Job Description

Consumer Protection Specialist / Senior Consumer Protection Specialist

Protect Public Health. Promote Food Safety. Make a Difference in Gunnison County.

Location: Onsite | Gunnison, Colorado

Pay: Based on qualifications and experience

Schedule: Monday - Friday

Status: Full-Time | Non-Exempt | Benefits Eligible

Position Type: Environmental Health & Consumer Protection | Department of Health & Human Services

We're Hiring for Experience at Different Levels!

Gunnison County is recruiting for either a Consumer Protection Specialist or Senior Consumer Protection Specialist, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The position level and compensation will be determined based on education, relevant experience, certifications, and demonstrated technical expertise.

Put Your Expertise to Work Protecting Our Community

Safe food, healthy environments, and strong public health standards don't happen by accident. They require knowledgeable professionals who are committed to protecting the people and communities they serve.

As a Consumer Protection Specialist, you'll play an important role in protecting public health throughout Gunnison County by ensuring food safety, promoting environmental health, and helping local businesses understand and meet regulatory requirements.

This isn't just an inspection position. You'll combine scientific knowledge, regulatory expertise, and education to help prevent foodborne illness, promote safe practices, and serve as a resource for businesses and community partners.

We're looking for someone who can educate with patience, collaborate with professionalism, and enforce regulations with confidence. Someone who understands that protecting public health sometimes means having difficult conversations, making tough decisions, and holding firm to established standards.

If you're passionate about food science, public health, and making a meaningful impact in your community, we want to hear from you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Protect Public Health & Ensure Food Safety

• Conduct inspections of restaurants, retail food establishments, schools, childcare facilities, camps, and other regulated facilities.
• Investigate food safety complaints, environmental health concerns, and potential violations of state and local regulations.
• Evaluate food handling, preparation, processing, transportation, and storage practices to identify and address public health risks.
• Document findings, communicate corrective actions, and take appropriate enforcement measures to ensure compliance.

Support Consumer Protection Programs

• Conduct scheduled inspections, complaint investigations, and follow-up visits in accordance with established requirements.
• Maintain accurate inspection records, reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Support compliance with state and federal inspection standards and established program procedures.
• Identify emerging public health concerns and work collaboratively to address potential risks.

Educate, Train & Build Partnerships

• Provide food safety education, training, and technical assistance to local businesses, community organizations, and staff.
• Translate complex food science, public health principles, and regulatory requirements into practical, understandable guidance.
• Support public education initiatives that promote safe food practices and prevent foodborne illness.
• Build collaborative relationships with businesses, regulatory agencies, and community partners while maintaining clear expectations for compliance.

Support Environmental Health & Community Safety

• Collaborate with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and other agencies on environmental health matters.
• Assist with investigations involving communicable disease risks, vector control, and public health concerns.
• Support program reporting, data collection, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for an environmental health professional who combines scientific knowledge, strong communication skills, and confident regulatory enforcement. The ideal candidate can educate and collaborate with local businesses while maintaining high standards for public health and safety—even when difficult conversations or enforcement actions are necessary.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educational background in a science-related field, preferably food science, microbiology, infectious disease, environmental health, public health, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of food safety, food science, environmental health, and applicable regulations.
• Experience or demonstrated ability in educating, training, or providing technical guidance to individuals or groups, including explaining scientific and regulatory information in clear, practical terms.
• Ability to confidently enforce regulations, address noncompliance, navigate difficult conversations, and make sound, defensible decisions while maintaining professionalism and fairness.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate with businesses, community members, and regulatory partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting food safety inspections, environmental health investigations, or regulatory compliance activities.
• Experience developing or delivering food safety education, training programs, or community outreach initiatives.
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Retail Food Establishment Standardized Inspector, Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS), or Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) certifications.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Colorado driver's license and satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background check with CBI.
• Regular travel throughout Gunnison County and Colorado.
• Completion of ICS 100, 200, and 700 within the first year of employment.
• Ability to perform field inspections in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Specific education, experience, and certification requirements will vary based on the position level. Placement as a Consumer Protection Specialist or Senior Consumer Protection Specialist will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and the applicable job description.

WHY GUNNISON COUNTY?

Big Country. Close Team. Real Impact.

At Gunnison County, public service is more than a job. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community where you live, work, and play.

Your work directly contributes to the health and safety of residents, visitors, and local businesses. You'll have the opportunity to apply your scientific knowledge, build meaningful community relationships, and help promote safe, healthy environments throughout Gunnison County.

And when the workday ends, you're surrounded by everything that makes the Gunnison Valley extraordinary—from mountain trails and rivers to skiing, biking, and a strong sense of community.

Here, your expertise matters. Your work has purpose. And your community benefits from what you do.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation: Pay will be determined based on the selected position level, qualifications, and experience.

• Consumer Protection Specialist: $33.66 - $40.92 (starting range based on qualifications and experience)
• Senior Consumer Protection Specialist: $35.68 - $43.37 (starting range based on qualifications and experience)

The County pays monthly on the last weekday of the month

Benefits:

Gunnison County offers a variety of employee benefits, subject to position eligibility, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Vacation leave earned at 8 hours per month, and accruals increase based on years of service.
• Sick leave earned at 8 hours per month
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts options
• Dependent Care FSA available
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance equal to 1x annual salary
• Supplemental life and AD&D insurance options for employees, spouses, and children
• Employer-supported retirement plans through the Colorado Retirement Association (CRA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee wellness programs and events
• Discounted gym memberships and pet insurance
• Employer-paid Norton LifeLock membership
• Potential access to County workforce housing, subject to availability

Retirement

Gunnison County contributes toward your long-term financial future:

• 3% employer contribution to a 401(a)
• Up to 3% employer match for voluntary contributions to a 457(b)
• Social Security and Medicare employer contributions

Specific benefits and employer contributions depend on employment status and plan eligibility.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

Bring your scientific knowledge, communication skills, and commitment to public health to Gunnison County.

Whether you're developing your career in environmental health or bringing years of experience in consumer protection, we encourage you to apply.

Apply Today. Protect Public Health. Serve Gunnison County.

View the Full Job Descriptions Here:

• Consumer Protection Specialist
• Senior Consumer Protection Specialist

Hiring Manager: Brad Wheaton

Contact: brad.wheaton@state.co.us

Posting Deadline: Open until filled.