Sanitarian - General Programs Food Instructor
Tulsa Health Department, Consumer Protection Services
Tulsa, OK

ABOUT THE POSITION/DEPARTMENT: 
Primarily responsible for presenting food handler training programs, performing visual and technical inspections of commercial food/institutional facilities, and swimming pools, as set forth in state and local public health laws and regulations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position, but is not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (90% of Time):

1. Presents training programs to food handler permit applicants to instruct food handler personnel on proper methods of personal hygiene and food sanitation. Maintains attendance records. Assists in developing training curriculum and associated materials for personnel seeking to obtain food handler permits.

2. Conducts physical inspection of institutional and food establishments, lodging, public bathing, existing or proposed business using prescribed compliance review procedures. Collects samples or data, operates field testing equipment, and conducts tests for interpretive analysis. Prepares technical and non-technical reports and maintains records of investigative activities. Prepares required documentation for review prior to submission to state or federal agencies.

3. Investigates complaints, writes enforcement letters, and submits related documentation to local, state and federal agencies. Participates in licensure and certification programs.

4. Sets up, operates and maintains audio-visual and photo identification systems.

5. Makes recommendations concerning remedial actions to correct environmental health problems. Initiates with supervisor assistance enforcement procedures related to environmental health programs. With supervisory assistance, recommends compliance actions such as formal warnings, fines, license suspensions or closure. Conducts follow-up investigation to monitor progress toward correcting the condition.

6. Completes required training in support of duties and responsibilities of this position.

7. Other duties as assigned including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.
   
    

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Baccalaureate degree in physical, natural or biological science, public health, environmental health, environmental science, or related field is required with a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours in natural, physical, or biological sciences, public health and/or environmental health.

Experience - No experience required.

Skills - Skills are required in the operation and maintenance of monitoring and detection equipment. Good oral and written communication skills are required to effectively present training programs and operate audio-visual equipment including laptop computer and digital camera, deal with the public and to write technical reports. Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Licenses - Registered with the Sanitarian Advisory Council, Oklahoma State Department of Health, or to be eligible for registration. Eligible incumbents, upon completion of six (6) months of training in this position, must take and pass the Sanitarian-in-Training examination.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
• Internal contact with laboratory personnel regarding sample analyses; with the legal department regarding potential legal actions and compliance with regulations; with other environmental specialists regarding compliance information.
• External contact with citizens regarding complaints, communication of compliance requirements, builders, engineers, architects, attorneys, equipment vendors and establishment owners/operators, regarding consumer problems; with specific departments within the city, county, state or federal agencies on compliance in areas of shared responsibility; and with food handler class participants requiring normal diplomacy.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Occasional physical effort required to lift heavy audio-visual equipment and to stand for extended periods of time during training sessions, lift 40 pounds to 48 inches from floor; carry required equipment (notebook, thermometer, route book, etc.); stoop, reach above should height, pick up or move articles (equipment, utensils, etc.) weighing approximately up to 50 pounds; open heavy doors, withstand hot and cold weather.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY:
Direct Supervision - None.
Indirect Supervision - None.
Budget/Money/Material – Responsible for assigned equipment.
Reports to – Division Director, Consumer Protection

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Occasional exposure to chemical and safety hazards in making food establishment and building inspections and in taking samples.
• Dealing with citizens in the resolution of complaints may create stressful working conditions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must maintain THD record confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations.
• Must possess ability and willingness to perform job-related travel.
• The Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Tulsa City-County Health Department will require all applicants and incumbents at this level to be eligible for registration as a Sanitarian-In-Training. Registration shall be with the Department of Registration, Oklahoma State Department of Health, provided in 59 O.S. 1981, Section 907, which states in part:

“(a) any person who on or before January 1, 1976, submits under oath evidence satisfactory to the Department that he has been a resident of the State of Oklahoma for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the date of application, and that he was employed in the field of sanitation on the effective date of this Act (May 27, 1975), may be registered as a professional sanitarian; (b) any person… who after the effective date of this Act… who shall have a B.S. degree, an Environmental Science Degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with at least thirty (30) semester hours work in physical, natural and biological sciences, public health and/or environmental health together with such other qualifications as may be established by the Department…”.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply at Tulsa City-County Health Department, 5051 South 129th East Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74134, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closing date for accepting applications for this position is December 16, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. (CST).

Tulsa City-County Health Department is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the Provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation in the application process, such as an interpreter, a reader, a writer or format, please inform this office prior to your arrival.


 

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