Environmental Health Specialist I (GRANT FUNDED)

Douglas County•Ne, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Health Specialist I works under the direction of an assigned Supervisor or designee to conduct routine inspections, investigate complaints, and enforce city ordinances and state laws, including applicable food codes and environmental health and safety laws. The role involves inspecting regulated establishments, assessing environmental health concerns, explaining corrective actions, and following up to confirm compliance. Some investigations may require closing establishments or coordinating with other agencies. The position also includes testing samples, documenting inspection and enforcement activity, reviewing construction plans, educating residents and property owners, and addressing issues such as infestations. The specialist may conduct educational sessions, participate in public health emergency preparedness and response, serve on committees, and respond to public inquiries. The work is generally performed indoors and outdoors in varied locations and requires travel on County business.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Studies, Biology, or Chemistry, including at least 30 semester hours in basic natural sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Environmental Health.
Must have, or obtain within two years of employment, and maintain throughout employment registration as an Environmental Health Specialist with the State of Nebraska or as a Registered Sanitarian or Environmental Health Specialist with the National Environmental Health Association.
Valid driver's license and transportation at the time of hire, maintained throughout employment.
Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check and conditional-offer drug screen.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including extended walking and standing; occasional climbing, reaching, carrying, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and bending; maneuvering over rough terrain and around obstacles; and frequently lifting or carrying up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
Required vision, hearing, touch, communication, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity abilities.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience involving compliance inspections.

Responsibilities

Inspect establishments regulated by city, county, or state laws and regulations, and investigate public complaints.
Maintain effective working relationships with the public, supervisors, government employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, and other agencies.
Conduct onsite investigations and inform owners and operators of corrective actions, which may occasionally require closing establishments.
Conduct follow-up investigations to verify corrective actions are complete.
Conduct environmental assessments to identify public health concerns.
Perform prescribed tests on samples and, when necessary, transport samples to a laboratory for analysis.
Submit inspection, investigation, and test results to the Supervisor and other authorities as directed.
Conduct joint investigations with outside agencies regarding suspected violations.
Complete reports and other documentation of investigations and enforcement activities.
Enforce applicable laws and ordinances, including providing testimony in court, administrative hearings, or other proceedings.
Address rodent, vermin, and other infestations, including placing rodenticide or insecticides and removing trash and rubbish in accordance with public health and safety regulations.
Educate residents and property owners about violations, remedies, and ways to prevent recurrence.
Review plans for new construction and modifications to existing establishments for compliance with health, sanitation, and safety standards.
Respond to requests to keep non-domesticated animals, inspect premises and proposed housing plans, and recommend permits where applicable.
Prepare and maintain records, reports, correspondence, and departmental documents, including mileage reports, time sheets, inspection reports, and documentation.
Draft correspondence such as notices of violation, hearing notices, and prosecution referrals for Supervisor or Division Chief review.
Conduct educational sessions on environmental health and safety topics as directed.
Receive and record public complaints about suspected violations of environmental health and safety laws.
Attend training courses, seminars, and conferences to maintain job-related knowledge and skills.
Serve on committees as directed, collaborate with community agencies on public health emergency preparedness as assigned, and respond to public inquiries.
Participate in public health emergency response training and respond as directed during a public health emergency.
Safely operate a motor vehicle when required for County business.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance at the assigned location.
Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.