ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

Environmental Health Specialist I
Public Health

• This is for the on-site wastewater division.

Hiring Range:
$52,894.40-$62,753.60
Depending on qualifications and REHS Authorizations obtained.

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs specialized environmental health plan review, inspection, and enforcement duties.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Performs sanitation inspections, re-inspections, and corrective action visits as assigned; enforces North Carolina laws and statutes; posts numerical grades and classification grades where mandated.

• Conducts plan reviews for required food establishments, pools and spas, day cares, lodging facilities, camps, etc. as assigned.

• Performs construction inspection visits and issues permits as appropriate.

• Provides a second opinion on more complex on-site septic system permit requests as assigned; verifies soil conditions and or space issues.

• Coordinates and completes assigned environmental health inspections and enforcement activities for commercial and residential septic systems and wells.

• Investigates complaints and takes corrective actions.

• Assists clients in achieving compliance through education and consultation.

• Attends staff meetings, training meetings, and continuing education classes.

• Collects water samples at inspected facilities.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of environmental health practices, procedures, and administration.

• Knowledge of state mandated programs and their policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of rules and regulations governing assigned environmental health programs.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations.
• Skill in performing on-site environmental health inspections.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Skill in prioritizing and planning.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in operating computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Environmental Manager assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include all rules and regulations governing state mandated environmental health programs and department and county policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied program inspection and administrative duties. Strict regulations combined with the unique nature of each site to be inspected contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to perform specialized duties in the enforcement of environmental health regulations. Successful performance helps prevent environmental health hazards and promotes the protection of public health.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other county personnel, consultants, contractors, surveyors, engineers, business owners, developers, food service workers, childcare and school staff, residential care facility staff, elected and appointed officials, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, utilizes the sense of smell, and distinguishes between shades of color.

• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with 30 minimum semester hours of coursework in the physical or biological sciences and 2 years’ experience as an Environmental Health Specialist,; or

• A four year or Master’s degree in Environmental Health from a program which is accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Environmental Health Curricula of the National Environmental Health Association, and one year of experience in environmental health.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain state certification as an Environmental Health Specialist.