EPH Investigator, Food Plan Review

Position Description

Harris County Public Health has earned the 2023 Best Place for Working Parents Business Designation.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Position Overview:

The Environmental Health Investigator II, Food Plan Review conducts inspections, investigate complaints, and maintain records regarding food establishments to determine compliance with state and county laws, rules, and regulations. Must be a self-starter, able to work independently without daily supervision. Must be able to use discretionary judgment in routine fieldwork, be able to defuse difficult situations with tact and diplomacy, and follow the policies and guidelines established by the county, the department, and the division.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct routine and permitting inspections, re-inspections, and surveys of food establishments to determine compliance with the Texas Food Establishment, the Texas Health & Safety Code, and the Harris County Rules for the Regulation of Food Establishments. Conduct premise inspections of childcare centers. This includes the ability to clearly document and communicate regulations, rules, food safety subjects, etc. to the public, food establishment operators, and complainants while maintaining a professional, courteous attitude.

• Investigate and take appropriate action on food complaints from citizens.

• Be able to complete and document assigned work according to policy and procedure using computers, reports, and established priorities to maintain thorough record keeping.

• Specializes in performing all tasks related to Plan Review/ Preopening of Food Establishments.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

• Must have a Bachelors Degree

Experience:

• Must have at least two years' experience inspecting retail food establishments.

Certifications/Licensure:

• National or Texas Registration as a Sanitarian is required. Must upload a copy of Texas RS or NEHA REHS Certification.

• Must have a valid Driver's License (TX upon hire)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSI):

• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Must be able to drive extensively, prioritize, and organize routes for maximum efficiency.

• Must understand principles and practices of environmental public health and be able to apply this knowledge.

• Must have knowledge of state and federal statutes and regulations related to food safety and neighborhood nuisance issues.

• Must establish effective working relationships, exercise balanced judgment, be self-motivated, and organize work for maximum efficiency.

• Must be able to develop and organize operations for a special team or task force as assigned.

• Must have a basic understanding of how to operate a computer to run programs and searches. Proficiency in MS Office applications is required.

Core Competencies:

Organizational Leadership

• Understands the organizational mission

• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust

• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others

Collaboration

• Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission

• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group

• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

Innovation

• Ability to adapt to change

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect

• Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner.

• Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses

• Uses sound judgment

• Self-motivated

• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity

Communication

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

NOTE:Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentationbutONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume"will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-Time

• Monday

• Friday | 8 am

• 5 pm

• Includes some weekend work.

• Hours may vary based on task requirements.

Work Environment:

• This is a professional position that requires a combination of field work and office work.

• The majority of the work occurs in the community in various food establishments the Harris County.

Physical Demands:

• This position requires extensive driving and work outside in various weather conditions.

• Persons in these positions must be able to sit or stand for long periods, bend, climb ladders, and frequently lift, carry, and push and pull objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

• They also occasionally move objects weighing up to 20 lbs., and sometimes, but rarely, up to 50 lbs.

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: 1111 Fannin St. Houston, TX 77002

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.