Retail Food Inspection Specialist

JOB OVERVIEW
The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for the position Retail Food Inspection Specialist. The employee in this position performs safety inspections of risk level 1 and 2 retail food establishments, which are considered low-risk related to food-borne illness. (example: convenience stores) The Retail Food Inspection Specialist inspects food designed for human consumption, as well as the facility location. The specialist will be knowledgeable of the Food Code and will use it as the basis for inspections. The person in this position will observe and educate food handlers on proper food processing and handling techniques, safe food handling practices, pest control, cleanliness, and proper storage. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Health Officer, Codes Administrator, and/or his/her designee.  This is a non-supervisory management, FLSA-exempt position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 
The City of Harrisburg offers a salary range from $50,000.00 to $55,000.00. This full-time position also includes an excellent benefits package: defined pension plan, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time) and health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision).

if interested, please submit a cover letter, your résumé, three employment references and salary history to (electronic submission preferred):

[email protected]
or
ATTN: Human Resources
The City of Harrisburg, Suite #402
MLK City Government Center
10 North 2^nd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Wanda R.D. Williams, Mayor

DEFINITION:

The employee in this position performs safety inspections of risk level 1 and 2 retail food establishments, which are considered low-risk related to food-borne illness. (example: convenience stores) The Retail Food Inspection Specialist inspects food designed for human consumption, as well as the facility location. The specialist will be knowledgeable of the Food Code and will use it as the basis for inspections. The person in this position will observe and educate food handlers on proper food processing and handling techniques, safe food handling practices, pest control, cleanliness, and proper storage. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Health Officer, Codes Administrator, and/or his/her designee. This is a non-supervisory management, FLSA-exempt position.

LOCATION/EQUIPMENT:

Work is performed at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center.  However, fieldwork and meetings outside the office are required.  Comprehensive knowledge of personal computers (including database software packages), telephones, and other related office equipment is required.  Duties are typically performed on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required on an infrequent basis.  The employee in this position may be exposed to fumes, odors, toxic materials, inclement weather, and locations of poor ventilation and uneven terrain

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Work involves but is not limited to the following: Conducting safety inspections of risk level 1 and 2 retail food establishments to ensure adherence to sanitation and operational regulations.  Evaluate food packaging, storage requirements, and employee knowledge.  Observe daily practices to ensure staff are correctly implementing established food safety protocols. Monitor and document temperatures, expiration dates, and overall condition of food on site, refrigeration units, and hot food holding units. Identify unsanitary conditions in food facilities. Inspect outside areas and check for signs of rodent/insect activity. Additionally, this position will evaluate establishment management and staff to determine compliance with Food Code requirements and overall performance. Prepare a variety of detailed reports documenting inspection findings, violations, and required corrective actions. Input data into databases.  Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Health Office. This position involves extensive interaction with the public. Maintains regular, punctual, and predictable attendance.  Reports to work and remains at work in a productive condition, which includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs.  Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with supervisors, co-workers, and the general public.  Completes all assignments in an efficient, consistent, and timely manner. 

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs other duties as required or assigned.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

• Some knowledge of public health and food handling sanitation practices and ordinances and state laws. 

• Knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office (including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook) and other successor software.

• Comprehensive knowledge of computers and database input.
• Ability to learn, understand, and communicate scientific information
• Knowledge in developing statistical and analytical reports and summaries of information.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement
• Effective organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to work with the general public courteously and tactfully.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain inspection equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A high school diploma or equivalent and a successful completion of the inspection specialist training program is required.  A combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered. Food safety training/certification is a plus. Food safety experience is preferred but not required. A valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C or equivalent is required.