Food Safety Specialist 1

Who We Are Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio! The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is one of Ohio’s top industries employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 73,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and seventh in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation. ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch. You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do. What We Do Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 25 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy! As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans. The Division of Food Safety at the Ohio Department of Agriculture protects consumers by enforcing safety standards for foods, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and cosmetics distributed across the state. Additionally, the division partners with federal, state, and local health agencies to provide education and industry training on food safety standards. What You'll Do No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. The coverage territory for this role includes the following counties: Franklin, Delaware, Union, Madison, Champaign, Pickaway, and Licking. This position is responsible for: Collects samples,conducts inspection, evaluation, investigation surveillance activities of wholesale retail food, cosmetic, over-the-counter drug, and hemp industries for compliance with mandated state /or federal laws rules to ensure safe production sale of food and hemp products, cosmetics and over-the-counter drugs Conducts surveys of local health department’s food safety programs for compliance with mandated standards Prepares reports of technical nature compares local health department food industry performance to required procedures guidelines recommends training additional assistance when warranted Conducts and writes reports for FDA contract inspections Works independently Conducts quality assurance and verifies processes to ensure adherence to laws and regulations Provides expert advice, consultation direction to food, cosmetic, over-the-counter drug, and hemp industries /or local health department personnel on food safety issues Instructs local health department industry personnel on proper sanitary practices Ensures compliance with good manufacturing practices, food, cosmetic, over-the-counter drug, and hemp laws regulations Provides technical assistance consultation /or implements individual /or group training to local health department /or industry personnel Conducts inspections /or investigations of consumerrelated inquiries/complaints or site evaluationof new or altered facilities Maintains evaluation instruments technical field equipment Participates in drills exercise of emergency plans Prepares delivers speeches presentations to groups organizations Operates personal computer related software to enter, edit verify data to produce reports Utilizes inspection tools to include thermometer, test kit, pH meter light meter Initiates enforcement activities with food industry management Speaks in front of and works with large groups and organizations Performs other related duties as assigned (e.g., attends meetings, participates on workgroups, travels to trainings seminars as required) Additional Information This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position. We Support Diversity and Inclusion ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access. If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter. Unusual Working Conditions: Works in hot cold processing areas; exposed to loud noises which may require ear plugs; requires overnight travel. A color deficiency test will be administered before the interview. If candidate fails, he/she will not be further considered. Training Development Required to Remain in Classification After Employment: Biennial renewal of certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist. An Environmental Health Specialist-in-Training shall become registered as an Environmental Health Specialist within the time frame established in Chapter 4736 of the Revised Code the rules adopted thereunder. Successful completion of FDA contract inspection training annual FDA contract audits as required by employment. For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact: RYAN GUNTER RYAN.GUNTER@AGRI.OHIO.GOV The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration. The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position will be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.