Environmental Health Specialist 2

Description

Eastern Idaho Public Health is seeking a dedicated and skilled Environmental Health Specialist to join our team at the Driggs office. This role involves ensuring the health and safety of our community through the monitoring, inspection, and enforcement of environmental health regulations and standards.

CLASS PURPOSE
To conduct professional inspections and evaluations of environmental health risks, ensure compliance with environmental health laws, advise on environmental concerns, and coordinate remediation activities. Performs related duties as assigned.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Work Environment: May involve exposure to extreme weather, physical hazards, infectious diseases, toxic substances, and hazardous materials. Requires walking on uneven surfaces, lifting 50-pound objects to waist height, 24-hour on-call response, and travel within the local service area.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Inspection and Evaluation:
2. • Conduct inspections of food establishments, water supplies, day care centers, and other facilities to ensure compliance with environmental health laws.
   • Identify risks and violations, recommend corrective actions, and enforce compliance through education, warnings, or legal actions.
3. Analytical Activities:
4. • Collect and test samples (food, water, soil, air) to detect contamination.
   • Operate and maintain testing equipment, analyze results, and assess pollution levels.
5. Permit and Plan Review:
6. • Review and approve plans for facilities and developments, issue permits, and prepare detailed reports.
   • Serve as an expert witness and provide testimony in hearings.
7. Enforcement and Compliance:
8. • Enforce regulations by issuing citations, embargoes, or permit suspensions.
   • Ensure corrective actions are taken and monitor ongoing compliance.
9. Consultation and Education:
10. • Provide technical assistance and education to the public and industry on environmental health practices and regulations.
    • Collaborate with officials to develop and promote environmental policies.

DUTIES

• Inspect and Evaluate: Conduct thorough inspections of food establishments, day care facilities, water supplies, solid waste systems, and sewage disposal systems to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
• Conduct Surveys and Monitoring: Perform surveys, assessments, and monitoring to evaluate environmental conditions and determine the need for permits. Issue permits based on thorough evaluation.
• Analyze Samples: Collect and analyze samples from various sources to detect levels of pollution or contamination, using specialized equipment.
• Violation Determination: Identify the existence and cause of environmental health violations. Recommend and develop corrective actions or solutions to ensure compliance with environmental health laws.
• Enforce Compliance: Issue citations, warnings, or embargoes, and take necessary actions to enforce compliance with health regulations.
• Plan Review and Approval: Review plans and proposals for various projects, including subdivisions, land development, waste disposal systems, and food establishments to ensure they meet sanitation standards and regulations.
• Regulatory Consultation: Consult with local, state, and federal officials to help draft and promote the adoption of environmental regulations and policies.
• Provide Technical Assistance: Offer technical advice and educational support to both industry professionals and the general public on environmental health practices and regulations.
• Respond to Emergencies: Be prepared to respond to and manage public health emergencies, coordinating with other agencies and working beyond regular hours as needed.

Emergency Response: Employees may be called upon to respond to public health emergencies as outlined in the District’s Public Health Preparedness Plan. This can include working extended hours, nights, or weekends, and performing tasks outside of their regular duties. Employees will only be assigned tasks for which they are properly trained and qualified.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in health sciences or a related field, including successful completion of a college-level algebra or higher math course, and at least 30 semester/45 quarter hours in basic sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) or engineering (sanitary or environmental).
• Experience: Minimum of one year of public health experience in inspecting facilities and enforcing regulations related to food safety, on-site sewage, day care, swimming pools, solid waste, public drinking water, or similar programs.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license is required.

SPECIALTY AREAS

• Certification (Preferred): Credentialing from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is preferred, demonstrating advanced proficiency and adherence to professional standards in environmental health.

Eastern Idaho Public Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for its employees, including:

• Medical/Vision/Prescription Insurance: Choices include PPO, Traditional, or High Deductible Plans.
• Dental Insurance: Coverage to maintain dental health.
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage amounting to your annual salary, with options to purchase additional coverage.
• Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): Provides retirement benefits. More information can be found at PERSI.
• Paid Holidays: Currently 11 per year.
• Sick and Vacation Leave: Accrues each pay period and increases with longevity.
• 401K and 457 Plans: Includes Roth options for retirement savings.

For additional information about Eastern Idaho Public Health, you can visit their website at www.eiph.id.gov.

Equal Opportunity Employment: Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

NOTICE: Idaho's Public Health Districts are authorized by the State of Idaho as independent agencies. District employees are not State of Idaho employees but receive benefits through the Office of Group Insurance.