Environmental Health Director

Location and Department

251 B Street W., Vale, Oregon.

Full Time – 37.5 hours per week.

Hourly: $36.50 – $51.50

Monthly: $5,931.25 – $8,368.75

• Develop, direct, implement, and maintain inspection processes to ensure sanitation of food and public facilities as specified in intergovernmental agreements with the State of Oregon and Malheur County Code.
• Provide supervision of solid waste matters in Malheur County, prepare required documents and reports to maintain active solid waste permits.
• Administer onsite sewage disposal processes and acquire permits as needed.
• Determine whether a detailed investigation is necessary upon communicable disease outbreaks (in cooperation with the Malheur County Health Department); determine control measures, facility closures, public notices, etc.
• Refer public to established air quality control program (DEQ).
• Inspect existing septic tanks and soil conditions.
• Inspect on‑site sewage disposal installations; issue permits; enforce state regulations; assist in design, layout, and proper installation.
• Perform full supervision, including assignment of work, evaluation, discipline, adjustment of grievances, hiring, transferring, suspending, laying off, recalling, promoting, instructing, scheduling, and approving leaves.
• Represent the agency before the County Court, the public, other jurisdictions, and professional organizations.
• Prepare departmental budget and monitor expenditures.
• Attend state‑sponsored conferences and training seminars to obtain new information regarding rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Maintain courteous and effective relationships with employees, department heads, elected officials, outside agency personnel, and the public.
• Oversee and manage all activities and reporting for Lytle Boulevard Landfill.
• Inspect food handling and service establishments for cleanliness and sanitation; collect food and biological samples for laboratory analysis upon request of the State epidemiology division.
• Inspect licensed swimming pools for compliance with state laws and regulations; maintain pool inspection certification as required.
• Inspect recreation parks and traveler accommodations to ensure compliance with Oregon state sanitation requirements.
• Coordinate with health nurses in conducting epidemiology related to food and water‑borne diseases.
• Maintain records of inspections and activities; prepare reports and recommendations.
• Handle reports of animal bites under Oregon state law.
• Ensure regular physical attendance at the employer’s facility.

• Must possess a Current Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) License or be able to obtain one within 30 days.
  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 45 quarter‑hours of environmental sanitation science and two years of experience under an environmental health specialist.
  • Or, a graduate degree in community or public health with one year of experience under an environmental health specialist.
  • Reciprocity:
    Bachelor’s or graduate degree as above and an affidavit of licensure demonstrating current active registration with no disciplinary action. The registration must have been issued by a regulatory body of another state or a nationally recognized association.
    AND
• Four (4) years of experience working as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist.
  AND
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Or a satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training relevant to the position.

This position requires use of a vehicle for County business. A valid driver’s license with a good driving history is required. A safe and acceptable driving record per County policy must be maintained throughout employment.

Complete soil classes as required by DEQ for the On‑Site Program within one year of employment.

Occasionally respond to emergencies during off‑duty hours, including temporary events on weekends and holidays.

Pass a criminal history background check.

• Past government experience.
• Experience working with the public.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets.
• Coursework in soil science, soil morphology, physical geology, or geomorphology.
• Bi‑lingual in…