Environmental Health Specialist

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. This entry‑level position performs environmental health duties as a trainee with formal and on‑the‑job training in areas such as food sanitation, onsite soil evaluation, private well inspection, rabies abatement, communicable disease investigation, migrant labor camp inspection, classification of shellfish growing areas, and general environmental complaints.

Employees receive close supervision and guidance and must be able to interpret and apply local, state, and federal regulations in enforcement and monitoring through inspections and investigations. Employees are required to complete the applicable training in the VDH Soils program, VDH Food program, or VDH Shellfish program and obtain credentials in one of the following within 18 months: VDH Standardized in Food, DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE), DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE), or National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) State Standardized Inspector.

Upon successful completion, employees are promoted to Environmental Health Specialist Senior. A valid State Driver’s License is required to operate a state vehicle or, if using a personal vehicle, to conduct agency business. The position is eligible for Exceptional Recruitment and Incentive Options.

The Virginia Department of Health offers twelve paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, retirement plans (including a 401(a) Cash Match and a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan), and sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and internal/external partners, and proficiency in basic computer software programs.
• Ability to provide services in a professional, courteous manner, present educational programs to adults, and use a customer‑service oriented approach to assignments while working effectively as a team member.
• Time‑management skills necessary to meet workload demands.
• Knowledge and experience in the assigned program area.
• Ability to influence the behavior of food service employees/management through professional and courteous service.
• Completion of training in the VDH Soils program, VDH Food program, or VDH Shellfish program and obtaining credentials in one of the following within 18 months: VDH Standardized in Food, DPOR COSE, DPOR AOSE, or NSSP State Standardized Inspector.
• Valid State Driver’s License required to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle while conducting agency business.

• Experience in environmental health, such as experience gained as an Environmental Health Associate.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics. VDH welcomes Veterans to apply.