Environmental Health Specialist - Public Health (Food & Lodging Inspections)

Salary Range: $57,346.00 - $75,266.63 per year About Us At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County Public Health become even better. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a healthier world for all. As a member of the Mecklenburg County Public Health team, you will become a subject matter expert in the public health field. The CDC foundation explains that “Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting health lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious disease”. Come be a part of Mecklenburg County’s Public Health department’s vision to “assure the health and safety of our diverse and changing community today and for future generations.” Position Summary Performs technical, investigative, and regulatory work to protect and promote the public’s health by enforcing multiple codes and regulations. This position, under minimal supervision, evaluates regulated food services, institutions, public swimming pools to determine compliance with state and county laws, rules, and regulations. Determines the public health risk factors based on field and laboratory findings and decides what level of immediate and/or legal remediation is appropriate. Essential Functions Work cooperatively with operators of systems and establishments to improve operational processes and reduce risk of illness. Conduct field tests, sampling and investigations to assess potential biological, physical and/or chemical contamination of food, groundwater and the physical environment. Review inspection reports and monitor follow‑up corrective actions to achieve short‑term and long‑term resolutions to violations critical due to lack of compliance with state and local regulations. Investigate complaints from the public, medical referrals and community illness reports concerning suspected violations of environmental laws. Coordinate and participate in enforcement actions with external agencies such as Fire and Police. Prepare reports, correspondence and other documents concerning complaints and enforcement activities. Consult with management, other state and local government agencies and industry representatives on food and water safety and environmental concerns. Utilize data processing applications to compile, inventory and manage field testing, sampling and investigations data. Provide field training for new employees and other public health personnel. Serve as an educational resource to the public, property owners, establishment operators and their staff about environmental water and food safety practices. Review and approve or disapprove plans for construction, repair, and safe abandonment of onsite wastewater systems and wells; construction or remodeling of food service establishments and public swimming pools. Issue or modify operational permits when work is completed and in compliance with local and state requirements. Minimum Qualifications Two years of experience or equivalent education and experience in the field of environmental health practice. Education Educational requirements are mandated by NC General Statute 90A 53(3): graduate from a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree program that is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) or an accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and have earned a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in the physical or biological sciences. Combination of Relevant Education and Experience Accepted? Yes Licenses and Certifications Registered Environmental Health Specialist with the NC State Board of Environmental Health Specialists Examiners (Chapter 90A of the NC General Statutes). Pass comprehensive examination and complete registration requirements within three years of registration. Complete Centralized Intern Training provided by NCDHHS, 15 contact hours of board‑approved continuing education annually, and an Environmental Health Law course within five years or initial registration. State authorization or licensure in any of the following: Food, Lodging and Institutions (FLI), Child‑Care and School Sanitation (CCSS), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (CLPP), Public Swimming Pools (PSP). Valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license and county driving privileges. Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of State laws, regulations, county ordinances, administrative rulings, and judicial decisions that pertain to environmental health and sanitation. Communicable diseases, transmission methods and prevention. Proper sampling techniques and operation of necessary equipment. Skills Proper application of rules, interpretations, policies, and procedures using effective field evaluation techniques. Applying statistical analysis to food, water, and vector‑borne illness outbreaks. Utilizing effective written and oral communications, providing exceptional customer service. Recognizing and respecting diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds; ability to communicate with non‑/minimal English‑speaking clients. Using a computer and related database and software applications. Abilities Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job‑related information timely. Business Acumen: Using scientific, economic, financial, market and industry data to understand and improve business results. Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others. Communication: Clearly conveying information through a variety of media. Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action to ensure efficient work completion. Computer Skills Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite. Compensation & Benefits In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge, pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare, and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near‑site clinics for preventive care; employee discount program; employee assistance program; access to fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions; and a defined benefit plan for retirement. Work Environment Works outdoors exposed to weather conditions. Reasonable Accommodations Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Disclaimer Statement This is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of job‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations. #J-18808-Ljbffr