Health Protection Scientist Lead

Bernalillo County • Baltimore, MD

1d

About The Position

The Health Protection Scientist Lead supports the protection of public environmental health from diseases related to food, water, and environmental factors. This role serves as a technical resource within the Health Protection section, contributing expertise in compliance inspections, environmental investigations, code interpretation, outreach and education, interdepartmental and interagency collaboration, and regulatory actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited institution, in a physical, natural or environmental health or relevant science field.
• Eight (8) years of related experience in environmental health, code enforcement, food protection and/or inspection.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.
• Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination
• This position is safety sensitive. Employment is subject to a pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state rules and regulations regarding alcohol and/or drug testing.
• Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
• Employee must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Must possess HACCP certification.
• Must possess a Food Protection Manager Certification or equivalent.
• Must possess an advanced certification from National Swimming Pool Foundation as a certified pool operator or equivalent.
• Must possess valid certificate as a Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Certified Professional of Food Safety (CPFS) for the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) at the time of hire or within nine (9) months from date of hire.
• Must possess Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and Better Process Control School certification at time or hire or nine (9) months from date of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Environmental Health or related field preferred.
• Bilingual in various languages.

Responsibilities

• Lead the application of laws and regulations governing on-site inspections and investigations of private, public, and commercial facilities; review compliance permits following pre-permit inspections.
• Conduct and coordinate detailed inspections and investigations of environmental and/or public health infractions at commercial food operations and public aquatic facilities, serving as a technical resource for inspection staff.
• Provide guidance on investigations of routine environmental health complaints; recommend corrective actions and support the issuance of notices of violation to protect public health.
• Track compliance activities, determine when reinvestigations are warranted, and ensure appropriate follow-up occurs in line with established protocols.
• Collect and analyze field samples and data, ensuring accuracy, quality control, and appropriate application of laboratory results and trend analysis.
• Review and present analytical findings and reports to clients, outside agencies, forums, the general public, and county departments, representing the program as a subject matter expert.
• Serve as a field training officer by mentoring inspectors, standardizing food safety inspection practices, and providing technical training on environmental health studies and programs.
• Prepare and coordinate cases scheduled for court hearings.
• Coordinate commercial building permits for food establishments and public aquatic facilities, ensuring regulatory requirements are met and review is completed.
• Interpret environmental health ordinances, rules, and procedures, acting as a point of contact for public inquiries and providing guidance on complex regulatory questions.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health education programs, and mentor staff in outreach methods that prevent public health risks.
• Collaborate with private and governmental agencies to strengthen environmental health practices, support public health and safety initiatives, and assist with grant and resource development efforts.
• Participate in project management activities for Health Protection initiatives as assigned by the Health Protection Manager.
• Develop and maintain food program standards in compliance with FDA’s retail food program standards and manufactured standards.
• Handle sensitive and/or confidential records, plans, documents, or decisions that require maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.

Benefits

• Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses.
• In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits.
• Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level