Food Safety Specialist 1

State-of-Ohio; Reynoldsburg (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Ohio in Reynoldsburg is seeking a dedicated Food Safety Inspection professional to inspect wholesale and retail food, cosmetics, OTC drugs, and hemp products across multiple counties. The role includes sampling, reporting, and advising local health departments on sanitary practices to ensure safe production and compliance.

The permanent full-time position requires independent work, readiness to handle variable hours, and travel to assigned counties.

Qualifications

• Certificate of registration as sanitarian, sanitarian-in-training or eligible to become sanitarian-in-training by Ohio State Board of Sanitarian Registration.
• Four-year degree in food science, environmental health, or related field includes 45 quarter units or 30 semester hours.

Responsibilities

• Collects samples and conducts inspection, evaluation, investigation & surveillance of food, cosmetics, OTC drugs, and hemp industries for compliance with laws and rules.
• Conducts surveys of local health department’s food safety programs for compliance with standards.
• Prepares reports and compares performance to procedures; recommends training and assistance when warranted.
• Writes FDA contract inspection reports and works independently.
• Provides expert advice and direction to industries and local health department personnel on food safety issues.

Skills

Food Safety Inspection

Education

Bachelor's degree or related field

Job description

All job postings will expire at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the application deadline.

Organization: Agriculture

Work Location:
8995 E Main Street
Reynoldsburg, Ohio, 43068-3399
United States

Compensation: $28.76 - $38.01

Schedule: Permanent - Full Time

Work Hours: Hours vary based on inspection schedule

Classified Indicator: Classified

Union: OCSEA

Primary Job Skill: Food Safety Inspection

Who We Are

Agriculture isthe heart of it all in Ohio! The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects allOhioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resourcesand supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to GovernorDeWine. Food and agriculture is one of Ohio’s top industries employing one ineight people. Ohio is home to more than 73,000 farms, with agriculture touchingevery part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheeseproduction, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and seventh insoybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines,feeding families across the nation. ODA’s beautiful campus is located inReynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequentthe campus for coffee and lunch.

You’ll find great coworkers here, who areexperts in their field and care about the work they do. What We Do

What You'll Do

Noag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from ourtop-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.

Thisposition 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 foodand 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 FDAcontract 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

Thisposition 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.
Acolor deficiency test will be administered before the interview. If candidate fails, he/she will not befurther 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 contractinspection training & annual FDA contract audits as required by employment.

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.

Why Work for the State of Ohio:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications:

Certificate of registration as sanitarian, sanitarian-in-training or eligible to become sanitarian-in-training by Ohio State Board of Sanitarian Registration pursuant to Chapter 4736 of Ohio Revised Code completion of full four year course of study in accredited college or university leading to bachelors or higher degree which included at least 45 quarter units or 30 semester hours in food science, environmental health, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, physical sciences, food technology, epidemiology, veterinary medical science or related field of study 6 months experience in operation of personal computer valid drivers license.
Job Skills: Food Safety Inspection

ADA Statement:

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace:

The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.