Environmental Health Program Manager - Plan Review
About The Position
Join Wake County’s Environmental Health & Safety team as the Director of the Plan Review & Recreational Sanitation Section (PRRS)! The PRRS team plays a critical role in protecting public health by ensuring facilities are designed, built, and operated to meet state and local sanitation standards. This role is for a forward-thinking, relationship-oriented leader to guide this essential program. Wake County’s Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Division consists of 33 talented professionals dedicated to safeguarding public health. The Division houses two key sections: Food, Lodging & Institution Sanitation (FLIS) and Plan Review & Recreational Sanitation (PRRS). PRRS is responsible for reviewing construction plans, conducting site visits, permitting new facilities, and enforcing both State sanitation laws and the County’s public swimming pool ordinance. This work ensures that facilities, including restaurants, hospitals, child and adult care facilities, lodging establishments, summer camps, mobile food units, and public swimming pools, are built to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors. As the Director of PRRS, you will lead the section’s strategic direction, daily operations, and customer-focused service delivery. You’ll collaborate closely with municipalities, partner agencies, and field staff to ensure plan review and sanitation processes are accurate, efficient, and consistent across the County. You will also oversee annual business planning, budgeting, policy development, and staff performance, ensuring the Section maintains excellence in compliance, service, and innovation.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science or related field
- Five years of experience in environmental health, environmental planning, inspections or engineering
- Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Extensive knowledge of various environmental health disciplines: biology, chemistry, water and waste disposal, building codes, local, state and federal rules and regulations and NC General Statutes.
- Excellent supervisory and leadership skills.
- Ability to work with individuals at all levels in the business community.
- Ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information and identify solutions.
- Ability to enforce mandated rules and regulations.
- Ability to develop sound business and strategic plans.
- Ability to effectively communicate with employees, business managers/owners and the media.
Nice To Haves
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist with NC
- Supervisory experience
- Authorizations relative to the Section
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic management, planning, and overall direction for the PRRS Section.
- Supervise plan review field staff and support their professional development and performance.
- Prepare and implement the Section’s annual business plan and budget.
- Develop policies, objectives, priorities, and operational workflows that support Division goals.
- Administer and enforce mandated North Carolina environmental health and sanitation regulations.
- Enforce Wake County’s public swimming pool ordinance and align implementation with State standards.
- Ensure plans for new and renovated facilities meet all required public health and safety regulations.
- Oversee plan review for facilities such as food service establishments, childcare centers, lodging facilities, hospitals, mobile food units, summer camps, and public swimming pools.
- Conduct and/or coordinate construction visits to verify compliance during the build phase.
- Issue permits in collaboration with municipalities across Wake County.
- Partner with municipal planning and permitting departments to streamline workflows for clients.
- Deliver high-quality customer service by supporting applicants and providing clear regulatory guidance.
- Serve as a subject-matter expert for environmental health plan review and sanitation standards.
- Evaluate section operational effectiveness and implement improvements.
- Strengthen consistency, efficiency, and technological innovation within plan review processes.
- Promote education, outreach, and clear communication with regulated facilities and partners.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
