SENIOR SANITATION AND SAFETY SPECIALIST - 4200080 1

State of Florida • Venice, FL

2d • $43,832 - $52,598 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Food Safety, Bureau of Retail Foods. The headquarters for this position is negotiable within Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota County. The role involves conducting regulatory inspections of food establishments to ensure compliance with sanitation and consumer protection requirements, utilizing a risk-based approach. It also includes performing inspections for federal partners, evaluating new food establishments, and interpreting public health laws for establishment personnel. The specialist will initiate enforcement actions when necessary and may assist in other areas of the state. Additional duties include conducting joint regulatory inspections, managing electronic inspection systems, investigating consumer complaints, and responding to foodborne illness outbreaks. The role requires independent professional judgment and the ability to provide testimony in legal proceedings. The specialist will also inspect and test foods for compliance with consumer protection standards, including label reviews and sample collection for laboratory analysis. Operation and maintenance of inspection equipment are also responsibilities. Administrative functions include preparing accurate reports and timely submission of various documents. The position requires adherence to department policies and professional conduct.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and two (2) years of professional work experience; OR A bachelor's degree (4 years) or higher from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of professional work experience.
• Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• Employees appointed to positions involved in food establishment inspections must pass and maintain the training and certification required by Rule 5K-4.021, Florida Administrative Code, within 12 months of appointment.
• This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of s.112.313, F.S., and Section 60L – 36.003, Florida Administrative Code.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to use technical critical thinking skills.
• Maintain expertise in pathogenic microbial organisms associated with food-borne disease.
• Ability to operate a computer to access, input and retrieve electronic information.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of program goals, strategies, policies and procedures of the department.
• Skill in completing and maintaining accurate records.
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the electronic inspection system.
• Must reside in required areas as specified in Division Policy A-10.
• Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Graduates utilizing education attained in the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree has been obtained.
• Foreign trained graduates utilizing a degree attained outside of the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position must be prepared to provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency.

Responsibilities

• Conducting regulatory inspections of food establishments for compliance with regulatory, sanitation, and consumer protection requirements.
• Utilizing a risk-based approach to evaluate processing methods, production controls, equipment design, structural design and maintenance, and personnel practices.
• Performing inspections/reviews for contract or cooperative agreement programs with federal partners (FDA, USDA).
• Performing initial inspections on food establishments, evaluating food processes and activities to determine specific business requirements.
• Utilizing science-based knowledge to determine compliance with environmental and sanitation regulations.
• Performing joint inspections/investigations with FDA and other federal, state, and local agencies.
• Preparing reports to document regulatory deficiencies.
• Interpreting and explaining public health laws, rules, and sanitation and safety standards to food establishment personnel.
• Advising management of necessary corrective actions.
• Initiating stop sale orders, stop use orders, destruction reports, release notices, and movement of goods under stop sale orders.
• Assisting as needed in other areas of the state.
• Conducting all aspects of joint regulatory inspections of retail food establishments with FDACS inspection staff who require additional training.
• Responsible for assignment and co-ownership of requests in the electronic inspection system.
• Investigating consumer complaints.
• Conducting follow-up reporting.
• Investigating food-borne illnesses.
• Handling information requests from consumers.
• Opening inspections for new businesses.
• Performing special inspections of fire or flood damaged food establishments.
• Inspecting foods in vehicles involved in accidents.
• Conducting disaster surveillance.
• Independently exercising professional judgment and instituting appropriate enforcement actions.
• Using effective judgment, knowledge of statutes and rules, and awareness of legal implications for compliance with regulations, sanitation, cleanliness, labeling, and other food safety regulations.
• Interviewing and taking statements and affidavits from coworkers, industry, consumers, and other government officials regarding alleged violations.
• Providing testimony, documentation, and/or affidavits to support search and seizure warrants and/or prosecution through administrative, regulatory, civil, and criminal hearings.
• Inspecting and testing foods for compliance with consumer protection standards.
• Conducting inspections and reporting results of food testing using various procedures and methods.
• Reviewing food labels for misrepresentation and inclusion of mandatory consumer information.
• Evaluating advertising matter for possible product misrepresentation.
• Selecting food samples for laboratory analysis.
• Investigating and collecting food and environmental samples when circumstances indicate possible food adulteration or other violations.
• Operating, calibrating, and maintaining inspection test equipment (thermometers, sanitizer test kits, ph meters, etc.).
• Preparing and timely submitting accurate and complete inspection reports, sample collection reports, food permit applications, consumer complaint reports, daily activity reports, travel vouchers, expense vouchers, supply requisitions, and other required documents.
• Attending designated training sessions and courses.
• Following department policies and procedures and conducting official duties in a professional manner.
• Performing other related duties as may be assigned.

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 other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

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