Kenneth Foster
Chicago Heights
Summary
Environmental Health; GS-2101-12
Highly motivated professionals looking to continue my career in the field of Environmental Health. Proven record of accomplishment of going beyond with a known ability to initiate action, follow instructions and carry out tasks. A strong understanding of the importance of teamwork, dedication, ability to take orders, and punctuality.
Sanitation specialist with strong expertise in public health and safety regulations. Proven track record in ensuring compliance, conducting thorough inspections, and implementing effective sanitation protocols. Skilled in team collaboration, adaptable to changing needs, and focused on achieving results. Known for reliability, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in maintaining hygienic environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sanitarian I
Kankakee County Health Department
01.2023 - Current
- Under limited supervision, perform food and safety inspections on retail food establishments, observe food handling practices, equipment sanitation levels, conduct investigations of potential food health hazards, consult with, and educate businesses, prepare accurate reports and summaries based on FDA, USDA, and EPA regulatory standards.
- Conducting regular inspections of food service establishments, such as restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, to ensure that they are following food safety laws and regulations.
- Checking for proper sanitation, including the cleanliness of kitchens, storage areas, and other food preparation areas.
- Inspecting food preparation areas to ensure that they are free from pests and other health hazards.
- Reviewing and approving food service plans, including menu items and cooking processes, to ensure that they meet health and safety standards.
- Enforcing regulations related to food labeling, packaging, and storage.
- Investigating complaints from the public related to food service establishments or other health-related issues.
- Conduct swimming pool inspections, ensuring proper recreational water sanitation, according to the Illinois Swimming Pool Code.
Sanitarian II
City of Chicago
11.2017 - 11.2022
- Under supervision, works at the fully functional level conducting inspections of establishments that process, prepare, and/or serve food to enforce food safety, sanitation codes, and licensing requirements and conducts inspections of swimming pools and spas to enforce environmental health codes and licensing requirements, and performs related duties as required.
- Conduct routine inspections of business environments in the public and private sectors to make sure they comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations on the local, state and federal level.
- Observe employees conduct to ensure they are working to prevent the spread of disease.
- Educate the public and individuals on methods to reduce contamination.
- Develop protocols to maintain public and industrial hygiene standards.
- Enforce existing health regulations in community practices.
- Inspect personal practices and equipment.
- Investigate sanitation concerns and compliance issues.
- Prepare inspection reports for the establishments that they inspect and, if applicable, cite violations and recommend improvements.
- Review written plans prepared by these establishments related to facility operations and corrections.
- Retrieve and enter complaints from CHI 311 for food protection daily.
- Send enforcement letters for core violations according to the FDA Food Code.
Head Chef
Ravisloe Golf Course
07.2014 - 11.2018
- Ensure that the quality culinary dishes are served on schedule and resolve conflicts.
- Provide final approval of all prepared food items prior to leaving the kitchen.
- Develop new menus and menu items to ensure effectiveness for the purposes of the restaurant.
- Perform administrative duties: ordering supplies and reporting to the head of the establishment.
- Controlling and directing the food preparation process and any other related activities.
- Construct new menus with new or existing culinary creations ensuring the variety and quality of servings.
- Approve and “polish” dishes before they reach the customer.
- Plan orders of ingredients and equipment according to identified shortages.
- Part-time
Food Service Manager
Chicago Public Schools
08.2012 - 10.2017
- Under general supervision of the principal and/or Staffing Manager, manages the operations of the school lunchroom in compliance with departmental guidelines and performs related duties as required to ensure and/or complete the tasks designated for the success of the food service operation daily.
- Handle sensitive issues with employees and/or clients with tact, respect, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
- Demonstrated the ability to investigate and solve serious issues involving staff and student interaction, while arranging documentation based on the findings.
- Established the ability to prioritize tasks, completing production documents, managing multiple deadlines, while working independently maintaining high levels of organization.
- Actively listen to and consider the concerns of other employees, responding appropriately and effectively.
- Follow all company policies and procedures: ensuring uniform/dress code and personal appearance.
- Monitor the performance of others to ensure adherence to quality expectations and standards.
- Responsible for planning, managing, monitoring, and aiding in the provisioning, operations, and functioning of a food service facility with a staff serving breakfast and lunch with additional ala carte sales.
Education
Master of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
01.2015
Master of Science - Justice and Security Administration
University of Phoenix
01.2014
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
University of Phoenix
01.2012
Skills
- Oral and written communication skills
- Knowledge of Criminal Justice System
- Public relations skills
- Problem Solving
- Process and Procedures Knowledge
- Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Functional and Situational Reasoning
- Community Involvement
- Verbal Aptitude
- Critical thinking
- Environmental health
- Industrial hygiene practices
- Health risk assessment
- Technical report writing
Certification
- Licensed Environmental Healthcare Practitioner in Training
- ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager
- FDA, USDA, HACCP Certified
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Sanitarian I
Kankakee County Health Department
01.2023 - Current
Sanitarian II
City of Chicago
11.2017 - 11.2022
Head Chef
Ravisloe Golf Course
07.2014 - 11.2018
Food Service Manager
Chicago Public Schools
08.2012 - 10.2017
Master of Science - Justice and Security Administration
University of Phoenix
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
University of Phoenix
Master of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix