Retail Food Safety Officer- Saluda

Do you have exceptional attention to detail? Do you enjoy performing inspections? Do you like working in different environments each day? If so, then this position could be a great opportunity for you! The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is hiring a Retail Food Safety Officer for the Saluda area. As a Retail Food Safety Officer, you will inspect food establishments such as restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores, markets, schools, etc. to ensure the proper sanitary practices are being followed. As a Retail Food Safety Officer your duties will include:

• Completing compliance graded inspections of retail food service establishments and initiate actions, if necessary, to ensure compliance with Regulation 61-25 governing Retail Food Establishments.
• Ensuring foods are prepared, packaged, and marketed under safe and sanitary conditions.
• Maintaining all required Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities including but not limited to proficiency testing and standardization.
• Providing complete, detailed reports of inspections, and outline any necessary enforcement action.
• Conducting complaint investigations in accordance with applicable Standard Operation Procedure and program guidance.
• Investigating suspected cases of foodborne illness; collaborating with industry stakeholders in investigations.
• Providing programmatic consultation to food service industry personnel and other stakeholders.
• Performing pre-operational inspections and issues permits for new facilities.

Did we mention that a take home State vehicle is provided? BENEFITS

• Generous State benefits to include retirement, health, vision, dental and life insurance.• Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for employee only coverage is less than $100/month!

• Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for full family coverage is only $307/month!

• 13 paid holidays; generous annual and sick leave accruals.

• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.

• Employee Assistance Program• Free counseling sessions for employees and household members

• Free Life Management Services (legal, financial, and more)

• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or a related field. Natural or physical science may include, but are not limited to Food Science, Nutrition, Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Public Health, etc.

• An associate's degree in the natural or physical sciences or related field and two (2) years of environmental health or a high school diploma and four (4) years of environmental health or related experience, such as Food Safety/Service Industry, may be substituted for the required degree.

• A valid state driver's license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.

• Knowledge/Experience in food, sanitation, food safety, or in the food service industry.

• Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal food laws and regulations.

• Certified Food Service Manager.

• Extensive in-state day travel using a state provided vehicle.

• Must be able to operate in confined spaces; and inspect inside, over top, behind, and under kitchen equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences and prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports.

• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and shift objects weighing up to 40 lbs.

• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods in extreme heat and cold.

• Must work effectively in a transparent, team-oriented environment and prepare reports / written correspondence with accurate technical regulatory language.

• Ability to exercise judgement in applying and interpreting policies, procedures, rules and regulations, be detail oriented, and highly organized.

• Ability to read fine print on food product labels.

• Occasional overnight and/or out-of-state travel required.