Food Investigator I

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Food Investigator I

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

14520

Department

Public Health Services

Division

Environmental Public Health

Opening Date

02/17/2025

Closing Date

5/17/2025 11:59 PM Central

Position Description

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health. 

About Harris County Public Health: 
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant. 

Position Overview:
he EPH, Investigator, Food conducts inspections, investigate complaints, and maintain records regarding food establishments to determine compliance with state and county laws, rules, and regulations.  Must be a self-starter, able to work independently without daily supervision. Must be able to use discretionary judgment in routine fieldwork, be able to defuse difficult situations with tact and diplomacy, and follow the policies and guidelines established by the county, the department, and the division.

Duties & Responsibilities: 
  • Conduct routine and permitting inspections, re-inspections, and surveys of food establishments to determine compliance with the Texas Food Establishment, the Texas Health & Safety Code, and the Harris County Rules for the Regulation of Food Establishments.  Conduct premise inspections of childcare centers.  This includes the ability to clearly document and communicate regulations, rules, food safety subjects, etc. to the public, food establishment operators, and complainants while maintaining a professional, courteous attitude.
  • Investigate and take appropriate action on food complaints from citizens.
  • Be able to complete and document assigned work according to policy and procedure using computers, reports, and established priorities to maintain thorough record keeping. 
     
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education: 

  • Bachelor's degree with 30 hours in basic or natural science from an accredited college or university. 
Licensure
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License (TX upon hire)
  • Must be able to pass a National or Texas Registered Sanitarian exam and Texas Noncommercial within 18 months of hire. 

Core Competencies: 

Organizational Leadership

  • Understands the organizational mission 
  • Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust 
  • Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others 

Collaboration

  • Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
  • Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group 
  • Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs Innovation 
  • Ability to adapt to change 
Innovation 
  • Ability to adapt to change 

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics 

  • Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect 
  • Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner 
  • Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses 
  • Uses sound judgment 
  • Self-motivated 
  • Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity 

Communication 

  • Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

N/A

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: 
  • Full-Time | Special Revenue
  • Monday – Friday | 8 am – 5 pm
  • Other days and hours as necessary. 
Work Environment:
  • This job operates in a professional office environment.
  • This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and printers. 
Physical Demands: 
  • This is a largely sedentary role; however, some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending and standing for periods at a time.
Work Location: 
  • Harris County Public Health: 1111 Fannin St. Houston, TX 77002

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
 
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance 
  • Long-term disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
    • Accrual rates increase based on years of service
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
  • Healthcare Reimbursement Account
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
  • Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
  • Flexible schedule (varies by department)
  • Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
 
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:

01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?
  • High School or GED diploma
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • None of the above
02
If you selected a college degree on the previous question, does your degree include a minimum of 30 hours in basic or natural science?
  • Yes, I have completed 30 Hours in Basic or Natural Science
  • No, I have not completed 30 Hours in Basic or Natural Science
  • N/A No Degree
03
Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.
04
This position requires the employee to pass a National or Texas Registered Sanitarian exam and Texas Noncommercial within 18 months of hire. Are you able to meet the requirement(s) above?
  • Yes, I am able to meet this requirement.
  • No, I am not able to meet this requirement.
  • I currently obtain the license.
05
This role requires a Valid Driver's License (Texas upon hire) Do you have a Valid Driver's License?
  • Yes, I have a Valid Texas Driver's License
  • No, I do not have a Valid Texas Driver's License
  • N/A I do not have a Driver's License

Required Question

Employer
Harris County
Address
1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone
713-274-5445