Environmental Health Specialist II

Pima County • Tucson, AZ

1d • $25 - $35

About The Position

The Environmental Health Specialist II leads other environmental staff and participates in the public health, consumer health and food safety field by leading investigations, inspections, education, and enforcement functions with emphasis on new or remodeled food establishments or food establishments with a change of ownership. This classification is differentiated from the Environmental Health Specialist I by its focus on leading other environmental staff, plan review and the inspection of new or remodeled food establishments or food establishments with a change of ownership. Works across various environmental health domains, including plan review, training of new employees, FDA voluntary program standards, and special projects as needed by the division.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biological, environmental science, microbiology, or natural science as defined by the Arizona Sanitarians Council or other closely related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND one year of experience as a registered sanitarian. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
• The Sanitarian’s Council has defined “natural science” as a branch of science that deals with the physical world, including life, physical, and health sciences. The Sanitarians’ Council makes all final determinations as to whether individual courses meet the definition.
• OR: Two years of work experience with Pima County in an Environmental Health Specialist I or closely related position as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.
• Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
• All positions require possession of a valid registration in the State of Arizona as a professional sanitarian within six months from the date of appointment.
• Some positions may require an Arizona Pest Control Operator certification at the time of appointment or prior to completion of initial/promotional probation.
• All positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application.
• Failure to obtain/maintain a current registration/certification/ licensure shall be grounds for termination.
• Valid driver license is required at time of application.
• Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
• 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.
• Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination.
• Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.
• The County requires pre-employment background checks.
• Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.
• A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.
• This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.
• This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen, which may include respirator fit test.
• The proper wearing of individual safety and protective clothing and equipment is required.
• Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Current Registered Sanitarian and/or Registered Environmental Health Specialist credentials.
• Experience working in an environmental health program.
• Experience with staff training, grant writing, or policy and procedure writing.

Responsibilities

• Conducts plan reviews for regulated facilities
• Approves operations and permitting of regulated establishments
• Leads investigations into outbreaks and environmental health hazards, requiring detailed analysis and coordination with other agencies or departments, to ensure compliance with established rules, regulations and statutes
• Participates in or leads the implementation of long-term compliance plans for facilities, including corrective actions and follow-up inspections
• Participates in or leads the development and implementation of new environmental health programs or initiatives, including drafting policies and guidelines
• Mentors and trains entry-level environmental health specialists and interns, sharing knowledge and promoting best practices within the profession
• Serves as a project lead on special assignments, requiring coordination across multiple stakeholders and departments
• Designs and delivers educational programs and materials regarding environmental health issues and prevention strategies to the community, businesses, and professional groups
• Represents the environmental health department at public meetings, hearings, and task forces, advocating for public health issues and policy changes
• Conducts research on environmental health trends, emerging issues, and best practices to inform departmental strategies and policies
• Analyzes data from inspections, investigations, and surveillance activities to identify patterns, risks, and areas for improvement
• Interprets and implements County ordinances and/or policies, state and federal laws regulating environmental health.

Benefits

• Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security.
• Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees