PLAN REVIEW EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST (50080126)

Job Role Summary

This position is responsible for examining and approving construction plans, renovation plans and equipment specifications or design for new or existing retail food establishments within Marion County. Conducts plan review, preliminary inspections and final inspections. Approves licensing for retail food establishments that meet minimum requirements.

Essential Duties

• Reviews floor plans, equipment specifications and menus to prepare plan review statements for new or remodeled food establishments and shared kitchen users. 
• Conducts inspections of new or remodeled food establishments to finalize approval for their operation. Prioritizes workload and delegates work to other staff as necessary. Provides guidance and assistance to other staff in licensing inspections and equipment approvals. 
• Provides clear and accurate technical reports of inspection outcomes, determines corrective actions, and discusses findings with food establishment representative. 
• Ensures compliance and performs follow-up inspections and initiates enforcement steps when necessary, including: issuing civil penalties, license suspensions or filing for court. Staff may be required to appear in court to provide testimony. 
• Provides information and consultation to retail food establishment owners, operators, equipment manufacturers or installers related to the licensing requirements and standards for food service and food sales operations in Marion County. Provides food safety education and supporting materials to food establishment’s owners, management and staff. Updates retail food establishment equipment licensing processes and application as needed. 
• Provides technical assistance to staff and industry on food service equipment and emerging food preparation trends. Acts as a departmental subject matter expert for retail food equipment and licensing. 
• Develops and updates written policies and procedures for retail food establishment licensing and equipment approval.
• Collaborates with and shares data and licensing information with state and local government or regulatory officials. 

Associated Job Duties

• Work with other members of staff on projects, including foodborne illness outbreaks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a concentration in Environmental Health, Microbiology, Food Science, or closely related science based curriculum preferred.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Use of personal vehicle required.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid Indiana Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Meet departmental objectives and guidelines in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration Voluntary Retail Food Program Regulatory Standards (VNRFRPS). Goals include pre and post education; field inspections objectives; continuing education and adherence to departmental policies.
• Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly with clients, other professionals and the general public. Ability to understand, interpret, and convey technical information to reach desired outcomes and protect public health.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and principles, including the VNRFRPS.
• Ability to work independently as well as lead other inspection staff in the licensing of retail food establishments. 
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to prioritize higher risk inspections and objectives.
• Ability to function effectively under stress, including working with unreceptive clients, tight deadlines or working in unsafe conditions.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs and ability to effectively learn and utilize inspection software. Requires extensive data entry.  
• Strong research and compilation skills.

Working Environment

• Considerable physical effort in walking, standing and bending during food establishment inspections. Must carry and utilize computer tablet, printer and necessary equipment to effectively perform a food establishment inspection.
• Exposure to extreme heat and cold, excessive noise, and slippery and uneven walking surfaces during inspections.
• Requires working around machinery and equipment with moving parts or hot surfaces.
• Exposure to sanitizing and cleaning chemicals, steam, smoke, grease, strong odors and insects or vermin with food establishments.
• Steady use of hands and fingers; use of computer keyboard and monitor.
• Occasional work outside regular business hours (evenings and weekends) as needed.
• Automobile driving for all field inspection duties, in varying weather conditions.
• Moderate light lifting.
• Occasional need to relate to members of the public who exhibit challenging, atypical or hostile behaviors and/or communication.