Food Safety Officer (532304)

The Team:

Public Health Services works to improve and protect the health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians by engaging with individuals, groups and communities statewide and nationally. The Food Safety Team within PHS' Environmental Health Unit plays a key role in preventing foodborne illness. This includes investigating outbreaks of illness and developing and implementing food safety policies and programs to ensure food safety.

The Role:

The purpose of this position is to work as part of a small specialist team tasked with overseeing food safety in Tasmania. The role implements food safety initiatives and interventions designed to reduce the cause and cost of foodborne illness in Tasmania. It involves food safety related programs and activities across a range of businesses and industry sectors relevant to the Food Act 2003. The role includes undertaking investigations and responding to complex complaints and enquiries as well as providing high-level food safety advice to a range of stakeholders.

You will need:

1. Demonstrated understanding of, and experience working with, food safety regulations, including the requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, together with experience in complaint investigation, incident response and engagement with food business and members of the public.
2. Demonstrated ability to interpret legislation and scientific literature, prepare guidance documents and materials and develop and deliver professional information via meetings, workshops and online platforms to a range of stakeholders.
3. Demonstrated understanding of current food safety issues at a state level, and an understanding of the wider policy and strategic issues concerning food safety in Australia.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Why Tasmania:

The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals and provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.

Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and stakeholders. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.

Details of appointment:

Permanent, full time, day worker position, working up to 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible.

*notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

Salary: $110,425 to $119,290 per annum. Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.

• Salary range is in accordance with Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement No.2 of 2022.

Allowances:

• Please note that access to salaries beyond $119,290 is subject to qualifications and/or application to the personal upgrade scheme.

In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available:

• Professional Development Allowance of up to $1000 per annum.

Benefits available to eligible candidates:

• Travel and relocation assistance support available by negotiation. 
• A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
• Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania.

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Eligibility:

Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria:

• Satisfactory completion of an appropriate course of study* at a recognised tertiary institution.

*Study that meets the Director of Public Health’s ‘approved qualification’ requirements for appointment as an Authorised Officer under the Food Act 2003.

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a food safety related role in State, Commonwealth, Local Government, or Industry.
• Able to be ap