Environmental Health Officer I (Austin Public Health)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

5d•$24 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Under the jurisdiction of the Austin/Travis County Health Authority, using basic professional skills and environmental health knowledge, administer environmental health program by conducting inspections, and investigations in the enforcement of public health protection laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. May perform environmental health program activities, conduct inspections in specialty areas, and provide public education.

Requirements

Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least thirty (30) semester hours of natural or basic Science.
Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
State of Texas Professional Sanitarian-in-Training Registration.
Successful completion of the State of Texas Professional Sanitarian Registration exam within six (6) months of employment.
Credentialed as an Environmental Health Specialist/ Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) with the ability to obtain a Texas Registered Sanitarian license within (Six) 6 months of acceptance of position.
Knowledge of the principles, interpretation, and administration of applicable policies, codes, and municipal, State, Federal regulations and guidelines.
Knowledge of the methods required in reading and interpreting maps and/or plans.
Knowledge of computer programs such as databases and word processing.
Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures and regulations applicable to work being performed.
Knowledge of applicable health codes, ordinances and regulations.
Skill in analyzing research to determine applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, and statutes.
Skill in resolving problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
Skill in communicating, orally and in writing, any violation and the requirements for its improvement and/or rehabilitation to architects, contractors, developers, other City staff, and the public to achieve voluntary compliance.
Skill in making accurate measurements and computations, and in maintaining records.
Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships other City employees, contractors and the public.
Skill in recognizing deviations from drawings and specifications.
Ability to use effective time management to meet Federal, State, City, Department, and Division mandated deadlines.
Ability to use digital camera and personal, laptop, and/or notebook computer.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred but not required
Environmental Health or retail food business experience
Regulatory or Enforcement experience
Strong Customer Skills
Registered Sanitarian or Environmental Health Specialist, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

Enforces state, county and local health and safety codes and ordinances with the authority to close businesses and facilities for administrative and health hazard violations.
Provides rotating 24/7/365 City/County wide emergency response to public health and environmental emergencies.
Issues citations, notices of violation, and service requests, and is authorized to impose re-inspection fees/penalties.
Files criminal cases when applicable with the appropriate court of law and provides expert witness testimony in subsequent litigation.
Conducts inspections and investigations in a variety of environmental settings for the purposes of protecting the public health and safety.
Excludes or restricts employee work conditions based on Texas Administrative Code regulations.
Investigates citizen complaints of any location, business or residence if probable cause exists of a public health hazard and develops plan for best practices and compliance.
Detains food or equipment and requires the destruction of product which may be contaminated or pose a health hazard.
Collects and analyzes samples and data and provides recommendations.
Develops, generates and submits surveys and incident reports.
Maintains database/documentation.