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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Health Specialist I JEFFERSON COUNTY Job Description Job Title: Environmental Health Specialist I Department: Public Health Division: Environmental Health Reports To: Environmental Health and Water Quality Director or Water Quality Manager FLSA Exempt: NO Union: UFCW HIPAA: Level 4 BBP: NO Salary Level: Grade 30 Location: Public Health Approved By: Human Resources Manager Approved Date: January 2020 SUMMARY Conducts sanitation inspections and evaluations; explains local and State regulations and standards; identifies corrective action needed as required, reviews and issues or withholds permits and licenses and recommends permit revocation or other enforcement action; and assists the public as necessary in all matters related to Environmental Public Health programs by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Conducts assigned field inspections of food establishments, grocery stores,drinking establishments, and other related facilities where food is present to ensure compliance with Health Department rules and regulations. Conducts measurements such as temperature readings as appropriate. Observes deficiencies and violations related to food storage and preparation, building structure,plumbing,rodent protection, cleanliness, contamination and records on proper form to be submitted to the Supervisor. Reviews and explains results with proprietor. Suggests methods for improvements and corrections of deficiencies. Conducts evaluation of soils and inspections of sewage disposal systems, as assigned,visits installation sites, investigates failing septic systems and informs citizens of corrective actions necessary, referring unusual or difficult situations to Supervisor. Prepares inspection follow-up and compliance schedule and discusses with owners. Conducts inspection follow-up, as assigned,to ensure compliance. Reports on program status to Supervisor. Gathers and analyzes water quality and quantity data to assess environmental problems, including streamflow, surface water quality, and ground water quality. Develops reports to summarize environmental conditions and recommend solutions utilizing statistical models,charts, graphs and other tools. As assigned, or as the Environmental Health Specialist determines,performs interviews and collects laboratory samples regarding disease outbreaks, food borne illnesses, and physical and chemical hazards. Independently conducts swimming pool and water supply system inspections. Maintains records of inspections. Jefferson County Job Description: Public Health-Environmental Health Specialist I Page 2 of 4 Receives, investigates, and resolves public health complaints from general public within scope of knowledge, or refers to more qualified employees as appropriate. Conducts on-site investigations regarding complaints and determines necessary action for abatement.Assures that complainant is informed of results. Assists with community education programs as required.As assigned, conducts community attitude surveys,health facility inventories, and similar studies to assist in identifying the educational needs of the community. Makes presentations to various boards,commissions, and public interest groups. Facilitates meetings involving other governmental entities and key stakeholders involved in resource management. Independently performs other investigations and assignments of a similar nature and complexity. Advises business people, public officials and others of Environmental Health standards and methods of disease prevention related to: food preparation/service,water treatment, sewage/solid waste disposal, toxic/hazardous waste, air pollution, noise,radiation and similar environmental problems. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This job has no supervisory responsibilities. COMPETENCY To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate competency in the following: Analytical-Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures. Technical Skills- Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. Interpersonal Skills-Focuses on solving conflict,not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control;Remains open to others'ideas and tries new things. Oral Communication- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills;Participates in meetings. Written Communication-Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. Cost Consciousness-Works within approved budget; Conserves organizational resources. Diversity-Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences. Ethics-Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically;Upholds organizational values. Organizational Support-Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values. Judgment-Displays willingness to make decisions; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Planning/Organizing-Uses time efficiently. Professionalism-Approaches others in a tactful manner;Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position;Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. Quality-Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Quantity-Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner. Jefferson County Job Description: Public Health-Environmental Health Specialist I Page 3 of 4 Safety and Security-Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions;Uses equipment and materials properly. Adaptability-Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation;Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Attendance/Punctuality-Is consistently at work and on time;Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent;Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Dependability-Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions;Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully,an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree(BA or BS)from four-year college or university in public health, sanitary science,bacteriology, dairy science,veterinary medicine,engineering, or a basic natural or physical science OR related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,technical procedures, or governmental regulations.Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages,ratios, and proportions to practical situations. REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data,establish facts,and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. COMPUTER SKILLS To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of the Windows operating system,the Microsoft Office Suite, database familiarity and internet browser proficiency. CERTIFICATES,LICENSES,REGISTRATIONS Valid Washington State Driver's License May be required to obtain a Washington State Boater's License and be current on First Aid/CPR training. Jefferson County Job Description: Public Health-Environmental Health Specialist I Page 4 of 4 May be required to obtain registration by the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians should task assignments so specify. OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Must have ability to use tact diplomacy, discretion and courtesy in dealing with citizens and property owners who can be uncooperative or hostile regarding enforcement of health regulations. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job,the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger,handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand,walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision,peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job,the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. CAREER LADDER POSITION This position is the entry level position in a career ladder for Environmental Health Specialist. The next position is an EHSII.Advancement from EHSI to EHS II within the career ladder requires completion of all requirements for EHSII and a positive recommendation from the Environmental Health Director.