Environmental Health Specialist

Position Summary

As an Environmental Health Specialist, you will perform work in several programs. Through education, consultation, inspections, and permitting, you will promote and ensure compliance with state and local regulations for onsite septic systems, temporary food establishments, land development, and solid waste disposal facilities. This position will also respond to environmental public health complaints, animal bites, and vector exposures.

This position involves extensive interaction with governmental agencies; businesses and facilities; community-based agencies; the public; and District staff. The individual in this position will adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines, maintain professional conduct, provide information with courtesy and tact, and promote transparency with all District communications.

The individual in this role should be detail oriented, think creatively, exhibit strong organizational skills, be self- motivated with the ability to work independently and as a team, be comfortable with quick turnaround times, shifting priorities, and learning on the fly.

Essential Functions

The essential functions listed below are expected to comprise of at least 5% or more of time worked. The percentages are approximations and variations in actual time worked are expected. In addition to the essential functions listed below, individuals may perform other duties as assigned within the classification and including work in other functional areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance the workload.

10% Complaints:

• Receive non-permit related environmental public health complaints and determine whether a violation occurred.
• Investigate violations and write notification of violation letters to the property owner.
• Determine an appropriate course of action, which may include collaboration with the property owner to reach compliance or referral of the violation to the county prosecuting attorney.

10% Food Safety:

• Conduct routine and follow-up inspections of retail food service establishments, including temporary food service establishments, to determine compliance with applicable local and state regulations and procedures.
• Inform/educate appropriate food service operators of compliance needs. Determine appropriate course of action as necessary.
• Conduct plan review and pre-opening inspection activities pertaining to new construction or remodeling of food service establishments. Works with architects, contractors and operators regarding applicable requirements.
• Investigate complaints regarding retail food service establishments. Determine appropriate course of action as necessary.
• Process and approve permit applications for retail food service establishments as assigned.
• Investigate alleged foodborne illness outbreaks.
• Provide education on food safety.
• Assist in training staff in matters related to food safety and school health & safety
• Assist in drafting and implementing codes and ordinances relating to food safety.
• Assist with program planning and evaluation, and development of policies and procedures.

5% Land Use and Development:

• Review proposed land development projects and parcels to determine the suitability of the development to support on-site sewage disposal systems and drinking water wells.
• Work closely with local planning departments to ensure land use proposals are properly reviewed.
• Work with supervisor for final approval of land development reviews.

50% Onsite Wastewater:

• Conduct site reviews, including soil analysis, design review and final inspections for assigned areas of the District.
• Investigate complaints regarding illegal disposal of sewage. Determine appropriate course of action as necessary.
• Participate in installer and pumper meetings…