Position Information

New Hanover County is seeking an experienced Environmental Health Specialist to join the Public Health Department and perform independent fieldwork. This position protects public health by inspecting food and lodging institutions to ensure compliance with public health regulations and promotes public health through education, consultation, surveillance, evaluation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of federal, state, and local statutes, laws, and rules governing food service establishments, lodging, childcare centers, schools, institutions, and public swimming pools.

Essential Duties:

Conducts inspections of permitted establishments and licensed facilities to include examining foodborne risk factors and equipment; interpreting and applying appropriate regulations; and issuing appropriate sanitation scores and permits.
Responds to reports of violations, which includes conducting investigations; preparing written reports; issuing necessary citations; and conducting follow-up monitoring.
Performs public relations duties by responding to inquiries from the public and preparing and presenting educational programs.
Maintains required state authorizations and certifications by participating in continuing education programs and seminars.
Responds to natural disasters, which includes inspecting facilities; evaluating damage to permitted establishments; and assessing sanitary conditions in emergency shelters.
Serves as an agent/liaison to assist other agencies such as NC Dept. of Agriculture, Consumer Protection Safety Commission, Marine Fisheries and Shellfish Sanitation in investigating, inspecting facilities and monitoring recalls.
Formulates interpretations and responses to inquiries from the public, media, and other agencies regarding environmental health issues and concerns.
Conducts public education relating to environmental health through the county website, meetings, presentations, brochures, and site visits. Referrals and education may involve coordinating with state or local agencies.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.

Position Specific Duties:

Food, Lodging & Institutions:

Inspect health care facilities, food service establishments, institutions, childcare facilities, and public swimming pools.
Investigates reports of foodborne illness.
Reviews, evaluates, and identifies safe food handling procedures and hygienic practices.
Inspects and permits temporary food vendors at festivals for compliance with State rules. Conduct ongoing surveillance of temporary food vendors throughout each event and take enforcement actions as needed.

New Hanover County's Consolidated Human Services Agency is a single county agency that provides any combination of Public Health and Social Services throughout the county. New Hanover County Public Health is a fast paced environment comprised of a team of dedicated professionals who stay committed to the County's goal of superior public health and public safety by providing services in the areas of nutrition, personal health, environmental health, school health, maternal health, child health, community health, counseling, epidemiology, lactation, health promotion and health administration. Ideal candidates for Public Health have an eye for detail, the ability to multi task and shift priorities seamlessly and an overwhelming desire to serve the citizens of our county.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, equity, innovation, integrity, stewardship, and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, and supports equitable and inclusive policies and growth opportunities. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change in the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

Living in New Hanover County, NC:

New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

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Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; must be flexible to work as needed on weekends and with weekday schedule adjusted accordingly. Must be available to work during emergency situations.

Salary Information:
The hiring range for candidates who meet the minimum education and experience requirements, but lack certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) starts at $56,351 plus a competitive benefits package. For those candidates with current certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), the hiring range starts at $58,042.

New Hanover County offers:

Employer paid 401k contributions;
Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
Paid parental leave;
Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Epidemiology, Food Sciences, Microbiology, Entomology, or related field, including a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences and one year of experience in the field of environmental health practice; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors and the general public, as well as techniques for gathering data and interpreting results, federal, state and local environmental and public health laws. Must have computer skills including Word, Excel and Outlook, and the ability to learn new software programs, specifically in project tracking.

Licenses/Certifications

Licenses/Certifications:

Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application
Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by first date of employment with good driving record
NC Registered Environmental Health Specialist
NC Authorizations in area of assignment (FLI)
NC Department of Health and Human Services authorization in Food Lodging
Experience with software used in completion of EHS duties, i.e., CDP for FLI inspections, and/or EnerGov for permit/inspection/complaint processing.

Other Information

Applicant Information:
This posting is open continuously with a priority consideration date of 02/20/2026, after which applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for.All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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