Environmental Health Program Specialist-Retail Food Protection, Lodging And Institutions

Salary: $52,137.00 - $68,783.00 Annually
Location : Hillsborough NC 27278, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 198-2023-881
Department: Health
Opening Date: 11/29/2023
Closing Date: 12/28/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
General Description
The Orange County Health Department has an opening for an Environmental Health Program Specialist in the Retail Food Protection, Lodging and Institutions Division. An employee of this class is primarily responsible for performing advanced professional Environmental Health work in the promotion of public health through education, surveillance, consultation, inspection, and enforcement of State, local, and Federal Environmental Health laws and regulations, as a technical specialist in specific Environmental Health Programs.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Environmental Health Supervisor, with leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions public health needs and requests. Supervision is not a responsibility of this class but may include delegated responsibility for leading the work of personnel in subordinate classifications. Does related work as required.
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the residents we serve. Each position is a key contributor to the work in the department to address systemic racial inequities and prevent discrimination on the basis of race, age, color, disability, national origin, or sex. This work requires us to confront inequities of the past, reveal inequities of the present and develop effective strategies to move all of us towards an equitable future for all people in Orange County.
* This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. Background Check is required.
Examples of Essential Functions
Examples of Essential Functions
Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.
Reviews architectural plans and specifications for proposed Retail food service establishments, school lunchrooms, lodging establishments, childcare centers, tattoo artists, public swimming pools, and Institutions such as nursing and assisted living centers.
Conducts establishment visits during the construction phase to determine if facility is being built to plan and issues opening permit if found in compliance.
Provides technical review and comment on NCDHHS reviewed plans for establishments.
Serves as primary liaison between EH Division and Building Safety, Code Enforcement, Stormwater, and Fire Marshal officials concerning the construction and safety of inspected establishments,
Provides oversight and technical management of the FDA Voluntary Standards and the Quality Assurance requirements of AA875.
Provides training and technical assistance to staff to ensure consistency of inspections in all program areas.
Provides technical assistance to establishments as needed.
Performs inspections and compliance visits at retail food establishments, residential care homes, motels and hotels, daycares, public swimming pools and other establishments in accordance with applicable laws and rules.
Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as EnerGov, spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
Adheres to the department's safety rules and regulations.
Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
FULL PERFORMANCE OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of Environmental Health theories, principles, and practices.
Thorough knowledge of state and federal food code and environmental laws and regulations, county ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of microbiology and epidemiology related to foodborne, recreational waters, and congregate care exposures.
Good knowledge of county ordinances.
Good knowledge of department policies and procedures.
Good knowledge of water supply, water chemistry, storm water, and wastewater treatment systems and capabilities.
Ability to evaluate data and to read plats and blueprints of proposed construction.
Ability to standardize territory staff according to the FDA Food Code.
Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility.
Ability to make data-driven decisions and compliance with policy regarding quality assurance.
Skill in decision making and problem solving.
Skill in conducting interviews and investigations.
Skill in using surveying and measurement tools, instruments, gauges, and meters.
Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
Skill in oral and written communication
Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree with major course work in biology, Environmental Health or a related field including a minimum of 30 semester hours (or as stated in NC GS 90A-53) in physical or biological sciences AND four (4) years of work experience at the Environmental Health specialist level; experience must include two (2) years of work experience conducting plan reviews of new establishments and one (1) year of experience leading staff; OR
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Health from a program accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Environmental Health Curricula of the National Environmental Health Association AND four (4) years of work experience at the Environmental Health specialist level; experience must include two (2) years of work experience conducting plan reviews of new establishments and one (1) year of experience leading staff.
A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid Driver License issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check and pre-employment drug testing. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.
Must possess or be able to obtain Registered Sanitarian certification by the North Carolina Board of Sanitarian Examiners within twelve (12) months of hire.
Requires delegation of authority by NC Department of Health & Human Services to administer state rules and laws in the appropriate program area(s).
May be required to possess additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by the Environmental Health Director.
Physical Requirements and Possible Hazards
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of standing, walking, stooping, crawling, typing, talking, sitting, bending, kneeling, climbing, grasping, hearing, handling, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, reaching and repetitive motions of the hands/wrist/feet.
Must be able to perform heavy work, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform extensive reading and operate a computer terminal.
Must be able to environmental conditions including exposure to excessive heat or cold, wetness, humidity.
Must be able to be exposed to chemicals, electrical currents, construction hazards, toxic agents, pathogenic substances.
May be subject to possible hazards that include emotional stress due to the nature of interactions with clients or service providers, irate clients and/or family members who may be hostile, resistant or violent.
Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
Orange County provides a competitive benefits package for permanent full-time and permanent part-time employees that includes:

• Participation in the North Carolina State Retirement System;
  • Orange County contributes 12.85% of your base salary per pay period and 14.10% for LEO.
• Health Insurance (Medical)
  • Orange County pays 100% of premiums for employee only coverage health insurance.
  • Orange County pays a portion of premiums for dependent(s) coverage health insurance.

Dental Insurance

• Orange County pays 100% of premiums for employee only coverage for dental insurance.
• Orange County pays a portion of premiums for dependent(s) coverage for dental insurance.

Vision Insurance

• Orange County offers vision insurance for employee and dependent coverage with premiums rates between $5-$15 bi-weekly.

Life Insurance

• Orange County pays for an employee life insurance policy based on employees' salary up to $50,000.
• Optional Life Insurance for employee and dependent life insurance policy.

Short Term Disability

• Orange County pays for an employee short term disability policy that provides income protection up to 11 weeks with a weekly benefit of 70% of your weekly salary.

Optional Long Term Disability Coverage Policy

Optional Insurance Policies: Pet Discount Program, Identity Theft Insurance, Legal Insurance

401(k) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans

• Orange County contributes $29.15 per pay period ($757.90 annually) for supplemental retirement and you will have the option to select between which investment firm you would like to have these funds contributed to.
• Orange County contributes up to an additional $67 ($1742 annually) for voluntary supplemental retirement and you will have the option to select between which investment firm you would like to have these funds contributed to.

• 12 Paid Holidays
• Anniversary Leave ( 8 hours of leave on your anniversary each year)
• Annual Leave (based on service years and a 40-hour work schedule, pro-rated for permanent part time employees)
  • 0-2 Years of Service = 125.84 hours/year
  • 2-5 Years of Service = 145.08 hours/year
  • 5-10 Years of Service = 173.68 hours/year
  • 10-15 Years of Service = 202.80 hours/year
  • 15-20 Years of Service = 231.40 hours/year
  • 20+ Years of Service = 260.52 hours/year

Sick Leave (based on service years and a 40-hour work schedule)

• 96.2 hours/year

Tuition reimbursement assistance

Various other leave programs including civil, funeral, parental, etc.

01
Orange County is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms an employee's eligibility to work in the United States after completion of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9). I understand, that if hired, my employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify.

• Yes

02
I understand that resumes are welcomed but do not substitute for the work experience section of this application and failure to complete the work experience section will result in an incomplete application, which will not be considered for eligibility. Did you fully complete the work experience section of this application?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have or are you able to obtain a driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you an Orange County Local Government employee?

• Yes, I am a Permanent Employee that has passed the Probationary Period
• Yes, I am an Employee but I have not passed the Probationary Period
• Yes, I am a Temporary Employee
• No, I am not an Employee

05
Please indicate your highest level of education from an accredited school.

• High School or GED
• Associates' Degree
• Bachelors' Degree
• Masters' Degree
• Professional Certifications

06
Please indicate your degree major.
07
Do you have a bachelor's degree with major course work in biology, Environmental Health or a related field and a minimum of 30 semester hours (or as stated in NC GS 90A-53) in physical or biological sciences?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you have a bachelor's degree in Environmental Health from a program accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Environmental Health Curricula of the National Environmental Health Association?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you possess the Registered Sanitation Certification valid in the State of North Carolina?

• Yes
• No

10
List any other certifications you have related to this position.
11
Do you have 4 or more years of work experience at the Environmental Health specialist level?

• Yes
• No

12
Does your experience include 2 years of work experience conducting plan reviews of new establishments?

• Yes
• No

13
Does your experience also include 1 year of experience leading staff?

• Yes
• No

14
Do you have delegation of authority by NC Department of Health & Human Services to administer state rules and laws in the appropriate program area?

• Yes
• No

Required Question