Environmental Health Program Manager - Plan Review

Join Wake County's Environmental Health & Safety team as the Director of the Plan Review & Recreational Sanitation Section (PRRS)!

Are you a mission‑driven leader ready to shape safer, healthier communities across Wake County? The PRRS team plays a critical role in protecting public health by ensuring facilities are designed, built, and operated to meet state and local sanitation standards. We''re looking for a forward‑thinking, relationship‑oriented leader to guide this essential program.

Wake County's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Division consists of 33 talented professionals dedicated to safeguarding public health. The Division houses two key sections:

• Food, Lodging & Institution Sanitation (FLIS)
• Plan Review & Recreational Sanitation (PRRS)

PRRS is responsible for reviewing construction plans, conducting site visits, permitting new facilities, and enforcing both State sanitation laws and the County's public swimming pool ordinance. This work ensures that facilities; including restaurants, hospitals, child and adult care facilities, lodging establishments, summer camps, mobile food units, and public swimming pools, are built to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors.

As the Director of PRRS, you will lead the section's strategic direction, daily operations, and customer‑focused service delivery. You'll collaborate closely with municipalities, partner agencies, and field staff to ensure plan review and sanitation processes are accurate, efficient, and consistent across the County.

You will also oversee annual business planning, budgeting, policy development, and staff performance, ensuring the Section maintains excellence in compliance, service, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic management, planning, and overall direction for the PRRS Section.
• Supervise plan review field staff and support their professional development and performance.
• Prepare and implement the Section's annual business plan and budget.
• Develop policies, objectives, priorities, and operational workflows that support Division goals.

Regulatory Oversight & Compliance

• Administer and enforce mandated North Carolina environmental health and sanitation regulations.
• Enforce Wake County's public swimming pool ordinance and align implementation with State standards.
• Ensure plans for new and renovated facilities meet all required public health and safety regulations.

Plan Review & Facility Permitting

• Oversee plan review for facilities such as food service establishments, childcare centers, lodging facilities, hospitals, mobile food units, summer camps, and public swimming pools.
• Conduct and/or coordinate construction visits to verify compliance during the build phase.
• Issue permits in collaboration with municipalities across Wake County.

Cross‑Agency Coordination & Customer Service

• Partner with municipal planning and permitting departments to streamline workflows for clients.
• Deliver high‑quality customer service by supporting applicants and providing clear regulatory guidance.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert for environmental health plan review and sanitation standards.

Program Development & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate section operational effectiveness and implement improvements.
• Strengthen consistency, efficiency, and technological innovation within plan review processes.
• Promote education, outreach, and clear communication with regulated facilities and partners.