Environmental Health Program Manager - Plan Review

About the Role

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

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.

About the Team

At the heart of the Wake County Public Health department is a dedicated team of professionals committed to protecting and improving the health of our community. We bring together expertise in communicable disease control, environmental health, health education, school health, clinical services, and population health to deliver responsive and equitable services. With a shared mission of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to essential services, we work collaboratively with partners and residents to build a healthier, more resilient community for all of Wake County.

Requirements

• The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science, or related field.
  • Five years of experience in environmental health, environmental planning, inspections, or engineering.
  • Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record.
  • Equivalent education and experience are accepted.
• Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
  • Registered Environmental Health Specialist with NC.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Authorizations relative to the Section.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of various environmental health disciplines: biology, chemistry, water and waste disposal, building codes, local, state, and federal rules and regulations, and NC General Statutes.
• Excellent supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to work with individuals at all levels in the business community.
• Ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, and identify solutions.
• Ability to enforce mandated rules and regulations.
• Ability to develop sound business and strategic plans.
• Ability to effectively communicate with employees, business managers/owners, and the media.

About Wake County

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the Carolina Hurricanes. Raleigh, the county seat, is also the center of state government, hosting the Capitol Building, legislature, and many state government offices. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county.

Wake County offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, recreation, and art and culture, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail. The County uses the Council/Manager form of government and is regarded as fiscally responsible, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, with over 5,100 full-time employees.

Wake County Government ranked #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. Raleigh was ranked #5 on US News & World Report’s list of Best Places to Live and #1 on the Milken Institute’s 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Pay

Hiring Range: $88,537–$123,948
Market Range: $88,537–$159,359

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:15 PM