Environmental Health Specialist I

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking two dedicated Environmental Health Specialist I to join our team and play a critical role in safeguarding residents and visitors through inspections, investigations, education, and regulatory compliance activities. These positions conduct environmental health inspections and investigations at a variety of regulated facilities, including restaurants, food trucks, schools, hotels, childcare centers, recreational facilities, and housing establishments. You will work directly with business owners, community members, and government agencies to promote compliance with public health laws, prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses, and address environmental health concerns. The ideal candidates are passionate about protecting public health and improving community well-being through education, collaboration, and service. They are eager to learn, receptive to guidance and professional development, and committed to applying environmental health regulations fairly and effectively. Candidates who possess or are eligible to obtain Arizona Registered Sanitarian credentials or equivalent qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Successful completion of 30 semester credit hours at an accredited college or university in subjects relevant to the role of sanitarian, INCLUDING 22 semester hours in the natural sciences, as approved by the Arizona Sanitarians Council. (A transcript of courses completed including grades must be attached to the application materials.)
Three years of work experience as a sanitarian assistant, sanitarian aide, environmental health technician, or any other job title with similar duties in either a recognized public health agency or private industry in a position directly related to environmental health.
Three years of full-time military duty in the field of environmental health.
Valid registration in the State of Arizona as a registered sanitarian or current Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) credentials. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
Valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application.
The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
Pre-employment background checks.
Post-job offer physical and/or drug screen.
Post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.

Nice To Haves

Registered Sanitarian in the State of Arizona or qualify for Reciprocity by being registered in another State with a passing score at or above the qualification required by Arizona.
College degree.
Environmental health work or intern experience.
Bilingual (English and Spanish, Chinese or other language).

Responsibilities

Investigates, inspects and advises recreational, housing and food agencies and establishments, e.g., restaurants, food mobiles, home/day care centers, hotels, motels, massage studios, ice manufacturing plants, bed and breakfast facilities, schools, trailer parks, and warehouses, within assigned area of jurisdiction on health related matters
Investigates vector-related complaints and recommends appropriate treatment of infested areas
Interprets, promotes, and enforces public health/food safety federal, state laws and regulations and local ordinances
Applies the intent of statutes, regulations and ordinances as they pertain to food establishments and agencies requiring licensing
Identifies the need for permit applications, operational plans and supporting documentation submittal for regulated facilities and activities to ensure compliance with applicable environmental health regulations
Recommends permit suspension, permit revocation and other enforcement tactics for non-compliance to supervisor for consideration
Responds to requests to abate environmental health hazards on public and private property
Maintains manual and computer-based records
Coordinates and communicates with local, county, state and federal agencies regarding environmental health investigations, compliance activities and public health initiatives
Prepares, presents, and submits routine, recurring and special reports regarding environmental health matters
Prepares educational manuals and handouts, facilitates workshops, pool and food certifications and other on-site educational programs
Participates in developing new programs and revising existing programs
Assists in performing epidemiological investigation of foodborne, waterborne, and vector-borne disease outbreaks
Assists in the collection of samples of food, water and sewage for laboratory analysis and interpreting results
Leads response, mitigation, and participation in public health and environmental health emergency response efforts related to drought, extreme heat, illness outbreaks, wildfires, sewage spills, flooding, and other community health hazards