, certifications, and demonstrated technical expertise. This is an onsite, full-time, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position in Gunnison, Colorado, with a Monday–Friday schedule. Pay is based on qualifications and experience. The position protects public health throughout Gunnison County by ensuring food safety, promoting environmental health, and helping regulated businesses understand and meet regulatory requirements. The work combines inspections, investigations, regulatory enforcement, education, training, and technical assistance. The specialist serves as a resource for local businesses and community partners while applying established public health standards and addressing noncompliance professionally. The role includes inspections of restaurants, retail food establishments, schools, childcare facilities, camps, and other regulated facilities; investigations of complaints and environmental health concerns; evaluation of food handling and storage practices; documentation and enforcement; and support for consumer protection programs and regulatory reporting. The position also collaborates with CDPHE and other agencies, assists with communicable disease, vector control, and other public health investigations, and participates in emergency preparedness and response. The employee must hold a valid Colorado driver’s license and have a satisfactory motor vehicle record, successfully complete a fingerprint-based CBI background check, travel regularly throughout Gunnison County and Colorado, and complete ICS 100, 200, and 700 within the first year. The employee must be able to perform field inspections in varied indoor and outdoor environments, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specific education, experience, and certification requirements vary by position level.

Requirements

Educational background in a science-related field, preferably food science, microbiology, infectious disease, environmental health, public health, or a closely related discipline.
Knowledge of food safety, food science, environmental health, and applicable regulations.
Experience or demonstrated ability in education, training, or technical guidance, including explaining scientific and regulatory information clearly and practically.
Ability to enforce regulations confidently, address noncompliance, navigate difficult conversations, and make sound, defensible decisions with professionalism and fairness.
Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate with businesses, community members, and regulatory partners.
Valid Colorado driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record.
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background check with CBI.
Ability to travel regularly throughout Gunnison County and Colorado.
Completion of ICS 100, 200, and 700 within the first year of employment.
Ability to perform field inspections in varied indoor and outdoor environments, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting food safety inspections, environmental health investigations, or regulatory compliance activities.
Experience developing or delivering food safety education, training programs, or community outreach initiatives.
HACCP certification.
Retail Food Establishment Standardized Inspector certification.
Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS) certification.
Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) certification.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Conduct inspections of restaurants, retail food establishments, schools, childcare facilities, camps, and other regulated facilities.
Investigate food safety complaints, environmental health concerns, and potential violations of state and local regulations.
Evaluate food handling, preparation, processing, transportation, and storage practices to identify and address public health risks.
Document inspection findings, communicate corrective actions, and take appropriate enforcement measures to ensure compliance.
Conduct scheduled inspections, complaint investigations, and follow-up visits according to established requirements.
Maintain accurate inspection records, reports, and regulatory documentation.
Support compliance with state and federal inspection standards and established program procedures.
Identify emerging public health concerns and collaborate to address potential risks.
Provide food safety education, training, and technical assistance to businesses, community organizations, and staff.
Explain food science, public health principles, and regulatory requirements in practical, understandable terms.
Support public education initiatives promoting safe food practices and prevention of foodborne illness.
Build collaborative relationships with businesses, regulatory agencies, and community partners while maintaining clear compliance expectations.
Collaborate with CDPHE and other agencies on environmental health matters.
Assist with investigations involving communicable disease risks, vector control, and public health concerns.
Support program reporting, data collection, and regulatory compliance activities.
Participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Vacation leave earned at 8 hours per month, with accruals increasing based on years of service.
Sick leave earned at 8 hours per month.
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account options.
Dependent Care FSA.
Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance equal to 1x annual salary.
Supplemental life and AD&D insurance options for employees, spouses, and children.
Employer-supported retirement plans through the Colorado Retirement Association (CRA).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee wellness programs and events.
Discounted gym memberships and pet insurance.
Employer-paid Norton LifeLock membership.
Potential access to County workforce housing, subject to availability.
3% employer contribution to a 401(a).
Up to 3% employer match for voluntary contributions to a 457(b).
Employer Social Security and Medicare contributions.