Food Investigator I

Position Description

Job Description

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Position Overview

The EPH, Investigator, Food conducts inspections, investigate complaints, and maintain records regarding food establishments to determine compliance with state and county laws, rules, and regulations. Must be a self-starter, able to work independently without daily supervision. Must be able to use discretionary judgment in routine fieldwork, be able to defuse difficult situations with tact and diplomacy, and follow the policies and guidelines established by the county, the department, and the division.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and permitting inspections, re-inspections, and surveys of food establishments to determine compliance with the Texas Food Establishment, the Texas Health & Safety Code, and the Harris County Rules for the Regulation of Food Establishments. Conduct premise inspections of childcare centers. This includes the ability to clearly document and communicate regulations, rules, food safety subjects, etc. to the public, food establishment operators, and complainants while maintaining a professional, courteous attitude.
• Investigate and take appropriate action on food complaints from citizens.
• Be able to complete and document assigned work according to policy and procedure using computers, reports, and established priorities to maintain thorough record keeping.
  
  
  

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree with 30 hours in basic or natural science from an accredited college or university.
  
  
  

Licenses/Certifications:

• Must have a valid Driver’s License (TX upon hire)
• Must be able to pass a National or Texas Registered Sanitarian exam and Texas Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator License within 18 months of hire.
  
  
  

Core Competencies:

Organizational Leadership

• Understands the organizational mission
• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
  
  
  

Collaboration

• Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
  
  
  

Innovation

• Ability to adapt to change
  
  
  

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
• Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
• Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
• Uses sound judgment
• Self-motivated
• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
  
  
  

Communication

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
  
  
  

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications .

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work

• Full-Time | Special Revenue
• Monday – Friday | 8 am – 5 pm
• Other days and hours as necessary.
  
  
  

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and printers.
  
  
  

Physical Demands

• This is a largely sedentary role; however, some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending and standing for periods at a time.
  
  
  

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: 1111 Fannin St. Houston, TX 77002
  
  
  

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.