State of Indiana Hiring for Retail Food Science Specialist at Muncie, IN Full Time

About the Job:

The Retail Food Specialist must have an extensive knowledge of food science, the Indiana Food Code 410 IAC 7-24, and the nationally recognized FDA model food code. The incumbent will act as a subject matter expert on interpreting the food code, conducting product assessment, and providing support to all Indiana food industry members. This position will also be responsible to conduct the enforcement of laws and regulations governing the processing, packaging, labeling, storage and distribution of food products. The incumbent will conduct food inspections on state property and behavior and mental health facilities. This position is critical to IDOH, the Indiana food industry, and to consumers.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Build team cohesion between State departments, and improve coordination with local, state, and industry partners.
• Interpret federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
• Protect the food supply chain system by partnering with field staff, industry, consumers and local health departments (LHD);
• Assist the local health departments in regulating and supporting food safety inspection and evaluation.
• Conduct inspections and investigations of food products, storage and preparation facilities examining sanitary practices to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Prepare technical reports of inspections, documenting observations and making recommendations for action;
• Investigate hazardous events such as fires, floods, tornadoes, and truck/train wrecks or food processing equipment breakdowns and assure the disposal of dangerous, mislabeled or contaminated foods;
• Recommend compliance actions to the Retail Supervisor and the Division Director for establishment corrections and improvements.
• Participate in meetings, conferences and training sessions as assigned by the Retail Supervisor on the local, state and national level;
• Coordinate pre-standardization evaluation activities with local health department staff who are candidates for the certification in preparation for standardization activities by other staff;
• Effectively use electronic forms of communication and reporting tools, such as email, internet and USA
• Food Safety software;
• Maintain an updated schedule at least one week in advance and any deviations are immediately forwarded to the central office secretary.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You’ll Need for Success:

• Extensive knowledge of, and the ability to apply, federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations which govern food protection;
• Extensive knowledge of food protection principles, food science and practices including bacteriology, microbiology, chemistry, epidemiology, food technology and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) theory and application;
• Considerable knowledge of Indiana Department of Health organization, functions, policies, and procedures as they relate to the Food Protection Division as well as the role and structure of federal and local government health agencies and officials;
• Specialized knowledge of inspection methods, of food manufacturing, preservation and packaging techniques, such as irradiation, reduced oxygen packaging, acidified foods and low-acid canning techniques;
• Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing with individuals and in group situations;
• Ability to use good interpersonal skills to establish harmonious relationships with industry, local, public and private agencies;
• Ability to maturely and professionally handle verbal abuse, and threats to life, limb and personal property;
• Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license to travel.