HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Health & Water Quality DirectorJEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND WATER QUALITY DIRECTOR
FLSA: Exempt - Executive
Department: Health and Human Services (HHS) UNION: Exempt
Annual Hours Worked: 2080 Adopted:
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Exempt Salary Svstem Grade: 20 Approved:— f
1.0 MAJOR FUNCTION AND PURPOSE
1.1 Plans, organizes, manages, directs, and evaluates the Environmental Health (EH) and
Water Quality (WQ) programs of Jefferson County. Provides professional technical
advise, consultation and services to other departments and the general public. Works
with the Board of County Commissioners, Health Officer, Board of Health, the County
Administrator and the HHS Director in the development and management of programs
and procedures. EH works to accomplish local, state and federal environmental and
public health statutes,goals and policies. EH is responsible for enforcement and
education in various areas including sewage disposal, drinking water, food preparation,
disease, public swimming, and solid waste disposal. WQ is responsible for development
of environmental policy and planning, and implementation of studies and assessments,
enhancements, and promoting stewardship through public education. EH and WQ
provide a critical link with other county, city, regional and state departments to
integrate policies and actions for environmental assessment, protection and
enhancement.
2.0 SUPERVISION RECEIVED
2.1 Persons in this position are given significant discretion within the scope of policy and
regulations, in the routine performance of their duties. Supervision and guidance are
received from the HHS Director in conjunction with the Health Officer, the Jefferson
County Board of Health, and the County Administrator. Performance evaluations are
conducted by the HHS Director. EH performance measures are reviewed by the
Jefferson County Board of Health. WQ performance measures are reviewed by the
Board of County Commissioners and the County Administrator.
3.0 SUPERVISION EXERCISED
3.1 Persons in this position supervise professional, paraprofessional and administrative staff
in the Environmental Health and Water Quality programs. Carries out supervisory
responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning,
assigning, and delegating work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining
employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. The position uses sound
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Jefferson County Job Description: Environmental I lealth and Natural Resources Director
professional judgment, conforms to adopted policies and procedures, solves problems
and achieves results consistent with stated goals and objectives.
3.2 Motivate staff, enhance efficiency, and generate a harmonious work environment.
4.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 Administers EH and WQ budgets and oversees staffing and community based services
for programs and services. Has overall authority, responsibility, and accountability for
implementation of these programs. Receives direction from Health Officer and Director
regarding program implementation. With other management and administrative
personnel, prepares budget estimates, statistical, and routine reports.
4.2 Represents Jefferson County on multi -jurisdictional and stakeholder committees
conducting watershed planning, salmon recovery planning marine resource protections.
Integrate findings and policies recommended from these committees into Jefferson
County actions for environmental assessment, enhancement and protection.
4.3 Assists other departments or agencies as needed by providing technical assistance in the
development and implementation of policies and actions related to water quality
protection and enhancement, water resource management, and management offish and
wildlife habitat. Assist or conduct environmental assessments for use by other
departments and jurisdictions.
4.4 Performs policy development and program design with written, identified needs and
goals. Financial management and resource allocation: responsible for public health
budget development, monitoring, tracking, reporting and expenditure approval of the
programs. Assure appropriate use of public funds, that contractual obligations are met
and the Department and County goals are achieved within available resources.
4.5 Financial management and resource allocation: responsible for EH and NR budget
development, monitoring, tracking, reporting and expenditure approval of EH and NR
budgets, to assure appropriate use of public funds, that contractual obligations are met
and the Department and County goals are achieved within available resources.
4.6 Coordinates with other agencies as appropriate including Emergency Management.
Investigates the factors responsible for specific disease outbreaks. Interviews affected
individuals, obtains appropriate samples for laboratory analysis and investigates
suspected sources. Reports results to State Health Services. Takes appropriate
corrective action upon identification of source.
4.7 Participates in citizen education for all areas of environmental health programs.
Conducts classes, performs public speaking, prepares publicity, and other wise assists in
Jefferson County Job Description: Environmental Health and Natural Resources Director
informing the public of proper sanitation and disease control methods.
4.8 Assists other departments or agencies as required, and provides professional and
technical advise related to environmental health programs, such as reviewing
subdivisions and other properties to determine suitability of building sites from an
environmental health perspective.
4.9 Enforces EH rules and regulations of the State Board of Health, local Health Board and
other applicable laws where authority and responsibility has been delegated to the local
Board of Health.
4.10 Leadership, planning and policy development: develop local, regional, and statewide
plans and policies, support County Boards, and provide leadership, consultation,
strategic planning, analysis and communication.
4.11 Establishes annual work programs and identifies team approach to problem solving and
process improvements. Evaluates program and community needs within the context of
HHS, the County and the community.
4.12 Conducts program evaluation of structure, process and outcome that may include: cost
benefit analysis, recording systems, immediate and long-term outcomes both intended
and unintended.
4.13 Performs other tasks as directed.
5.0 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
5.1 Ability to work effectively with other professionals and community groups. Ability to
read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, policy and
regulations, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints
from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to
write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards
of directors.
5.2 Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to
practical situations.
5.3 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.
Jefferson County Job Description: Environmental Health and Natural Resources Director
5.4 Ability to use a personal computer and software, calculator, and other office equipment
standard to areas of assignment and to adapt to new and/or modified equipment which
may be acquired.
5.5 Demonstrated successful supervisory and managerial experience is preferred.
Implement and maintain sound organizational practices.
5.6 Maintain a high standard for accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in the preparation
of reports and budgets. Independent and self -motivated to complete required deadlines
while simultaneously completing other tasks.
5.7 While preforming the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand,
walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and talk or hear. The
employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and
stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
5.8 Good health, and good physical condition appropriate to the position. The employee
must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision requirements
include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception,
and the ability to adjust focus.
6.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
6.1 Master's degree in environmental health, sanitary science, bacteriology, dairy science,
veterinary medicine, engineering or basic natural or physical sciences, public
administration or public health, and a minimum of 45 credits of basic and natural
sciences; or a combination of related undergraduate education and experience to equate
to masters level degree; and five (5) years progressively responsible environmental
health positions, with at least one (1) year as manager including direct responsibility for
performance of a team and/or individual subordinates, or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
6.2 Registered by the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians.
6.3 Valid Washington State Driver's License.
6.4 Ability to successfully complete various required training classes and obtain certificates
necessary for functional skills performance, maintenance and improvement.
7.0 DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES
Jefferson County Job Description: Environmental Health and Natural Resources Director
7.1 Familiarity with tools, instruments, equipment and techniques commonly used in the
performance of related tasks.
7.2 Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm
in stressful situations, relate to various personality styles in a calm, professional manner.
7.3 Understands the need for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
7.4 Knowledge of the principles and practices of the field of environmental health and
associated disciplines, as applied to environmental health, including chemistry,
microbiology, soils, ecology, and communicable diseases. Knowledge of the laws and
administrative policies governing the environmental health programs.
7.5 Assure efficient and effective utilization of volunteers and department personnel, funds,
materials, facilities, and time.
7.6 Strong leadership, management, organizational, planning and negotiating skills.
7.7 Professional grant and report writing.
8.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT
8.1 While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside
weather conditions.
8.2.1 Work is normally performed indoors and the noise level in the work environment is
usually moderate.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and
employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job
change.
Jefferson County Job Description: Environmental Health and Natural Resources Director
9.0 ADDENDUM - SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
9.1 Performs on-site inspections of proposed sewage disposal systems to determine such
factors as suitability of site and conformance of design and installation with codes and
state and local regulations. Informs citizens of results of inspections and advises
personally or by letter of inadequacies and suggests alterations. Performs in -progress
inspections to assure compliance.
9.2 Investigates complaints of malfunctioning sewage disposal systems to identify causes
and determine corrective action necessary. Informs citizens of corrective actions
necessary.
9.3 Conducts inspections of proposed or existing private and public water supply systems.
Performs and/or instructs citizens to perform appropriate sampling and interprets
results. Informs all parties of necessary corrective actions and disinfection procedures.
9.4 Coordinates with other departments and agencies to establish, maintain, and operate
solid waste disposal programs. Issues permits to operate, inspect proposed and existing
sites to assure compliance with standards, rules and regulations. Additionally,
investigates complaints concerning solid waste disposal problems on private property.
Requests owners to take corrective action.
9.5 Inspects establishments and facilities where food, drink, groceries, etc. are being sold or
served. Assures inspections are performed on a timely basis and in accordance with
local and state regulations regarding food service sanitation. Advises proprietors or
managers, both personally and in writing, of corrective actions necessary and maintains
records and reports to assure appropriate follow-up.
9.6 Investigates reports of food borne illnesses. Interviews affected persons; obtains
appropriate samples to be sent to laboratory for testing; informs all parties of results of
investigation and corrective action necessary.
9.7 Investigates vector problems such as animal bites, insect and rodent infestations, and
dead animals to prevent the spread of disease via vector transmission. Advised citizens
of corrective or preventative actions necessary.
9.8 Surveys public swimming pools on a scheduled basis. Advises proprietors or managers
of corrective action necessary.
9.9 Investigates complaints of physical and chemical hazards such as pesticides, industrial
pollutants, and noise. hlitiates corrective action when warranted.
9.10 Approves and issues operating permits, license renewals, construction approvals, and
Jefferson County Job Description: Environmental Health and Natural Resources Director
certificates of inspection. Withholds same if deficiencies exist. Initiates enforcement
action as necessary following departmental and county procedures.
9.11 Periodically inspects such facilities as mobile home parks, campgrounds, migrant
worker camps and schools to assure general sanitation and conformance with rules and
regulations.
9.12 Knowledge and advanced understanding of the principles and practices of
Environmental Health and Public Health Policy including the legal implications of all
department activities. Knowledge of management and administrative practices, and
technical advances related to the delivery of services, treatments and intervention.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and
employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job
change.