ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

County Of Elbert Co•Kiowa, CO

6d•$55,457 - $79,327•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing environmental health services to residents and businesses in Elbert County through various programs. Implements environmental health practices and policies in accordance with county and state regulations. Assists in development of health policies for operation of the agency and the protection of the public. Advocates for and partners with community, county and state colleagues, while providing highly technical and responsible assistance to the community. Consumer Protection Program The Environmental Health Specialist position for the Consumer Protection (CP) Program will primarily perform work in support of the Retail Food Program. This work consists of educating and conducting regulatory inspections of Retail Food Establishments as well as licensing and inspecting mobile food and special event vendors. Investigates foodborne illnesses and will work closely with Communicable Disease staff in the event of a food-related outbreak. Responds to and investigates a range of environmental complaints and resident concerns. There may also be some overlap with potential work in other Public Health programs. Early Childhood Program The Environmental Health Specialist position for the Early Childhood Program will be involved in performing inspections and investigations of regulated businesses with a focus on inspections of childcare, schools, responding to complaints, and investigating illnesses related to environmental causes. There may also be some overlap with potential work in other Environmental Health programs. The position also entails building collaborative relationships internally across divisions and externally with community partners to advance public health initiatives in these settings as well as providing technical assistance and education to the public and other agencies regarding areas of public health concern. Water Program The Environmental Health Specialist position for the Water Program will be involved in performing inspections of onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) designs, installations, and use, as well as with investigations related to surfacing sewage, from OWTS or otherwise, along with any corresponding direction of event mitigation or reporting activities. Additionally, the Water Program Specialist will also be involved in performing inspections and investigations of regulated businesses with a focus on inspections of recreational water operations (pools, spas, splash pads), responding to complaints, and investigating illnesses related to environmental causes. There may also be some overlap with potential work in other Public Health programs. EHS will have the opportunity to conduct land use case reviews on land use cases that involve OWTS or past/present/future solid waste sites, and will also conduct environmental record reviews as part of phase I environmental assessments.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of one year of experience in governmental health, including conducting inspections and investigations, preferred.
Environmental Health Specialist II: Minimum of three years of experience in governmental health, including conducting inspections and investigations.
FDA Food Code-compliant Standardization Certificate for Retail Food Establishment and/or Master’s degree in public health or related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Colorado
FDA Food Code – completes Standardization for Retail Food Establishment within 18 months of hire.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check, motor vehicle record check, and pre-employment drug screen.
Acquires and maintains any certifications required to manage childcare, school, and retail food programs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree
One year of experience in a related field
Bilingual in English and Spanish
NAWT and CPOW certifications for OWTS, preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts scheduled and non-routine inspections of industrial, commercial, public, or private facilities to ensure continued compliance with public health standards and regulations.Including but not limited to retail food establishments, childcare facilities, schools, and on-site wastewater treatment systems.
Notifies owners or operators of deficiencies or violations; maintains records of contacts made and conditions encountered.
Investigates environmental health concerns and makes recommendations for compliance with requirements. Prepares issuance of orders and instructions to maintain compliance with environmental health regulations as indicated.
Performs file data input into computer systems associated with environmental health programs.
Issues permits and licenses as appropriate.
Performs environmental assessments for land use requests and changes.
Responds as required to support public health emergencies, incidents, and events.
Completes training identified as appropriate and participates in all exercises and drills on emergency preparedness, as required.
Participates in special team assignments, such as foodborne illness investigations when needed.
Attends ongoing training to maintain/enhance knowledge and skills.
Responsible for assisting in zoonotic control functions such as inspections, surveillance, disaster response, rabies biological and animal control ordinances when needed.
Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
Completes other duties as assigned.
Presents educational material regarding environmental health to schools, civic groups, and various audiences.
Assists in the preparation of legal documents for administrative hearings and further legal action against repeat violators.
Provides support to the Public Health Director for projects, grant opportunities, and other matters pertaining to the Department.
Engages in specialized programs, projects, and research in environmental health science.
Assists in training/mentoring other staff members as assigned.