Environmental Health Specialist (FLI)

New Hanover County; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer paid 401k contributions

Health insurance and wellness center

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

New Hanover County seeks an Environmental Health Specialist to perform independent fieldwork in the Public Health Department. You will inspect food, lodging, childcare, schools, and pools to ensure compliance with health regulations, educate the public, and enforce state and local laws.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in public health or related field, one year of environmental health experience, and NC credentials. Travel and emergencies may be required, with competitive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Must have bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental health, environmental epidemiology, food sciences, microbiology, entomology, or related field with science coursework and one year of environmental health experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in interactions with the public, coworkers, and agencies; ability to gather data and interpret results; knowledge of environmental and public health laws.
• Computer skills including Word, Excel and Outlook; ability to learn new software for project tracking.

Responsibilities

• Inspect health care facilities, food service establishments, institutions, childcare facilities, and public swimming pools; issue citations and permits as needed.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, media, and agencies; deliver educational programs and information through various channels.
• Maintain state authorizations and certifications; participate in continuing education and respond to emergencies and disasters.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Data gathering & interpretation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Public Health

30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in sciences

Experience in environmental health practice

Tools

CDP for FLI inspections

EnerGov for permit/inspection/complaint processing

Job description

New Hanover County is seeking an experienced Environmental Health Specialistto join the Public Health Department and perform independent fieldwork. This position protects public health by inspecting food and lodging institutions to ensure compliance with public health regulations and promotes public health through education, consultation, surveillance, evaluation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of federal, state, and local statutes, laws, and rules governing food service establishments, lodging, childcare centers, schools, institutions, and public swimming pools.

Essential Duties:

• Conducts inspections of permitted establishments and licensed facilities, including examining foodborne risk factors and equipment; interpreting and applying appropriate regulations; and issuing appropriate sanitation scores and permits. Responds to reports of violations by conducting investigations, preparing written reports, issuing necessary citations, and conducting follow-up monitoring.
• Performs public relations and education duties by responding to inquiries from the public, media, and other agencies regarding environmental health issues and concerns; preparing and presenting educational programs; and providing education through the county website, meetings, presentations, brochures, and site visits. Referrals and education may involve coordinating with state or local agencies.
• Maintains required state authorizations and certifications by participating in continuing education programs and seminars.
• Responds to natural disasters and emergency situations by inspecting facilities, evaluating damage to permitted establishments, and assessing sanitary conditions in emergency shelters. Serves as an agent/liaison to assist other agencies, such as NC Department of Agriculture, Consumer Protection Safety Commission, Marine Fisheries, and Shellfish Sanitation, with investigations, facility inspections, and recall monitoring.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Position Specific Duties

Food, Lodging & Institutions:

• Inspect health care facilities, food service establishments, institutions, childcare facilities, and publicswimming pools.
• Investigates reports of foodborne illness.
• Reviews, evaluates, and identifies safe food handling procedures and hygienic practices.
• Inspects and permits temporary food vendors at festivals for compliance with State rules. Conduct ongoing surveillance of temporary food vendors throughout each event and take enforcement actions as needed.

New Hanover County's Consolidated Human Services Agency is a single county agency that provides any combination of Public Health and Social Services throughout the county. New Hanover County Public Health is a fast paced environment comprised of a team of dedicated professionals who stay committed to the County's goal of superior public health and public safety by providing services in the areas of nutrition, personal health, environmental health, school health, maternal health, child health, community health, counseling, epidemiology, lactation, health promotion and health administration. Ideal candidates for Public Health have an eye for detail, the ability to multi task and shift priorities seamlessly and an overwhelming desire to serve the citizens of our county.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

Living in New Hanover County, NC:

New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; must be flexible to work as needed on weekends and with weekday schedule adjusted accordingly. Must be available to work during emergency situations.

Salary Information:

The target hiring rangefor this position is $56,351.00 - $76,074.00.

The full salary range for an incumbent hired into this position is $56,351 to $95,797. Starting salary will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, and budget. Candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience may be considered for a starting salary above the target hiring range, but not to exceed the maximum of the salary range.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement planthrough the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Epidemiology, Food Sciences, Microbiology, Entomology, or related field, including a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences and one year of experience in the field of environmental health practice; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors and the general public, as well as techniques for gathering data and interpreting results, federal, state and local environmental and public health laws.

• Must have computer skills including Word, Excel and Outlook, and the ability to learn new software programs, specifically in project tracking.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by first date of employment with good driving record
• Must have reliable transportation/personal vehicle.
• NC Registered Environmental Health Specialist
• NC Authorizations in area of assignment (FLI)
• NC Department of Health and Human Services authorization in Food Lodging
• Experience with software used in completion of EHS duties, i.e., CDP for FLI inspections, and/or EnerGov for permit/inspection/complaint processing.

Applicant Information:

This posting is open continuously with a priority consideration date of 10/27/2026, after which applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for.

All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.