Environmental Health Specialist Trainee

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

21d • $31 - $38

About The Position

THIS WORK MATTERS! Join us at Multnomah County Health Department , where we are seeking individuals who embody leadership, achievement, and action in a dynamic and ever-evolving environment. Our mission is at the heart of everything we do: to collaborate with communities, advance health equity, safeguard the most vulnerable, and foster health and wellness for all. Guided by our core values of Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity, and Integrity, we strive to create a workplace culture characterized by respect, trust, and understanding for the incredibly diverse populations we serve in our communities. Multnomah County's Public Health Division is a vital resource for residents, working to promote physical and mental health, prevent disease and injury, and ensure access to essential health services. Some of our key functions and services include: preventing and controlling diseases, supporting maternal and child health, addressing mental health and substance use, ensuring environmental health, and promoting health equity. Environmental Health Services (EHS) programs serve to protect the public from environmental health related issues: food, water, vector borne diseases and environmental health threats and disasters. The nature of the work is complex due to the numerous environmental health concerns and regulations and the high profile of the activities conducted. The EHS unit analyzes local environmental health issues from a public health perspective, regulates specified businesses and enforces state and local environmental health laws and rules. The Environmental Health Specialist Trainee will perform a variety of inspection duties toward the promotion and maintenance of environmental health laws in licensed facilities, including food service operations, swimming pools and spa pools, tourist accommodations and schools.

Requirements

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree and at least 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation from an accredited college or university as outlined by ORS 700.035 ; OR Have at least 15 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation from an accredited college or university and at least five years of experience in environmental sanitation or related activities, as determined by the board, under the supervision of a registered environmental health specialist or a person possessing equal qualifications, as determined by the board, as outlined by ORS 700.035 .
• Training, Licenses, and Certifications: Must meet Environmental Health Specialist Trainee requirements as outlined by ORS 700.035
• Possession of Driver’s License at time of hire
• Submit an online application
• Attach a Resume demonstrating you meeting minimum qualifications
• Attach a Cover Letter addressing the following: How your values align with the County’s mission, particularly our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; How you meet the qualifications for this position; and Why you are interested in this position

Nice To Haves

• Up to one (1) year of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position
• Possession of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee in the State of Oregon
• Demonstrate experience working with a multicultural and diverse workforce.
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.
• Maintain a safe and healthful workplace.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the inspection of food, tourist, housing, school, institutional care and day care facilities, and public swimming and spa pools for compliance with state sanitation laws and regulations.
• Conduct health hazard surveys and assist in conducting public water system surveys; follow up on alerts.
• Assist in the investigation of communicable disease outbreaks implicating food or water or other environmental causes in public facilities or in a community; recommend necessary control measures.
• Assist in the review of building and mechanical plans and specifications of proposed or existing facilities for compliance with public health laws.
• Assist in the review of food trucks / food pod plans and specifications of proposed or existing facilities for compliance with public health laws.

Benefits

• Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more.

What This Job Offers

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