Environmental Health Specialist (FLI)

New Hanover County is seeking an experienced Environmental Health Specialist to join the Public Health Department and perform independent fieldwork. This position protects public health by inspecting food and lodging institutions to ensure compliance with public health regulations and promotes public health through education, consultation, surveillance, evaluation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of federal, state, and local statutes, laws, and rules governing food service establishments, lodging, childcare centers, schools, institutions, and public swimming pools.

Essential Duties:

• Conducts inspections of permitted establishments and licensed facilities to include examining foodborne risk factors and equipment; interpreting and applying appropriate regulations; and issuing appropriate sanitation scores and permits.
• Responds to reports of violations, which includes conducting investigations; preparing written reports; issuing necessary citations; and conducting follow-up monitoring.
• Performs public relations duties by responding to inquiries from the public and preparing and presenting educational programs.
• Maintains required state authorizations and certifications by participating in continuing education programs and seminars.
• Responds to natural disasters, which includes inspecting facilities; evaluating damage to permitted establishments; and assessing sanitary conditions in emergency shelters.
• Serves as an agent/liaison to assist other agencies such as NC Dept. of Agriculture, Consumer Protection Safety Commission, Marine Fisheries and Shellfish Sanitation in investigating, inspecting facilities and monitoring recalls.
• Formulates interpretations and responses to inquiries from the public, media, and other agencies regarding environmental health issues and concerns.
• Conducts public education relating to environmental health through the county website, meetings, presentations, brochures, and site visits. Referrals and education may involve coordinating with state or local agencies.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.

• Inspect health care facilities, food service establishments, institutions, childcare facilities, and public swimming pools.
• Investigates reports of foodborne illness.
• Reviews, evaluates, and identifies safe food handling procedures and hygienic practices.
• Inspects and permits temporary food vendors at festivals for compliance with State rules. Conduct ongoing surveillance of temporary food vendors throughout each event and take enforcement actions as needed.

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Epidemiology, Food Sciences, Microbiology, Entomology, or related field, including a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences and one year of experience in the field of environmental health practice; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors and the general public, as well as techniques for gathering data and interpreting results, federal, state and local environmental and public health laws. Must have computer skills including Word, Excel and Outlook, and the ability to learn new software programs, specifically in project tracking.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application.
  If applying with an out of state driver's license, a North Carolina driver's license is required by the first date of employment.
• NC Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
• NC Authorizations in area of assignment (FLI)

Applicant Information:
After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.