Environmental Health Trainee

Job Purpose & Position Overview:

The person who fills this position shall be trained and mentored by the Environmental Health Manager in order to provide Environmental Health Services to the Winnebago Community. The Trainee will support the Environmental Health Program in promoting safe, healthy environments within the Tribal community. This entry-level position is designed to provide hands-on experience in environmental health practices, including water quality, waste management, food safety, housing conditions, and emergency preparedness. The trainee will work closely with other staff, community members, and external partners to learn and contribute to environmental health initiatives.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist with environmental health inspections and assessments (e.g., homes, facilities, water sources).
• Support data collection and entry for environmental health surveys and reports.
• Participate in community outreach and education efforts related to environmental health topics.
• Help monitor and report on environmental hazards (e.g., mold, pests, unsafe drinking water).
• Attend trainings, workshops, and field visits to build knowledge and skills.
• Assist in organizing community events.
• Collaborate with Tribal departments (e.g., housing, public health, emergency management).
• Maintain confidentiality and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
• Will assist with Pet Care Clinics. Promotes the Spaying and Neutering services available to tribal residents.
• Conducts food service sanitation surveys, such as at the Head Start, Day Care Center, eating and drinking establishments and Tribal Celebrations, in accordance with the Tribal Food Code and the FDA Food Code.
• Conducts periodic air and surface sampling surveys, which include radon and lead testing.
• Assists Tribal housing and Housing Urban Development (HUD) with environmental health concerns in those homes. Assist HUD with home surveys for those residents interested in obtaining housing from them.
• Conducts epidemiological investigation of disease outbreak on the reservation and recommends corrective measures.
• Provide technical assistance to homeowners for the control of rodents and insects.
• Responsible for all reports required and submitted to appropriate personnel.
• On-the-job training provided in environmental health principles and practices.

Qualifications/Skills:

• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in environmental science, public health, or related field preferred.
• Must be a self-starter, possess a positive work ethic and is an avid learner.
• Demonstrate good management skills, ability to organize work and to work independently or in a team setting.
• Must be proficient in computer software and writing.
• Must be able to keep confidential information and abide by Federal Privacy Act laws.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, data entry).
• Must be willing to travel locally and participate in fieldwork.

Public Health Core Competencies for this Position

Public Health Sciences

• Develop partnerships that will increase use of evidence in public health practice.
• Use evidence in developing, implementing, evaluating and improving policies, programs, and services.

Analysis and Assessment

• Use data to inform public health actions. 

Leadership and Systems Thinking

• Contributes to continuous improvement of individual, program and organizational performance.
• Advocates for the role of public health in providing population health services
• Collaborates with individuals and organizations in developing a vision for a healthy community.
• Participate in and/or provides opportunities for professional development opportunities.

Community Dimensions of Practice

• Identify, establish and maintain community relationships and collaborate to improve community health.
• Engage community members and utilize community input to inform and improve public health actions.

Policy Development and Program Planning

• Evaluate and communicate the importance of public health policies and programs.
• Recommended strategies, policies, and programs based on current and projected trends and feasibility thereof.
• Use and assess integrated data and management systems to inform public health decisions.

Communication and Cultural Competency

• Gather input and facilitate communication among individuals, groups, organizations and local government to improve community health.
• Assess the effects of public health policies, programs and services to ensure the diversity of populations and perspectives is addressed.
• Advocate for and demonstrate the value of a diverse public health workforce.

Financial Planning and Management

• Uses performance management systems for program and organizational improvement.  
• Motivates personnel for the purpose of achieving program and organization goals.

Training Requirements:

• N/A

Physical Requirements:  

• Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs. 
• Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment. 

Cognitive Requirements: 

• Reading, writing, calculating 
• Above average social interaction skills 

• Reasoning/Analysis 
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team
• Works with minimal to no supervision 

Language Requirements:  

• Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. 
• Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills. 

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

• All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

Please note the position description duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

WCHS is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants must comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31 C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check. As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American and Veteran applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender orientation/identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. WCHS participates in E-Verify.