Public Health officer in Viking Cruises

TAKE PART IN ONLINE JOB INTERVIEW WITH VIKING CRUISES IN NOVEMBER 2021

Why is it so cool to become a Viking?

• Paid flights to and from the ship
• Legal employment based on 10-hour work day
• Fixed return dates at the end of your contract
• Free shipwide Wi-Fi
• Free accomodation
• Opportunities for growth and advancement in your career

PURPOSE OF POSITION

• The Public Health Officer ensures the smooth and efficient operation of all Public Health aspects in the Hotel and Deck & Engine Departments and that they are in line with company policy and procedures.
• It is your responsibility to guide and assist all departments on the vessel to maintain the highest Public Health Standards, and to create a friendly, guest-oriented service culture to ensure Guest satisfaction and repeat business, which in turn, will increase revenue and profitability of the company.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct audits and inspections in all departments and outlets onboard, and communicate identified deficiencies to the process owner, as required.
• For all departments advise on the correct procedures and standards, assist in establishing corrective actions and source relevant public health assistance and resources.
• In terms of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program ensure that: the program is in effect and functional for the vessel; a central point of record collection is maintained; conformity on active and passive monitoring are verified; certified pest control applicators are verified; events are coordinated when the IPM contractor is onboard; the pesticide inventory is kept safe in the Public Health Officer’s possession; responses to infestations are coordinated.
• As head of the Response Team, manage and control the Outbreak Prevention and Response Plan (OPRP).
• Function as an asset and provide support to individual process owners, for all other areas of Public Health compliance.
• Identify crew who are required to attend VSP and/or ShipSan seminars.
• Be familiar with the Public Health regulations of the individual countries/regions that the vessel sails in and advise all departments, accordingly.
• In conjunction with all relevant Department Heads, conduct Public Health and Sanitation Training for all Hotel and Deck & Engine personnel and retain all necessary training records. Training includes but is not limited to hands on training for chemical usage/handling, equipment handling, cleaning techniques, time control plans and out log filing i.e. blast chiller logs, cooling etc.
• Monitor and audit relevant Public Health records and retain all records that the Public Health Officer is responsible for, coordinate routine and unannounced onboard inspection events.
• Periodically verify the proper storage of chemicals onboard and check all chemical stores.
• Establish a cleaning schedule for food handling areas and verify its functionality.
• Periodically monitor the loading pier ensuring that all items are of the highest quality and at the proper temperature, and oversee that all receiving parties onboard, conduct their incoming shipment for pest inspections, prior to boarding.
• Inspect shoreside facilities that provide onsite cooked food to Guests. Such inspection can occur in the following instances: at the discretion of the Public Health Superintendent; at the beginning of itineraries/seasons; in response to Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) symptoms among passengers having attended and certain tour; by suspicion based on previous observations by tour escorts.
• Meet with Team Leaders on a daily basis for “The Daily Reunion”, to provide feedback & operational updates as well as to ensure that your department is performing to Viking’s STAR Service Standards.
• Ensure you always wear the appropriate and task specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required for your duties onboard. Always use correct lifting techniques to prevent injuries.
• Uphold impeccable grooming standards at all times by complying with Viking’s Image and Uniform Standards; ensure that company property is appropriately secured and protected, especially during rough weather conditions, in order to prevent unnecessary loss or damage.
• Positively contribute to achieving/succeeding Hotel and Deck & Engine KPI goals (quality & financial) for the Hotel and Deck & Engine Department; have full knowledge about safety & security procedures and can operate in line with all Public Health, Environmental and Safety & Security Policies; participate in all training concerning onboard training, safety & security, fire prevention, evacuation exercises as required by the company.

YOUR PROFILE:

• A required minimum of 3 years plus experience as a Public Health and/or Public Health Officer or similar position, within a 5 Star hospitality and/or restaurant environment. Shipboard experiences are required.
• A strong background in Public Health in all relevant onboard areas and is required. This includes food safety, potable water safety, IPM, recreational water facility safety, manual and mechanical ware washing, housekeeping, and outbreak control.
• Must have attended the Vessel Sanitation Program seminar, at least once. A certificate is required.
• Fluent in English - must have excellent English communication skills to clearly interpret and orate documents and to effectively communicate with Ship’s Command and Senior Management. The ability to speak additional languages is an advantage.
• Flexible, stress resistant, committed team player; strong administration skills are preferred and must be proficient with PC based databases, spread sheets, and word processing systems.
• Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards are required, team builder with exceptional work ethic, motivational skills and coaching abilities.