Environmental Health Scientist I - Environmental Safety

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides an opportunity to serve the Southwestern Nebraska throughout the following counties: Lincoln, Dawson, Frontier, Red Willow, Buffalo, Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Dundy, Hitchcock, Gosper, Furnas. Do you have a passion for protecting public health? Are you interested in a flexible schedule and healthy work/life balance? If so, we have a great opportunity for you! We’re looking for the next great addition to the Environmental Safety Program at the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy. The successful candidate will conduct inspections and compliance activities for food safety and sanitation at Schools, Senior Centers, and Child Care Centers. You will be doing work knowing you are making a difference for current and future generations. Don’t have direct experience? No problem, we’ll teach you! All you need is a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for serving Nebraskans. You can expect to have initial job training in Lincoln, followed by field training to ensure you have what you need to succeed. A State vehicle is provided; you can look forward to eliminating that commute to work. Our small but enthusiastic group of dedicated team members provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

Requirements

Post high school coursework/training in physical or life sciences or environmental health.
Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent transportation
Ability to travel – this position is approximately 80% field work and requires daily driving.
Ability to walk on uneven terrains
Ability to lift 20 pounds
Ability to climb 8-foot ladders
Ability to bend and stoop
Ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Submit a resume or list on the application specific detailed experience relevant to the position in years and months
Submit a current list of at least professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers
Knowledge of: food safety and HACCP; principles and techniques of inspections; the principles of public health; the modes through which diseases are transmitted; the methods of controlling and preventing disease through environmental health practices; the principles of environmental health; the environmental problems related to disease control and prevention; the laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to environmental health; the functions and authorities of State and local health agencies related to sanitation.
Skill in: communicating with individuals and groups with varying technical backgrounds to collect and relay information; listening to and understanding others; time management; planning and organization; problem-solving; critical thinking; conflict resolution
Ability to: interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards; establish rapport with stakeholders; work independently with little supervision; communicate with the public; prepare technical reports on field investigations; operate field laboratory equipment and specialized sampling equipment; analyze the findings of field sampling studies

Nice To Haves

Registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of Nebraska
a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in life, natural, physical or health science.

Responsibilities

Day-to-day implementation of the sanitation program – including inspection of School/College Cafeterias, Senior Centers, Child Care Centers, respond to complaints, and prepare written reports from each inspection.
Procure equipment/supplies, maintain equipment inventory, and supply printed materials.
Develop, maintain or modify manual and computerized tracking/monitoring systems for assigned programs such as violations and status of projects.
Answer all phone and other communications regarding policies, procedures and regulations pertinent to the programs.
Develops and maintains program guidance materials.
Meets with federal, State, and local government representatives and the general public to explain public health policies and programs.
Conducts sampling as assigned and according to established protocol and follows quality control/quality assurance plans.
Resolve conflicts and maintain program objectives in emotionally charged situations.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
Military leave
156% state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the state
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and development based on your career aspirations
Fun, inviting teammates
A safe and secure environment
A new modern building in Fallbrook with free onsite parking
Easily accessible from I-80
Respected as a valued team member
Business Casual Dress Code