Environmental Health Specialist (Level I & II)

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VISION

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.

PURPOSE

We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.

VALUES

Service Focused • Collaborative • Accountable • Trustworthy • Transparent

Job Summary

Join El Paso County Public Health as an Environmental Health Specialist and help protect the health and safety of our community. This rewarding role within the Retail Food Establishment Program offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through inspections, investigations, education, and outreach.

In this position, you will:

• Conduct inspections of restaurants and other regulated facilities
• Investigate complaints and foodborne illness outbreaks
• Educate businesses and the public on health and safety regulations
• Promote compliance with public health standards
• Support community outreach and health protection efforts

Grow Your Career

Environmental Health Specialist

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Conducts inspections of industrial, commercial, public, or private facilities to ensure continued compliance with public health standards. Notifies owners or operators of deficiencies or violations; maintains records of contacts made and conditions encountered. Performs data entry of inspection results and reports findings to appropriate parties.
• Collects environmental health-related samples such as food, air, water, or vectors.
• Monitors environmental interfaces of animal to human diseases.
• Reviews design plans for the construction of on-site wastewater treatment systems and inspects sites throughout installation process as assigned; reviews soil and site soil classifications and approves/disapproves results submitted.
• Educates owners, operators, and the public on environmental health issues and regulations.
• Prepares written and verbal reports. Enters findings, including daily activities, into electronic database.
• Conducts and coordinates plan reviews and pre-operational inspections for regulated facilities.
• Investigates routine and non-routine complaints. Provides follow-up action.
• Obtains compliance with public health laws and regulations through administrative enforcement procedures. Works with the Division Manager to expedite enforcement action.
• Participates in special team assignments, such as food borne illness investigations.
• Participates in committees related to program activities and responsibilities.
• Participates in community outreach and news media/social media activities to promote health protection and understanding and support of environmental health programs.
• Participates in departmental emergency planning and response activities.
• Promotes public health within the community.
• Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service in order to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Presents educational material regarding environmental health to schools, civic groups, and various audiences.
• Participates in community outreach activities and news media/social media activities to promote health protection and understanding and support of environmental health programs.
• Assists in the preparation of legal documents for administrative hearings and further legal action against repeat violators.
• Participates in special team assignments, such as food borne illness investigations.
• Provides support to the Division Manager for projects, grant opportunities, and other matters pertaining to the Division.
• Engages in specialized programs, projects, and research in environmental health science.
• Assists in training/mentoring other staff members as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, techniques, practices, and procedures as related to environmental health.
• Knowledge, understanding, and compliance of El Paso County and agency policies and procedures.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner. Skilled in the coordination and delegation of work functions; promotes an organizational shared vision.
• Skilled in training and presentation.
• Ability to learn environmental rules, regulations, and statutes.
• Ability to communicate, motivate, and organize projects among a broad spectrum of personnel, frequently under deadline pressure.
• Ability to exercise professionalism, tact, and courtesy in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
• Ability to identify problems and work creatively to resolve them, considering the impact of actions.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely and maintain accurate records and reports to meet management objectives.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to perform under pressure and when confronted with persons acting under stress. Ability to travel using own transportation on a daily basis.
• Ability to identify results of efforts and potential problems and to develop and recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
• Proficiency in using a computer and various software packages, including Microsoft Office, and performing accurate data entry.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

• Knowledge of environmental health rules, regulations, and statutes.
• Skill in working with Federal, State, and/or Local authorities.

• High school diploma or equivalent education.

• Three years of experience in governmental environmental health, including conducting inspections and investigations.
  • FDA Food Code-compliant Standardization Certificate for Retail Food Establishment and/or Master's degree in public health or related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, including reading, writing, speaking, and translation.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• FDA Food Code-compliant Standardization Certificate for Retail Food Establishment preferred.

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Work Conditions

Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain. Travel is required; work may be assigned in various locations. Position is subject to call-out 24 hours per day 7 days per week. May be required to climb ladders and climb into and out of trenches and other excavations. Work environment may contain potential exposure to hazardous conditions including but not limited to electrical, chemical, and biological. Public Health employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation within sixty days of hire date.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.

El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.