Environmental Health Scientist - Health Department

Salt Lake County•Murray, UT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Salt Lake County is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join their Health Department. This role involves identifying and solving problems to minimize environmental and public health hazards. Responsibilities include inspecting and monitoring environmental health and safety conditions, coordinating and implementing health and safety programs, and enforcing public and environmental health laws. The position requires a mix of office work and fieldwork throughout Salt Lake County, including inspections of regulated establishments (cosmetology, body art, massage, tanning, lodging, schools), responding to housing and sanitation complaints, inspecting temporary food establishments at mass-gathering events, and responding to public health emergencies which may occur after hours or on weekends. A background check, valid driver's license, and potential additional certifications are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Health or a related area of study as required for Environmental Health Scientist licensure.
Must become licensed as an Environmental Health Scientist-in-training in the State of Utah within sixty (60) days of the date of hire (for Technical Grade 13).
Must become licensed as an Environmental Health Scientist within one (1) year of the date of hire (for Technical Grade 13).
Current Licensure in the State of Utah as an Environmental Health Scientist, or must be eligible for license reciprocity as determined by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, or must obtain licensure within sixty (60) days from the date of hire (for Technical Grade 14).
Successful applicant must pass a required background check through fingerprinting and enrollment in the continuous RAP Back (Record of Arrest and Prosecution Back) program.
A valid Driver's License accepted by the State of Utah is required at the time of hire.
A valid Driver's License issued by the State of Utah must be obtained within six (6) months of hire to operate a County vehicle.
Knowledge of accident/injury, noise, insect/rodent, and air pollution control, food protection, housing, and public lodging, lead, licensed, and permitted establishments, occupational and radiological health, public health nuisances and sanitation, recreational sanitation, school/institutional safety and sanitation, waste management, wastewater management, quality control, and Zoonosis.
Knowledge of Epidemiology and communicable diseases; causes of foodborne illness.
Knowledge of Biology, microbiology, and bacteriology.
Knowledge of Chemistry.
Knowledge of Geology and hydrogeology.
Knowledge of Pesticides.
Knowledge of Sampling, evidence collection, and laboratory procedures.
Knowledge of Legal, regulatory, and enforcement processes.
Knowledge of Implicit and explicit governmental and community organizations.
Knowledge of Federal, State, local, and Health Department laws related to environmental health.
Knowledge of Report writing and preparation.
Knowledge of Research and statistical methods, data collection and analysis, and data entry and retrieval.
Knowledge of Effective public relations and health education methods and techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to effectively apply general principles to specific conditions.
Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of social, ethnic, economic, educational, and professional backgrounds.
Ability to defend and follow oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
Ability to work with minimum supervision and act independently when appropriate.
Ability to train and motivate others and effect change in ideas and attitudes.
Ability to create and develop new concepts.
Ability to plan and conduct research.
Ability to design, organize, coordinate, and develop programs and policies.
Ability to prepare material for media and community dissemination.
Ability to operate a personal computer, noise meter, sampling and testing equipment, and other program-related equipment.
Ability to respond adequately to problems and utilize problem-solving techniques.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public, government, private groups, and individuals.
Ability to deal professionally and tactfully with angry individuals and diffuse hostile situations.

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 licensures or certifications.
May be a designated agent for the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division of the Utah State Tax Commission.

Responsibilities

Identifies problems and solutions to minimize or eliminate hazards that may harm the environment and the population.
Inspects and monitors environmental health and safety conditions.
Coordinates and implements health and safety programs.
Enforces public and environmental health laws and regulations.
Conducts inspections at regulated establishments (e.g., cosmetology, body art, massage, tanning, lodging, and schools).
Responds to complaints alleging violations of the Housing and General Sanitation Regulations.
Inspects temporary food establishments at mass-gathering events.
Responds to public health emergencies affecting the community, which may occur after hours and/or on weekends.
Conducts inspections and surveys, monitors and investigates places or individuals, and determines compliance with the laws.
Issues notices and orders, initiates and negotiates compliance, and follows through with legal action.
Delivers closure notices to businesses for non-payment of permit fees, when owners cannot be contacted, or for failure to pay after accruing late fees.
Develops and maintains cooperative liaison with municipalities, counties, Utah Department of Agriculture, County personnel, and other groups/agencies.
Acts as a consultant and provides technical assistance related to environmental health issues.
Assesses program needs, formulates proposals for solutions and analyzes effects.
Investigates disease outbreaks and determines nature, scope, and cause; takes appropriate action to ensure the cause is eliminated.
Conducts studies and research into causes and solutions to environmental health problems, investigates methods and techniques, and develops and implements strategies for abatement and control.
Develops and implements public education programs; trains and educates citizens.
Works through and with community organizations, governmental agencies, and community leaders to implement and maintain environmental programs.
Prepares and gives reports; proposes and drafts regulations and procedures dealing with environmental health programs.
Collects and analyzes samples and specimens for field tests.
Evaluates and approves plans and specifications, license and permit applications, and planning and zoning referrals.
Maintains and operates specialized equipment and ensures the equipment is in good repair and properly calibrated and stored.
Prepares and responds to emergencies for earthquakes, floods, chemical releases and spills, and biological and other threats.
Works with legal counsel and testifies as an expert witness in court or administrative hearings.

Benefits

12 Holidays
Up to 24 vacation days
12 sick days
One personal day every year
Retirement options for hybrid pension/401(k) or 401(k) only with a 10% contribution
Medical coverage including a 100% county paid premium option
Dental and Vision coverage including coverage for adult designees
Health Savings account with a county contribution up to $1200/year
Flexible Spending Account
100% county-paid Long-Term Disability and Short-Term Disability option
Professional Development including professional membership fees paid
Tuition Reimbursement
Onsite medical clinic
Onsite gym
Hospital insurance
Pet insurance
Auto and home insurance
Discounts at County facilities