Environmental Health Specialist I

DHRM•Chesterfield, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 33 local health districts. The Chesterfield Health District provides public health services to the residents of Chesterfield County, Powhatan County, and the City of Colonial Heights. The Chesterfield Health District is seeking to fill two Environmental Health Specialist I (EHS I) positions, with one position located in our Powhatan office and one position located in the Chesterfield Health Department. These entry-level trainee positions provide an opportunity for individuals to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform environmental health duties while supporting the Chesterfield Health District's onsite soil program. This position will focus primarily on protecting public health from disease transmission and groundwater pollution associated with raw or partially treated sewage by ensuring the proper location, evaluation, design and construction, and operation and maintenance of Sewage Disposal Systems and Private Wells. Under close supervision and guidance, employees will participate in both formal training and structured on-the-job learning. The selected candidates must successfully complete the applicable Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Soils Program training and obtain one of the following credentials within 18 months of hire: DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE), or DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE). Upon successful completion of all required training and credentialing requirements, employees will be promoted to the Environmental Health Specialist II position.

Requirements

Ability to communicate effectively with the public as well as other internal/external partners and staff; proficient in basic computer software programs
Time management skills necessary in order to meet workload demands
Knowledge and/experience in food safety
Ability to influence behavior of foodservice employees/management, provide services in professional, courteous manner, present educational programs to adults; uses a customer-service oriented approach to assignments and works effectively as a team member
Must be able to complete training in the VDH Food program and be able to obtain the VDH Food Standardization credentials within 18 months
A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency

Nice To Haves

Experience in environmental health, such as experience gained as an Environmental Health Associate
DPOR COSE or AOSE licensure preferred
Knowledge of soil classification and description; skilled in analyzing soil; skilled in positioning homesites and wells, skilled in use of soil augers and Munsell color charts
Knowledge of on-site sewage and private well regulations

Responsibilities

Protecting public health from disease transmission and groundwater pollution associated with raw or partially treated sewage by ensuring the proper location, evaluation, design and construction, and operation and maintenance of Sewage Disposal Systems and Private Wells.
Participate in both formal training and structured on-the-job learning.
Successfully complete the applicable Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Soils Program training.
Obtain one of the following credentials within 18 months of hire: DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE), or DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE).
Support the Chesterfield Health District's onsite soil program.