Position Summary
Conducts regular sanitation inspections of establishments permitted by local and state authorities and open to the public. Monitors sanitation conditions, documents findings, and assists with compliance efforts in accordance with applicable health and sanitation regulations.
Pay Grade: 47
Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education
Minimum Qualifications
- Two (2) years of experience in the environmental health field; AND
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in physical, biological, chemical, environmental health sciences, or related field; OR
- An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.
- PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conducts routine sanitation and food safety inspections of permitted establishments, including food service facilities, schools, childcare centers, pools, lodging facilities, and personal service establishments, in accordance with established procedures.
- Enforces local and state environmental health and food safety laws by identifying violations and documenting inspection findings in permitted establishments.
- Educates operators on identified violations and compliance requirements, providing guidance on corrective actions and applicable food codes.
- Investigates complaints related to foodborne illness and unsanitary conditions and conducts follow-up inspections as required.
- Performs re-inspections and ongoing monitoring of permitted establishments at required intervals to verify continued compliance.
- Initiates enforcement actions, including issuing violation notices and participating in environmental court proceedings when necessary.
- Participates in required training, standardization, and quality assurance activities, including TDH and FDA training, to maintain professional competency and consistency.
- Performs other related duties as required or directed.
KSAs
- Knowledge of environmental health principles, including basic chemistry, biology, and public or community health as applied to sanitation and food safety.
- Ability to interpret and apply environmental health laws and regulations during inspections of permitted establishments.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly explain inspection findings, violations, regulatory requirements, and compliance expectations.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including planning and organizing daily inspection activities efficiently.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office or comparable county systems.
Special Requirements
- Must possess a valid Tennessee driver''s license or secure one by date of employment.
- Must have access to an operable automobile and meet County requirements of automobile insurance upon date of employment.
- Must be able to work occasional weekends and/or modified work schedules, including adjusted days or hours, as operational needs require.
- Must successfully complete FDA-ORA-U Web-based Pre and Post Food Safety Courses within six (6) months of employment.
- Must maintain all required licenses, certifications, and training credentials throughout the duration of employment.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to stoop, squat, crawl, and perform other physical duties as needed to investigate environmental health complaints as needed.
- Must be able to lift or pull up to 35 pounds at a time.
- Must be able to work in all types of weather.
- Must successfully pass a physical assessment.
Disclaimer
This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Shelby County Resident Disclaimer
All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include appointed positions with the Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.