Food Safety Specialist (Central Iowa)
About The Position
This professional-level position offers the freedom to work independently, manage your own work schedule, and provides an opportunity for a good work-life balance. Food Safety Specialists are primarily responsible for conducting risk-based inspections of a variety of food and lodging businesses. Specialists work four ten-hour days and typically begin and end their work day at home. They are equipped with a state vehicle, inspection equipment, extensive training, a comprehensive support system, and the knowledge they need to thrive. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to Dallas, Polk, or Story counties in Iowa. DIAL's mission is to Achieve Compliance Through Education, Regulation, and Due Process for a Safe and Healthy Iowa. DIAL is comprised of eight core operational divisions, including Administrative Hearings, Health & Safety, and Licensing. The agency is 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. Some inspections are conducted virtually. During a risk-based inspection, Specialists observe food handling and sanitation practices, ask investigative questions, identify critical food safety gaps and regulatory violations, and work with operators to make timely corrections. They also provide food safety education and resources to food businesses.
Requirements
- Knowledge of the food industry.
- High level of organization and communication skills.
- Experience solving problems.
- High standards of professional conduct.
- Curious, inquisitive and detail-oriented.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in natural science; OR An equivalent combination of experience and education substituting one year of full-time professional work in an environmental, radiation control, environmental health or food sanitation program for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education.
- 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).
Responsibilities
- Conducting risk-based inspections of a variety of food and lodging businesses.
- Planning and completing assigned inspections according to policies and procedures.
- Observing food handling and sanitation practices and behaviors in restaurants, grocery stores, food trucks, food stands, food processing facilities and other food businesses.
- Asking investigative and informational questions to understand food preparation processes from beginning to end.
- Identifying critical food safety gaps and regulatory violations and working directly with operators to make timely corrections.
- Providing food safety education and resources to food businesses.
Benefits
- 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.
- Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
