ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

This position is responsible for providing environmental health services to residents and businesses in Elbert County through various programs.  Implements environmental health practices and policies in accordance with county and state regulations. Assists in development of health policies for operation of the agency and the protection of the public. Advocates for and partners with community, county and state colleagues, while providing highly technical and responsible assistance to the community.  

Consumer Protection Program

The Environmental Health Specialist position for the Consumer Protection (CP) Program will primarily perform work in support of the Retail Food Program. This work consists of educating and conducting regulatory inspections of Retail Food Establishments as well as licensing and inspecting mobile food and special event vendors. Investigates foodborne illnesses and will work closely with Communicable Disease staff in the event of a food-related outbreak. Responds to and investigates a range of environmental complaints and resident concerns. There may also be some overlap with potential work in other Public Health programs.

Early Childhood Program

The Environmental Health Specialist position for the Early Childhood Program will be involved in performing inspections and investigations of regulated businesses with a focus on inspections of childcare, schools, responding to complaints, and investigating illnesses related to environmental causes. There may also be some overlap with potential work in other Environmental Health programs. The position also entails building collaborative relationships internally across divisions and externally with community partners to advance public health initiatives in these settings as well as providing technical assistance and education to the public and other agencies regarding areas of public health concern.

Water Program

The Environmental Health Specialist position for the Water Program will be involved in performing inspections of onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) designs, installations, and use, as well as with investigations related to surfacing sewage, from OWTS or otherwise, along with any corresponding direction of event mitigation or reporting activities. Additionally, the Water Program Specialist will also be involved in performing inspections and investigations of regulated businesses with a focus on inspections of recreational water operations (pools, spas, splash pads), responding to complaints, and investigating illnesses related to environmental causes. There may also be some overlap with potential work in other Public Health programs. EHS will have the opportunity to conduct land use case reviews on land use cases that involve OWTS or past/present/future solid waste sites, and will also conduct environmental record reviews as part of phase I environmental assessments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts scheduled and non-routineinspections of industrial, commercial, public, or private facilities to ensure continued compliance with public health standards and regulations.Including but not limited to retail food establishments, childcare facilities, schools, and on-site wastewater treatment systems.  
• Notifies owners or operators of deficiencies or violations; maintains records of contacts made and conditions encountered. 
• Investigates environmental health concerns and makes recommendations for compliance with requirements. Prepares issuance of orders and instructions to maintain compliance with environmental health regulations as indicated.
• Performs file data input into computer systems associated with environmental health programs. 
• Issues permitsand licensesasappropriate.
• Performs environmental assessments for land use requests and changes.
• Responds as required to support public health emergencies, incidents, and events. 
• Completes training identified as appropriate and participates in all exercises and drills on emergency preparedness, as required.
• Participates in special team assignments, such as foodborne illness investigations when needed.
• Attends ongoing training tomaintain/enhance knowledge and skills.
• Responsible for assisting in zoonotic control functions such as inspections, surveillance, disaster response, rabies biological and animal control ordinances when needed.
• Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL LEVEL II FUNCTIONS

• Presents educational material regarding environmental health to schools, civic groups, and various audiences. 
• Assists in the preparation of legal documents for administrative hearings and further legal action against repeat violators.
• Provides support to the Public Health Director for projects, grant opportunities, and other matters pertaining to the Department.
• Engages in specialized programs, projects, and research in environmental health science.
• Assists in training/mentoring other staff members as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of principles, techniques, practices, and procedures as related to environmental health.
• Ability to learn and stay up to date on environmental rules, regulations, and statutes.
• Must be able to read maps and plat books and prepare accurate documents.
• Excellent critical thinking, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community partners.
• Ability to plan, schedule, organize, and prioritize workflow to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate both orally and in writing and maintain adequate records and reports to meet management objectives.
• Ability to utilize current technology with proficiency.
• Ability to identify results of efforts and potential problems and to develop and recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to identify suspicion of fraud or intentional program violations.
• Ability to recognize child and adult protection health issues as it relates to environmental health and safety and report them to the appropriate authorities.
• Ability to safely drive an automobile or van on public roads and highways in all conditions.
• Ability to remain flexible and sensitive to customers’ needs while effectively managing demands with high volume of work and frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to perform under pressure at times.
• Demonstrated skill in working with federal, state, and/or local authorities.

RESPONSIBILITY

Reports to the Elbert County Director of Public Health. Work is reviewed periodically for results obtained and for compliance with procedures, methods, general conclusions, final results, and accuracy on a regular basis through supervisory reviews. This position requires independent judgment, authority, and decision-making within defined scope and parameters.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

This position requires contact and professional communications with citizens, community organizations, medical and other health professionals, members of the agency, and local county and state government representatives.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of experience in governmental health, including conducting inspections and investigations, preferred.
• Environmental Health Specialist II:
  • Minimum of three years of experience in governmental health, including conducting inspections and investigations.
  • FDA Food Code-compliant Standardization Certificate for Retail Food Establishment and/or Master’s degree in public health or related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree
• One year of experience in a related field
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Colorado
• FDA Food Code – completes Standardization for Retail Food Establishment within 18 months of hire.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check, motor vehicle record check, and pre-employment drug screen. 
• Acquires and maintains any certifications required to manage childcare, school, and retail food programs.
• NAWT and CPOW certifications for OWTS, preferred. 

PHYSICAL EFFORT, WORK ENVIRONMENT

Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain. Considerable travel is required; work may be assigned in various locations. Position is subject to on call 24 hours per day 7 days per week. May be required to climb ladders and climb into and out of trenches and other excavations. Work environment may contain potential exposure to hazardous conditions including but not limited to electrical, chemical, and biological.  Requires occasional work in industrial and construction areas and may experiences exposure to machinery, electrical hazards, and excessive noise.

•Requires ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and ability to walk and navigate on all types of terrain.

•Requires ability to lift and carry sampling occasionally up to 50 pounds.

•Requires color vision to distinguish titration/chemical reaction to color changes.

•Appearances are required at community and statewide meetings.

Physical Requirements of Position:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

Driving:Frequently

Balancing:Frequently

Bending/Stooping:Frequently

Twisting:Frequently

Squatting/Crouching:Frequently

Kneeling:Occasionally

Crawling:Occasionally

Climbing Stairs:Occasionally

Climbing Ladders:Occasionally

Reaching:Frequently

Standing/Walking:Frequently

Lifting: Occasionally

Lifting:  1 lb. Minimum/ 50 lbs. Maximum

Carrying: 1 lb. Minimum/ 50 lbs. Maximum

Push/Pull:  1 lb. Minimum/ 50 lbs. Maximum