Food Safety Specialist 1

Compensation: Competitive Salary $52,936 - $69,950 Based on Experience

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!

The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio's number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation's egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio's farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.

ODA's beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.

You'll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.

What We Do:

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio's farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state's top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio's 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.

At ODA, we do a lot that helps a lot of people. That's a pretty big deal! We make sure the meat and food you eat and the milk you drink is safe. We protect farmland and conserve our soil and water resources. We keep Ohio's plants, crops, and livestock free of pests and disease. We house the state's top food safety lab and serve as a hub for a statewide lab safety system. We make sure you get what you pay for through ensuring accurate weights and measures standards. We oversee Ohio's fairs and make sure the amusement rides you love are safe. As a member of ODA's family, you'll be working with a team of the highest caliber, doing work that makes a difference to all Ohioans.

What You'll Do:

No ag background, no problem! You'll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is currently seeking candidates for a Food Safety Specialist 1 (2 positions) in the Food Safety Division, headquartered in Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Highland or Warren County. NOTE: You only need to submit one application to be considered for both positions. This position is responsible for the following job duties:

• Collects samples, conducts inspections, evaluations, investigations and surveillance activities of food manufacturers and warehouses for compliance with mandated state and/or federal laws and rules to ensure safe production and sale of food products

• Conducts surveys and audits of local health department's food safety programs (e.g., evaluates program activities and implementation of policies) for compliance with mandated standards

• Prepares reports of technical nature and compares local health department and food industry performance to required procedures and guidelines and recommends training and additional assistance when warranted

• Conducts and writes reports for FDA contract inspections

• Works independently

• Conducts evaluations and verifies processes to ensure adherence to laws and regulations

• Provides expert advice, consultation and direction to food industry and/or local health department personnel on food safety issues

• Instructs local health departments and industry personnel on proper sanitary practices

• Ensures compliance with good manufacturing practices, food laws and regulations

• Provides technical assistance and consultation and/or implements individual and/or group training as developed by higher level food safety specialists to local health departments and/or industry personnel

• Conducts inspections and/or investigations of consumer related inquiries/complaints or site evaluation of new or altered facilities

• Maintains evaluation instruments and technical field equipment, participants in drills and exercises of emergency plans

• Prepares and delivers speeches and presentations to groups and organizations

• Operates personal computer and related software to enter, edit and verify data and to produce reports

• Utilizes inspection tools to include thermometer, pH meter and light meter

• Informs local boards of health of survey findings

• Initiates enforcement activities with food industry management

• Speaks in front of and works with large groups and organizations

• Performs other related duties as assigned (e.g., attends meetings, participates on work groups, travels to training and seminars as required)

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of DEI principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are: respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What's in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave

• 11 paid holidays per year

• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee's salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.

• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:

o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.

o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).

o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.

o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.

o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.

• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.

• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis).

Certificate of registration as environmental health specialist, environmental health specialist-in-training or eligible to become an environmental health specialist-in-training by Ohio environmental health specialist advisory board pursuant to Chapter 4736 of Ohio Revised Code.

AND completion of full four-year course of study in accredited college or university leading to bachelor's or higher degree which included at least 45 quarter units or 30 semester hours in food science, environmental health, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, physical sciences, food technology, epidemiology, veterinary medical science or related field of study.

AND 6 months experience in operation of personal computer

AND valid driver's license

Job Skills: Food Safety Inspection