Environmental Health Associate

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Halifax, VA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 35 local health districts. The Virginia Department of Health Southside Health District is seeking a qualified candidate for an Environmental Health Associate role. As an EH paraprofessional, performs EH support work of moderate difficulty, requiring some independent judgment and knowledge of EH laws and regulations. Responsibilities include multiple tasks which collectively dominate the position's work such as: drafting schematic drawings for water, well and septic system construction permits; taking field notes or EH Specialist (EHS) field notes and information from plat and application; developing schematic for the permit package using CAD software. Completes various permit/certificate packages for EHS review and signature. Explains permit or certification requirements to others. Performs on-site monitoring of completed wells in uncomplicated situations; determines compliance of well location within permitted area and compliance with well constructions techniques; reporting results to EHS. Monitors sites and collects soil and water samples in support of the sewage, swimming pool and marina programs. Performs routine investigations of animal bites, monitors confined animals to observe conditions, removes animal heads for rabies examination and packages for transport. Transports rabies, soils and food specimens/samples. Performs other routine environmental investigations of low technical complexity in response to public health complaints such as verifying excessive grass height, observing open trash, confirming the ongoing presence of standing water, etc. May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor. May be required by VDH to adjust work hours, location, and job duties and participate in training to meet public health business needs, including emergencies. If this position is designated as a mobile worker, this includes both working in the field and teleworking at an alternate location when not in the field or during an emergency closing. You may be required to periodically come into your assigned office to attend meetings or training. This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the PHIG Grant for a period ending 06/30/2027. The availability of funding is scheduled for review before the grant expiration date and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

Requirements

Skills in composition of reports, data entry and effective communication
Proficient in basic computer software programs
Ability to conduct inspections and investigations in all areas of environmental health, to work outdoors and perform moderately strenuous physical labor during all seasons
Skills in problem solving essential
Ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds
A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency

Nice To Haves

Experience in environmental health support

Responsibilities

Drafts schematic drawings for water, well and septic system construction permits; takes field notes or EH Specialist (EHS) field notes and information from plat and application; develops schematic for the permit package using CAD software.
Completes various permit/certificate packages for EHS review and signature.
Explains permit or certification requirements to others.
Performs on-site monitoring of completed wells in uncomplicated situations; determines compliance of well location within permitted area and compliance with well constructions techniques; reporting results to EHS.
Monitors sites and collects soil and water samples in support of the sewage, swimming pool and marina programs.
Performs routine investigations of animal bites, monitors confined animals to observe conditions, removes animal heads for rabies examination and packages for transport.
Transports rabies, soils and food specimens/samples.
Performs other routine environmental investigations of low technical complexity in response to public health complaints such as verifying excessive grass height, observing open trash, confirming the ongoing presence of standing water, etc.