ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST II

About the role

Applications are accepted from all interested persons. The position is located at 8000 N. Stadium Dr., within the Environmental Health Division, Consumer Health Section. Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, subject to change.

Responsibilities

• Performs Pre-Opening, Change of Ownership and routine inspections for various establishments or locations (i.e., Bush and Hobby Airports, wholesale, and manufacturing facilities, retail food establishments, swimming pools and schools) for health code compliance.
• Reviews architectural blueprints of new establishments and analyzes construction and material standards for compliance with City health ordinances.
• May perform and coordinate efforts for disaster and emergency response actions, including monitoring shelters.
• Coordinates inspections for Farmer’s Markets and Sporting Venues within the City of Houston.
• Reviews HACCP Plans for approval.
• Teaches Food Handler and Food Manager Certification Classes.
• Investigates community health complaints, such as sewage overflows, storm water, foodborne illness, illegal dumping, aquatic facilities, and reports of poor sanitation in public establishments or private property, explains City, State and Federal Health ordinances, statutes, and regulations, recommends corrective action, performs follow-up inspections, issues warnings or citations.
• Performs environmental sampling and transports samples to the laboratory.
• Acts as a lead on high priority public health investigations, such as large foodborne illness investigations, major clean water violation cases, and other case developments.
• Coordinates training of new employees and offers feedback, guidance and support while in the field and in areas of advanced food safety knowledge and concepts such as Specialized Processes, Variances, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plans.
• Assists operators and constituents with health code questions.
• Interfaces with other technical disciplines and departments on code enforcement and plan review processes.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree including 30 semester hours in basic or applied science courses.
• Experience: One (1) year of experience in a related environmental health field.
• License: State of Texas Sanitarian-in-training or Registered Sanitarian Certificate required (or proof of successful completion of registration exam); Registered Sanitarian Certificate must be maintained within 9 months of employment. Valid Texas driver license and compliance with the City of Houston's driving policy (AP 2-2) required.

Qualifications

• Preference given to eligible veteran applicants who meet the qualifications for the position.
• Spanish speaking/bilingual ability preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of Texas Food Establishment Rules and the FDA Model Food Code.

Skills

• Selection process includes application review and/or interview; all eligible applicants must pass a written evaluation.
• Safety impact position: subject to random drug testing; promotional candidates must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay

Salary is determined based on candidate qualifications and the pay rates of other employees in this classification. The position is special funded, contingent on continued availability of funds; if funding ends, the employee may be laid off or transferred. Pay Grade 21.

Schedule

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM* (subject to change)