Environmental Health Scientist - Health Department

Salt Lake County•Murray, UT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Salt Lake County seeks an Environmental Health Scientist to identify problems and solutions that minimize or eliminate hazards to the environment and population. The role inspects and monitors environmental health and safety conditions, coordinates and implements health and safety programs, and enforces public and environmental health laws and regulations. It combines office and fieldwork throughout Salt Lake County. Responsibilities include inspecting regulated establishments such as cosmetology, body art, massage, tanning, lodging, and schools; investigating complaints involving housing and general sanitation regulations; and investigating methamphetamine-contaminated properties and overseeing decontamination projects. The position involves direct interaction with property owners, tenants, law enforcement, and code enforcement. Work also includes inspecting temporary food establishments at mass-gathering events and responding to public health emergencies. Some assignments require evening and weekend work, and the position may be called back after normal work hours for emergencies or special circumstances. The role may require additional certifications and training depending on program assignment, including potential Lead Inspector Certification, task-specific licenses or certifications, and designation as an agent for the Utah State Tax Commission’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division. The position may require driving a County or personal vehicle to work sites. The usual schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a minimum number of weekends required for mass-gathering fieldwork.

Requirements

Environmental Health Scientist I: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Health or a related area of study required for Environmental Health Scientist licensure.
Environmental Health Scientist I: Obtain Utah Environmental Health Scientist-in-training licensure within 60 days of hire and full Environmental Health Scientist licensure within one year of hire.
Environmental Health Scientist II: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Health or a related area of study required for Environmental Health Scientist licensure.
Environmental Health Scientist II: Hold current Utah Environmental Health Scientist licensure, be eligible for license reciprocity as determined by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, or obtain licensure within 60 days of hire.
Pass a required fingerprint-based background check and enroll in the continuous RAP Back program, in accordance with County Human Resources policy.
Have a valid driver’s license accepted by the State of Utah at hire and obtain a Utah-issued driver’s license within six months of hire to operate a County vehicle.
Meet any additional certifications and training requirements that apply to the program assignment.
Knowledge of environmental health topics including accident and injury control, noise, insects and rodents, air pollution, food protection, housing and lodging, lead, licensed and permitted establishments, occupational and radiological health, public health nuisances and sanitation, recreational sanitation, school and institutional safety and sanitation, waste and wastewater management, quality control, zoonoses, epidemiology, communicable diseases, and causes of foodborne illness.
Knowledge of biology, microbiology, bacteriology, chemistry, geology, hydrogeology, pesticides, sampling, evidence collection, and laboratory procedures.
Knowledge of legal, regulatory, and enforcement processes; governmental and community organizations; and federal, state, local, and Health Department environmental health laws.
Knowledge of report writing, research and statistical methods, data collection and analysis, data entry and retrieval, public relations, and health education methods.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; apply general principles to specific conditions; and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures; work with minimum supervision; and act independently when appropriate.
Ability to train and motivate others, influence ideas and attitudes, develop concepts, plan and conduct research, and design, organize, coordinate, and develop programs and policies.
Ability to prepare material for media and community dissemination and operate a personal computer, noise meter, sampling and testing equipment, and other program-related equipment.
Ability to respond to problems and use problem-solving techniques; establish effective working relationships; and deal professionally and tactfully with angry individuals and diffuse hostile situations.
The position requires considerable walking over rough terrain, bending and kneeling, exposure to adverse weather and difficult-to-access places, and may require carrying bulky equipment or working around hazardous chemicals and unsanitary conditions.
The position requires a minimum number of weekends for mass-gathering fieldwork and may require evening work and after-hours emergency callback.

Nice To Haves

May be required to obtain Lead Inspector Certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
May be required to obtain additional task-specific licenses or certifications.
May be required to serve as a designated agent for the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division of the Utah State Tax Commission.

Responsibilities

Conduct inspections and surveys, monitor and investigate places or individuals, and determine compliance with applicable laws.
Issue notices and orders, initiate and negotiate compliance, and follow through with legal action.
Deliver business closure notices for nonpayment of permit fees, inability to contact owners, or failure to pay accrued late fees.
Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with municipalities, counties, the Utah Department of Agriculture, County personnel, and other groups and agencies.
Provide consultation and technical assistance on environmental health issues.
Assess program needs, formulate proposed solutions, and analyze their effects.
Investigate disease outbreaks, determine their nature, scope, and cause, and take action to eliminate the cause.
Conduct studies and research into environmental health problems and solutions; investigate methods and techniques; and develop and implement abatement and control strategies.
Develop and implement public education programs and train and educate citizens.
Work with community organizations, governmental agencies, and community leaders to implement and maintain environmental programs.
Prepare and present reports; propose and draft regulations and procedures for environmental health programs.
Collect and analyze samples and specimens for field tests.
Evaluate and approve plans and specifications, license and permit applications, and planning and zoning referrals.
Maintain and operate specialized equipment and ensure it is properly repaired, calibrated, and stored.
Prepare for and respond to emergencies involving earthquakes, floods, chemical releases and spills, biological threats, and other threats.
Work with legal counsel and testify as an expert witness in court or administrative hearings.
Inspect regulated establishments, including cosmetology, body art, massage, tanning, lodging, and schools.
Investigate housing and general sanitation complaints and methamphetamine-contaminated properties, and oversee decontamination projects.
Inspect temporary food establishments at mass-gathering events and respond to public health emergencies.
Drive a County or personal vehicle to various work sites when required.

Benefits

12 holidays per year
Up to 24 vacation days per year
12 sick days per year
One personal day per year
Retirement options: hybrid pension/401(k) or 401(k)-only plan with a 10% contribution
Medical coverage, including an option with a 100% County-paid premium
Dental and vision coverage, including coverage for adult designees
Health Savings Account with a County contribution of up to $1,200 per year
Flexible Spending Account
100% County-paid long-term disability coverage
Short-term disability option
Onsite medical clinic
Hospital insurance
Pet insurance
Auto and home insurance
Discounts at County facilities
Healthy work-life balance and opportunities to grow and develop