What You'll Be Doing

Join #TeamWake as an Environmental Health Associate !

The Environmental Health Associate in the Food, Institution and Sanitation section of Environmental Health plays a vital role in protecting public health by helping to ensure safe, sanitary conditions at North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) regulated facilities. These facilities may include Restaurants and food service establishments, lodging facilities and institutions, childcare centers and nursing homes, tattoo parlors and swimming pools. This position works under the guidance and mentorship of senior staff and managers to inspect, evaluate, and enforce compliance with state environmental health regulations. The associate helps identify potential health hazards, educates operators, and uses both education and enforcement strategies to reduce the risk of illness or injury in the community.

The Associate's key responsibilities include:

• Conduct routine inspections of food, lodging, and institutional facilities in accordance with NC DHHS regulations
• Identify health and safety risks and ensure compliance with environmental and public health laws
• Communicate findings clearly and effectively with operators, managers, and other stakeholders
• Participate in investigations of foodborne illness, communicable disease outbreaks, and public complaints
• Inspect swimming pools and tattoo facilities as assigned
• Respond to emergency environmental health concerns and conduct complaint investigations
• Educate the public and facility operators by translating complex regulatory standards into practical guidance

About Our Team

Are you seeking a career in Environmental Health with excellent benefits? If so, the Food, Institution and Sanitation Section of Wake County Environmental Services would like to meet you! The Wake County Environmental Services Environmental Health and Safety Division's mission is to reduce public health and safety risks to citizens and visitors of Wake County through efficient and effective plan review, audits, and education. Wake County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation with a population of over 1 million. The Food Lodging Institution Section won the 2016 Samuel J. Crumbine Consumer Protection Award in 2016.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's or postgraduate degree from a program that is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC); OR Bachelor's or postgraduate degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences; OR Bachelor's or postgraduate degree in public health
• No specific experience required
• NC Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) within two years
• NC relevant authorizations within one year
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• REHS - Registered Environmental Health Specialist - NC Registered Environmental Health Specialist (or Intern) or National Environmental Health Association credentialed
• Experience in food service or regulatory work
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Environmental Science, Biology or Public Health

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills being able to succinctly communicate, market and sell practical Environmental Health and Safety solutions to all levels of company/business/and facility personnel
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills are essential
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to anticipate problems and communicate solutions
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in using a computer and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)

About This Position

Location: WCOB Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm - Occasional nights and weekends

Hiring Range: 23.57 - 30.28

Market Range: 23.57 - 37.00

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 4/23/2025

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

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• Wake County Government

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