Jennifer Edwards has been helping keep Wake County safe since 2008, when she joined Public Health’s Plan Review and Recreational Sanitation Section as an Environmental Consultant. Her role is as wide-ranging as her title suggests.
Every day, Jennifer reviews facility plans before construction begins to ensure they meet North Carolina’s public health rules. These projects include restaurants, childcare facilities, hotels, pools, nursing homes and many others. As construction wraps up, Jennifer and her team head into the field to confirm facilities were built according to approved plans. Only then can they issue the operating permits and paperwork that allow a business to officially open its doors.
“One of the most important relationships we maintain in Plan Review is with the municipalities across Wake County and their planning departments,” Jennifer explained. “It’s important to work closely with other trade professionals because our rules may require something that others might not consider.”
For Jennifer, the fast pace and variety are what she loves most about her work. “Every day I get to meet people and help them make their dreams become reality,” she said. “Plus, I love being part of a large Environmental Health community that helps keep people safe and protect the natural environment around us.”
Her path to this career wasn’t a straight line. After earning her bachelor’s degree in food & nutrition from Appalachian State University, Jennifer worked in an acute care hospital in Dallas, Texas. She later returned to North Carolina, taking on roles in retail, mall management at North Hills Mall, marketing, and advertising with The News & Observer. Looking back, she laughs: “They say most people change their careers seven times during their lifetime. I think I’ve met that criteria! But this is the job that suits me best.”
Outside of work, Jennifer has a long list of hobbies from baking and crocheting to cross stitch, hiking and traveling. She especially enjoys collecting Christmas ornaments from her trips. “If I’ve been somewhere where Christianity isn’t the predominant religion, I get creative and make something from what I picked up,” she said. And when she sees one of her destinations on TV, she can’t resist saying, “Been there! Done that!”
During Registered Environmental Health Specialist Week, we celebrate professionals like Jennifer, whose dedication, passion and expertise keep our community safe, healthy and thriving.
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