Environmental Health Specialist I or II

Brief Duties and Responsibilities: EHS I: This is an entry level environmental health position. BOTH EHS I AND EHS II: The Environmental Health Specialist I and II performs detailed professional environmental health inspection, evaluation and enforcement duties consistently exercising judgment and discretion to determine compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and policies. The employee in this position is expected to function effectively and independently in assigned areas of responsibility, enforcing the full range of environmental health programs including, but not limited to; food protection, on-site sewage disposal, drinking water supplies, solid waste handling, schools, swimming pools, insect and rodent control and epidemiology. A supervisor is generally available to review preliminary findings and discuss difficult or sensitive problems. Tact and diplomacy are required during extensive public contact to explain legal and administrative requirements in seeking compliance with regulations. The person in this position must maintain a professional relationship with Community Health Department staff and with staff of other public agencies concerning the regulatory responsibilities handled by the health department. Health education is an important role for this position.

EHS I: The employee is expected to meet the requirements of an Environmental Health Specialist II within three (3) years of hire. EHS II Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervision is not a normal responsibility of this position; however, in the absence of the Environmental Health Division Manager, an Environmental Health Specialist II may be asked to supervise other program staff.

Working Environment/Physical Abilities: Working conditions are a mixture of office and field work. Field work may be conducted outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather, or indoors depending on the nature of the work to be done. The person in this position must be prepared to work effectively in a wide range of working conditions Ability to drive an automobile, fly in an airplane and travel as required. Ability to lift and carry twenty-five to forty (25-40) pounds. Ability to tolerate environmental conditions such as odors, pets, dead animals, and tobacco smoke. Ability to navigate uneven surfaces (i.e.: new proposed building sites, steep slopes, soil test holes). Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity to operate personal computers, hand levels and lab equipment. Requires sufficient hearing and speech ability to communicate verbally.

Minimum Qualifications: EHS I Education And Experience: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor of Science Degree involving major study in environmental health, sanitary science, bacteriology, public health, biology, or other closely related science is required. Must have a minimum of forty-five (45) quarter hours or thirty (30) semester hours of basic or natural sciences. Previous experience as an Environmental Health Specialist is not a requirement for this position. EHS II Education And Experience: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) involving major study in environmental health, sanitary science, bacteriology, public health, biology, or other closely related science is required. Must have a minimum of forty-five (45) quarter hours or thirty (30) semester hours of basic or natural sciences. Minimum of one (1) years’ experience as an Environmental Health Specialist I, or equivalent, is required.

Licenses And Other Requirements: Must successfully pass a background check and a driving record check. Valid driver’s license and have a driving record acceptable to the county’s insurance provider. Access to a vehicle and proof of liability insurance. Provide documentation of immunization status, proof of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases, or sign an exemption and participate in the employee health program. EHS I: Certifications or registrations within three years of hire EHS II: Certifications or registrations required at time of hire and must continue to meet on-going state standards of compliance to include: 1. Registration as a Sanitarian with the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians, 2. Certificate of Competency as an On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems Inspector, issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing, if applicable. (Must be obtained within two (2) years of beginning work in the on-site sewage program.) 3. Certification by the State Department of Health as qualified to conduct public water system sanitary surveys, if applicable. Must not use tobacco products or electronic vaping devices.