SANITATION AND SAFETY SPECIALIST - 42001584 1

State of Florida • Winter Park, FL

3d • $41,000 - $56,580 • Onsite

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), pursuant to Chapter 500, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 5K-4, Florida Administrative Code. The inspector uses a risk-based approach to evaluate food processing methods, production controls, equipment and structural design and maintenance, and personnel practices to ensure foods are safe and prepared, packed, distributed, and stored under sanitary conditions. The position may also conduct inspections or reviews under contract and cooperative programs with federal partners, including the FDA and USDA, and opening inspections to assess a new establishment’s processes and activities.

The role applies science-based knowledge to assess environmental and sanitation compliance for specialized food processes, including reduced oxygen packaging, low-acid food processing, seafood processing, and acidified foods. The inspector documents deficiencies, explains relevant public health laws and standards to establishment personnel, advises management on corrective actions, and initiates enforcement actions when warranted. Other inspection duties include consumer complaint and food-borne illness investigations, follow-up reporting, special inspections, consumer information requests, and emergency or disaster response.

The specialist inspects and tests foods for compliance with consumer protection standards, including sampling, label review, and evaluation of advertising for possible misrepresentation. The position operates, calibrates, and maintains inspection testing equipment. Administrative responsibilities include preparing accurate, timely reports and other required records, attending designated training, and conducting official duties professionally in accordance with department policies and procedures. The position requires occasional travel, residence in designated areas, and some evening, weekend, holiday, overnight, or extended travel activity. Employees conducting food establishment inspections must pass and maintain required training and certification within 12 months of appointment. A background screening, including fingerprinting, is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma and one year of professional work experience, or a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, which may substitute for the one year of professional work experience.
• Valid Class E driver license.
• Must pass and maintain food establishment inspection training and certification required by Rule 5K-4.021, Florida Administrative Code, within 12 months of appointment.
• Must reside in areas specified by Division Policy A-10.
• 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, relevant microorganisms and growth conditions, control measures, and application to HACCP plans or other food processes.
• Working knowledge of food additives, preservatives, coloring agents, and chemicals used in or incidental to food processing and storage.
• Ability to document sanitation and regulatory discrepancies and advise management on corrective actions.
• Ability to test foods and use test kits and equipment.
• Working knowledge of statutes and rules establishing food requirements.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and conduct inspections and enforcement actions appropriately.
• Ability to prepare accurate and timely reports.
• Knowledge of personal computer hardware and software resources; skill in using personal computers; and ability to troubleshoot basic hardware and software operation problems.
• Ability to train and instruct others using sound communication skills.
• Must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regulatory, risk-based inspections of food establishments for compliance with food safety, sanitation, and consumer protection requirements.
• Evaluate food processing methods, production controls, equipment, structures, maintenance, and personnel practices.
• Conduct inspections or reviews under federal contract or cooperative programs, including programs with the FDA and USDA.
• Perform opening inspections and assess food processes and activities to determine applicable requirements.
• Evaluate specialized food processing and sanitation practices, including reduced oxygen packaging, low-acid food processing, seafood processing, and acidified foods.
• Document regulatory deficiencies, explain laws and standards to establishment personnel, and advise management about corrective action.
• Initiate stop sale orders, stop use orders, destruction reports, release notices, and movement of goods under stop sale orders when indicated.
• Investigate consumer complaints and food-borne illness incidents; conduct follow-up reporting, special inspections, and consumer information responses.
• Respond to disaster and emergency situations, operate under incident command when required, and periodically handle emergency or request calls.
• Exercise professional judgment and institute appropriate enforcement actions.
• Inspect and test foods for compliance with consumer protection standards using required sampling procedures.
• Review food labels for misrepresentation and mandatory consumer information, and evaluate advertising for possible product misrepresentation.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain inspection testing equipment, including thermometers, sanitizer test kits, pH meters, associated equipment, and reagents.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely inspection, sample collection, permit, complaint, activity, travel, expense, requisition, and other required documents.
• Attend designated training sessions and courses and follow department policies and procedures.
• Assist in other areas of the state and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Train and instruct others when needed.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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