Environmental Health Specialist - 1

Allen County Government • Fort Wayne, IN

2d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Food and Consumer Protection Division Director, the Environmental Health Specialist I – Food protects the public’s health and safety by inspecting food establishments including restaurants, schools, markets, temporary food establishments and mobile units and ensures compliance with the Indiana Food Code, Allen County Food and Beverage Ordinance and Allen County Tattoo and Body Piercing Ordinance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Public Health or related field and experience with restaurant management or public health preferred. Education degrees considered.
• Scientific background with knowledge of identifying microbial agents and how time and temperature affects pathogen growth, pH, measurement of chemical concentration and heat transfer preferred
• Successful certification in “ServSafe” food safety program within 1 year of employment
• Knowledge of transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens preferred
• Knowledge and interpretation of Federal and Local regulations related to food and tattoo/body piercing safety
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and Accela (or other) data platforms for inspections and enforcement
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Judgment needed to apply codes and the intent behind the requirement and in the determination of the risks involved through observation on inspections
• Ability to respond on a 24/7 basis when on-call
• Valid Driver’s License
• ServSafe Certification within six months of employment
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification upon employment as required for all public health staff.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for food establishment inspections including routine, complaint, follow-up investigations, reportable disease/outbreak, temporary/mobile event units, and all food-related emergencies. Cites establishments for failure to obtain proper permits and works toward compliance using education-based techniques.
• Educates food establishment managers and food handlers regarding proper food sanitation.
• Responsible for tattoo and body-piercing facility inspections during larger events so must be cross-trained and able to educate and conduct enforcement on all facets of these facilities in accordance with applicable rules.
• Educates tattoo and body piercing personnel regarding proper handling of infectious waste and universal precautions to prevent the transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens and infectious diseases.
• Responsible for required data entry utilizing mobile equipment in the field, recall inspections and all appropriate paperwork.
• Responds to public health emergencies regarding clinics and food-borne outbreaks. Conducts foodborne illness investigations, including gathering information, samples for analysis and complete reports.
• Responsible for being the Department’s food division on-call response representative for after-hours emergency food-related occurrences for one full week, 24/7, nearly every 5th or 6th week.
• Refers imminent health hazards and willful and continuous violations to supervisor for immediate response or administrative hearing. Assures proper resolution of code violations.
• Responsible for assisting with urgent public health outreach efforts including, but not limited to clinics, foodborne outbreaks, and other needed interventions.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level