ENVIRONMENTAL SANITARIAN III - Range 14/AMEA

Municipality of Anchorage; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The Municipality of Anchorage Health Department seeks an Environmental Sanitarian to review permit applications, inspect facilities, and enforce sanitation codes in the Anchorage area. The role involves field inspections of food facilities, water sampling, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Successful candidates will have a relevant degree or experience, possess required certifications, and be eligible for designated professional credentials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 6 years in environmental science or related field, including 1 year as Environmental Sanitarian II.
• Associate’s degree with 4 years of related experience, including 1 year at Environmental Sanitarian II.
• Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of related experience, including 1 year at Environmental Sanitarian II.

Responsibilities

• Review permits and plans, approve permits, and inspect facilities for compliance.
• Conduct public health sanitation inspections of food service and other facilities.
• Collect water samples for testing from various locations.
• Inspect food warehouses, restaurants, and other facilities for compliance with sanitation codes.
• Issue citations for code violations and present evidence in court.
• Investigate complaints related to possible code violations and conduct epidemiological investigations.
• Conduct training sessions related to environmental sanitation and pesticide application.
• Review applications and recommend approval for noise permits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Public health knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in Environmental Science

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Chemistry/Biology

Tools

FDA Food Safety Inspection Officer Certification

Pesticide Applicator Certification

Designated Peace Officer Certification

Driver’s License

Job description

Open to the general public and any current Municipal employee.

This position is represented by the Anchorage Municipal Employees Association (AMEA) Union and is subject to the current agreement between the AMEA and the Municipality of Anchorage.

DEPARTMENT: Anchorage Health Department

HOURS OF WORK: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: 825 L Street

Employees who are hired or rehired to any position shall be placed at the entrance pay step, and advancement from the entrance step to the maximum step within a pay grade shall be by successive steps.

Remote work schedule opportunities (telecommuting) may be considered after successful completion of probation, at the discretion of management and with the approval of the department head. Not all positions are eligible for remote work (telecommuting) per P&P 40-40.

To be considered for employment, applicants must be legally authorized to work and accept employment in the United States. The Municipality of Anchorage is not able to provide any type of sponsorship, including Student Visas and Employment Visas, under any circumstances.

Under general supervision, reviews permit applications and plans, approves permits, and inspects new and remodeled facilities. Completes public health sanitation inspections of food service and other facilities, at the full-performance level, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Reviews construction plans for new and remodeled facilities to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations. Inspects food warehouses, grocery stores, restaurants, snack bars, and other fixed or mobile food facilities for compliance with sanitation regulations including proper handling of food and food products, and cleanliness. Ensures that required utilities and equipment are on-site, and fully functional. Collects water samples for testing from various locations, including but not limited to; food facilities, swimming pools, spas, and public or patient-accessible, hydrotherapy, whirlpool or other baths and tubs. Inspects other public facilities for compliance with applicable environmental health codes, including but not limited to, rental housing, beauty/barber shops, and childcare facilities. Issues citations for code violations; prepares and presents evidence in court. Investigates complaints related to possible code violations. Performs epidemiological investigations of facilities as required and assists other health professionals in the investigation of major food borne illness outbreaks. Conducts training sessions related to environmental sanitation, and pesticide application. Reviews applications and recommends approval for noise permits. Perform other duties as assigned.

Satisfactory background check which includes criminal, education, and employment history at time of hire.

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent and six (6) years of experience in environmental science, epidemiology, investigation of food borne illness, public health sanitation inspections or a related field of which one (1) year is as an Environmental Sanitarian II with the Municipality of Anchorage, or the equivalent elsewhere.

OR

Associate’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology or a related discipline and four (4) years of experience in environmental science, epidemiology, investigation of food borne illness, public health sanitation inspections or a related field of which one (1) year is as an Environmental Sanitarian II with the Municipality of Anchorage, or the equivalent elsewhere.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology or a related discipline, and two (2) years of experience in environmental science, epidemiology, investigation of food borne illness, public health sanitation inspections or a related field of which one (1) year is as an Environmental Sanitarian II level with the Municipality of Anchorage, or the equivalent elsewhere.

All applicants must possess and/or obtain:

• Valid State of Alaska Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record at time of hire.
• Municipality of Anchorage Certification as a Designated Peace Officer within six (6) months of hire.
• Certified Pool/spa Operator Certification or Aquatic Facility Operator Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Inspection Officer Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• State of Alaska Certification as a Pesticide Applicator within six (6) months of hire.

Preferences:

• Demonstrated proficiency as a Health Inspector.
• FDA Plan Review training.

Additional Important Information:

Preference will be given to Anchorage Municipal Employees Association (AMEA) employees. AMEA employees who are successful in the screening process will be forwarded to the department for consideration prior to any non-AMEA applicants.

The Municipality of Anchorage participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-verify Program. For more information, please go to http://www.uscis.gov/E-verify. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

If selected for hire, appointment in this position will be conditional based upon the submission of a current copy of the applicant's Alaska driver's license and a current (dated within 30 days from date requested) copy of his/her Department of Motor Vehicle driving record, including a driving record from previous states if the Alaskan driver's license was first issued within one year prior to application, documenting an acceptable driving history. The processing fee(s) are the responsibility of the selected applicant.

All required certifications and licenses must remain current for the duration of employment.

If selected for hire, the appointment in this position will be conditional based upon a satisfactory Municipal Employment Office conducted background check. A background check encompasses criminal history, verifying education, and verifying dates of employment.

Military Service Interview Preference

Veterans or who wish to be considered for interview preference as permitted in Municipal Personnel Rules 3.30.031 D must attach to the application a copy of their DD Form 214, DD Form 256, NGB Form 22, or a letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs recognizing the person as a veteran. The attached documentation must show an honorable discharge or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. The minimum qualifications of the position must be met for preference consideration.

Individuals currently serving as a member in good standing in the National Guard or the organized military reserves who wish to be considered for interview preference as permitted in Municipal Personnel Rules 3.30.031 D must attach proof of current service to the application. Proof of current service can be shown by submission of a statement of service which, at a minimum, shows full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, date service began, branch of service, rank, name of command providing the information, and unit of assignment. The statement of service must be on a form or letterhead of the individual’s command organization and show the name, signature, title and contact information for the signer providing the statement of service. The minimum qualifications of the position must be met for preference consideration.

The Municipality of Anchorage is an employer of National Service. Please be sure to include any volunteer work with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or other national service programs on your application in the work history portion.

The MOA is an EO and AA employer and complies with Title I of the ADA.

For information regarding requests for reasonable accommodations related to employment under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Municipality of Anchorage ADA Coordinator at(907) 343-4571.