Health Sanitarian (09772)

To be considered for any DPHHS Agency position, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials. Successful applicant(s) are required to successfully pass all DPHHS specific background check(s) relevant to each position.

Materials Required of Applicants

(To be considered in this pool, please submit the following)

• Cover Letter
• Supplemental Questions
• Describe your experience with the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards.
• Provide an example of how you would resolve a conflict resulting from a situation where you provided information you thought was correct but then later learned was incorrect.

(Please type responses in a Word document and attach to application. HELPFUL HINT: When attaching a document you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application. Please do not attach more than requested. If you have more than 25 attachments in the system you will need to email these to: hhshumanresources@mt.gov . Failure to attach the required material will conclude in an incomplete application. You must also keep those relevant boxes checked once you submit your application; if you uncheck the box with an active application it will delete the attachment.)

The Public Health and Safety Division leads public health efforts in Montana and provides state-level coordination of key public health services to local and tribal public health agencies. The Division serves a diverse group of customers and stakeholders while working to promote healthy lifestyles and protect the health of Montanans. The PHSD is committed to serving all of our customers and stakeholders with excellence and is a nationally accredited state health department through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). This milestone accomplishment is official recognition that the PHSD meets or exceeds the rigorous national standards established by PHAB.

Job Overview: This position is responsible for developing and administering the food and consumer safety program services to reduce the incidence of diseases and occurrences of unhealthful conditions. Responsibilities include: 1) Investigating consumer complaints and illness outbreaks to identify and eliminate threats to the public; 2) Conducting public health inspections of food facilities and equipment to ensure compliance with state and federal laws; and 3) Providing training related to food and safety programs.

Enforcement

• Responsible for the enforcement of health protection laws through inspection, investigation, compliance review and coordination of local health departments serving Montana counties.
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  Conducts public health inspections of establishments to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
  
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  Advises owners, operators and contractors of any deficiencies and explains regulations, determines corrective measures and implements compliance schedules.
  
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  Prepares reports and letters of findings of inspections/investigations. Approves and issues operating permits, licenses, renewals, site approvals, based on findings to ensure licensed operators comply with regulations.
  
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  Investigates consumer complaints and illness outreaks, conducting and coordinating forensic illness analysis and consultation to identify and eliminate threats to public health.
  
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  Determines if criminal tampering/adulterations or negligence has occurred, then coordinates with law enforcement.
  
• Issues public notices on products which are suspected and/or suspends operations until it can be determined if an imminent health risk exists.

Program Development

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  Develops and administers food and consumer safety programs to reduce the incidence of diseases and the occurrence of unhealthy conditions. Responsible for foods, drugs, cosmetics, public pools and spas, public accommodations, trailer courts, campgrounds, public institutions, consumer product safety, food warehouse, body art, schools, and daycares.
  
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  Conducts regular review of local, state, federal and private industry to ensure they comply with state and federal regulations. Also assists in developing inspection and enfrcement protocols.
  
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  Implements and manages statewide public health sanitation programs to provide public health protection.
  
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  Evaluates changes in rules, laws, inspection and evaluation criteria to determine the impact on current procedures.
  
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  Develops policy recommendations, legislative proposals and administrative proposals to address consumer safety issues.
  
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  Develops grant proposals, applications and/or reviews proposals to seek additional program funding through federal and private sources.
  
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  Conducts research and analysis of investigation reports, standards and risk assessment data for use in the development of administrative rules and program policies which will guide state and local health officials.
  

Training and Technical Assistance

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  Develops and implements food and safety education and training programs to employee and the public.
  
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  Responds to a variety of inquiries relating the interpretation of laws and regulations pertaining to public health.
  
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  Assesses and determines training needs and content of courses.
  
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  Develops training programs and customizes training as needed.
  
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  Delivers training programs and coordinates to ensure that courses are effective and meets the needs of the participants.
  
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  Conducts public relations and outreach work in conjunction with the supervisor.
  

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position requires extensive travel throughout Montana. Travel will be solitary with frequent overnight stays. Employee must be able to operate State vehicles under a variety of road conditions and maintain a good driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, maintaining them over time.
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  Knowledge of Montana statutes and rules pertaining to licensed establishments.
  
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  Ability to perform a public health inspection to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws.
  
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  Ability to communicate deficiencies and make recommendations.
  
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  Basic knowledge of public health including food safety and food borne illness investigations.
  
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  Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  
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  Ability to operate a personal computer as necessary to complete the essential functions of the position including using spreadsheets, word processing, database, email, and other computer programs.
  

Qualifications:


Minimum Qualifications

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  Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Chemistry, or a directly related field.
  
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  Completed microbiology course from an accredited university program.
  
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  Three years of Public Health Sanitarian experience. Must obtain a current Montana Registered Sanitarian License within six-months of hire.
  
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  Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  

Preferred Qualifications

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  Current Montana Registered Sanitarian license.
  
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  Five years of Public Health Sanitarian experience
  

Eligible Training Assignment:

45,344.00