SANITATION AND SAFETY SPECIALIST - 42000835

State of Florida • Oviedo, FL

1d • $47,150 - $56,580

About The Position

The Sanitation and Safety Specialist (Food Safety Inspector) conducts regulatory inspections of food establishments under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), applying Florida statutes and rules to assess regulatory compliance, sanitation, and consumer protection. Using a risk-based approach, the specialist evaluates food processing methods, production controls, equipment and building design and maintenance, and personnel practices to ensure food for human consumption is safe and handled under sanitary conditions. The role may include inspections or reviews for federal contract or cooperative programs, opening inspections for new businesses, and assessment of specialized processes such as reduced oxygen packaging, low-acid food processing, seafood processing, and acidified foods.

The specialist documents deficiencies, explains applicable public health requirements, and advises establishment management about corrective actions. Depending on findings, the specialist may initiate enforcement actions such as stop-sale or stop-use orders, destruction reports, release notices, or movement of goods under stop-sale orders. Other duties include investigating complaints and food-borne illness, conducting special inspections, responding to emergencies, inspecting and testing foods, reviewing labels and advertising, and operating and maintaining inspection equipment. The role also requires preparing accurate and timely reports and administrative documents, attending designated training, following department policies, and representing FDACS professionally.

The position headquarters is negotiable within Flagler and Seminole County. Occasional travel is required, and some work may involve evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight travel, or extended travel. Employees must reside in areas specified by Division Policy A-10. The successful applicant must pass background screening, including fingerprinting. Employees conducting food-establishment inspections must pass and maintain required training and certification within 12 months of appointment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of professional work experience, or a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in substitution for the one year of professional work experience.
• Possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• Pass and maintain the training and certification required by Rule 5K-4.021, Florida Administrative Code, within 12 months of appointment for employees conducting food-establishment inspections.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Knowledge of biological, chemical, physical, and environmental factors affecting food safety and related control measures.
• Ability to evaluate food-establishment structures, environments, equipment, methods, and controls for regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of specialized food processing, pathogenic microorganisms, food-borne illness controls, and food safety HACCP plans.
• Working knowledge of food additives, preservatives, coloring agents, and chemicals used in food processing and storage.
• Ability to document sanitation and regulatory discrepancies and advise management on corrective action.
• Ability to test foods and use test kits and/or equipment.
• Working knowledge of statutes and rules establishing food requirements.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and institute appropriate enforcement actions.
• Ability to prepare accurate and timely reports.
• Knowledge and skill in using personal computer hardware and software, including troubleshooting basic hardware or software operation problems.
• Ability to train and instruct others using effective communication skills.
• Must reside in required areas specified in Division Policy A-10.
• Successful completion of a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regulatory inspections of food establishments for compliance with food safety, sanitation, consumer protection, and related requirements.
• Evaluate food processing methods, production controls, equipment, facilities, and personnel practices using a risk-based approach.
• Conduct opening inspections and assess business-specific food processes and activities.
• Perform inspections or reviews for applicable federal contract or cooperative programs.
• Document regulatory deficiencies, explain applicable laws and standards, and advise management on corrective actions.
• Initiate appropriate enforcement actions, including stop-sale and stop-use orders, destruction reports, release notices, and movement of goods under stop-sale orders.
• Investigate consumer complaints and food-borne illnesses; conduct follow-up reporting and respond to consumer information requests.
• Conduct special inspections, including those involving fire- or flood-damaged establishments, foods in vehicles involved in accidents, multi-agency investigations, and special projects.
• Respond to disaster and emergency situations, operate under an incident command structure when required, and periodically handle emergency or request calls.
• Inspect and test foods for compliance with consumer protection standards using required sampling procedures and test methods.
• Review food labels and advertising for required consumer information and potential misrepresentation.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain inspection testing equipment, including thermometers, sanitizer test kits, pH meters, and related equipment and reagents.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely inspection, sample collection, permit, complaint, activity, travel, expense, requisition, and other required reports and documents.
• Attend designated training sessions and courses, follow department policies and procedures, and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Assist in other areas of the state as needed.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State group insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options with employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED