RETAIL FOOD PEST SPECIALIST (50080283)

Job Role Summary

This position is responsible for ensuring the department effectively identifies and addresses pest issues in retail food establishments. The position will provide training and training materials for retail food owners and personnel and department staff. Leads initial investigations for pest activity in high profile cases and in establishments whose primary service to vulnerable populations. Assists district food safety inspection officers with inspections and rechecks at establishments with ongoing or repeated pest activity. 
 

Associated Job Duties

• Conducts and leads thorough pest inspections.  Inspect food establishment; identify impacted areas; identify pest control activities in place and history; assess entry points and potential exclusion measures; interview food employees and management. 
• Develops procedures and tools for use in conducting thorough pest inspections and for conducting risk assessments. 
• Conducts risk assessment to determine level of food operation temporary restrictions necessary. 
• Coordinates with food operation management and pest control company when necessary to ensure effective measures are in place to effectively address pest infestations. 
• Provides education and enforcement to retail food personnel to ensure contaminated food is not available for sale and that contaminated food contact surfaces are effectively cleaned and sanitized. 
• Trains staff annually and upon management request on procedures for identifying pest issues during routine inspections and in response to consumer complaints. 
• Maintains Category 7a - General Pest Management certification including obtaining required continuing education credits. 
• Maintains and updates MCPHD Food and Consumer Safety regarding pest management in retail food establishments 
• Works with management and staff to reduce food contamination by pest activity in retail food establishments through education, outreach and enforcement. 
• Maintains knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including exclusion, sanitation, and monitoring and promotes IPM with retail food operators.  
• Provides clear and accurate technical reports of inspection outcomes, determines corrective actions, and discusses findings with food establishment representative.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a concentration in Environmental Health, Microbiology, Food Science, or closely related science based curriculum.
• Master’s Degree preferred.  
   

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Category 7a - General Pest Management certification
• Valid Indiana Driver’s License and use of personal vehicle required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate through written and oral communication
• Ability to use departmental software and other programs to provide foodborne illness data reports
• Knowledge of foodborne illness, laboratory procedures and emerging trends 
• 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 performing regulatory oversight of retail food establishments in assigned district.
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to prioritize higher risk inspections and objectives.
• Ability to function effectively under stress, including working with unreceptive clients or working in unsafe conditions.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs and ability to effectively learn and utilize inspection software.
• Ability to lead on projects and investigations; delegating work to other staff as needed.
   

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.