Public Health Specialist

The Public Health Specialist will protect public health and the environment by ensuring compliance with federal, state and local health and environmental regulations by conducting various health/environmental inspections, including but not limited to restaurant and daycare inspections, conducting public education activities, responding to citizen complaints, conducting disease prevention activities, and conducting environmental investigations.

Other duties include assisting with the administration of various programs and completing administrative duties. Working some weekends, after hours and rotating emergency response are job requirements.

In addition to inspecting various establishments, the Public Health Specialist position is also required to perform vector control duties. This includes but is not limited to collecting samples to test for the West Nile Virus and spraying to protect against the virus.

• Conduct facility inspections by observing practices, processes, equipment, records, and site compliance with federal, state, and local rules.
• Oversees sanitary sewage cleanup and hazardous waste pickup by documenting and controlling cleanup activities; contacting the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality; submitting follow up reports; testing surface water for impact; collecting samples; picking up household hazardous waste; transporting waste to the Environmental Collection Center; transporting containers back to storage; and responding to environmental emergencies.

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Health Science, Science Education or a closely related field
• One (1) year experience working in an environmental health related position
• Applicant not already possessing a Professional Sanitarian Registration must pass the Professional Sanitarian exam issued by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or attain Sanitarian in training Registration within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license.
• Requires ability to obtain the following certifications within 12 months of hire date:
  • Hazardous Materials Management Certification
  • Certified Pool Operator's Certification
  • Pesticide Applicator's License

Work experience may be substituted with a Masters in Public Health or a Master of Science and a Professional Registered Sanitarian Certificate or eligibility for a Sanitarian in Training Certificate.