Retail Food Safety Officer - Lexington

About the role

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is hiring a Retail Food Safety Officer for the Lexington County area. As a Retail Food Safety Officer, you will inspect food establishments such as restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores, markets, schools, etc. to ensure the proper sanitary practices are being followed.

Responsibilities

• Completing compliance graded inspections of retail food service establishments and initiate actions, if necessary, to ensure compliance with Regulation 61-25 governing Retail Food Establishments.
• Ensuring foods are prepared, packaged, and marketed under safe and sanitary conditions.
• Maintaining all required Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities including but not limited to proficiency testing and standardization.
• Providing complete, detailed reports of inspections, and outline any necessary enforcement action.
• Conducting complaint investigations in accordance with applicable Standard Operation Procedure and program guidance.
• Investigating suspected cases of foodborne illness; collaborating with industry stakeholders in investigations.
• Providing programmatic consultation to food service industry personnel and other stakeholders.
• Performing pre-operational inspections and issues permits for new facilities.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or a related field (e.g., Food Science, Nutrition, Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Public Health).
• An associate's degree in the natural or physical sciences or related field and two (2) years of environmental health experience, or a high school diploma and four (4) years of environmental health or related experience (such as Food Safety/Service Industry) may be substituted for the required degree.
• A valid state driver's license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.

Qualifications

• Knowledge/experience in food, sanitation, food safety, or in the food service industry.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal food laws and regulations.
• Certified Food Service Manager.

Benefits

• Take-home state vehicle provided.
• Generous state benefits including retirement, health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• BCBS State Standard Plan premiums: less than $100/month for employee-only coverage; $307/month for full family coverage.
• 13 paid holidays; generous annual and sick leave accruals.
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program: free counseling sessions for employees and household members; free Life Management Services (legal, financial, and more).

Additional information

• Extensive in-state day travel using a state-provided vehicle.
• Must be able to operate in confined spaces; inspect inside, over top, behind, and under kitchen equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences and prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and shift objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods in extreme heat and cold.
• Must work effectively in a transparent, team-oriented environment and prepare reports/written correspondence with accurate technical regulatory language.
• Ability to exercise judgement in applying and interpreting policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; be detail oriented and highly organized.
• Ability to read fine print on food product labels.
• Occasional overnight and/or out-of-state travel required.

Pay

Salary range: $47,200 to $57,200. Candidates hired at the top of this range will need to meet or exceed all preferred qualifications. An agency vehicle is provided for activities related to the position.