Environmental Health Specialist - Yard Waste

Ramsey County•ALL-Multiple Ramsey County Locations, MN

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The current vacancy is in the Environmental Health Division. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department. The Environmental Health Specialist – Yard Waste position supports Ramsey County’s seven Yard Waste sites as part of the Solid Waste Operations team within the Environmental Health Division. This team manages the County’s yard waste, municipal food scrap collection, and internal waste and recycling programs. This role combines customer service, on-site operations, program coordination, field inspections, public education & communication, regulatory compliance, and cross-facility communication. To perform a full range of duties relating to environmental health, including ensuring compliance with applicable laws, community education, and the planning, implementation, and enforcement of environmental health programs; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in environmental health, physical, or biological sciences, or related social sciences, natural sciences, or formal sciences.
None (for positions in non-regulatory environmental health programs)
Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
A valid drivers’ license.

Responsibilities

Regularly inspect and assist team members with solid waste management facilities or the sites of hazardous waste generators or facilities for compliance with Ramsey County ordinances, State rules and law, and Federal regulations and law; review management plans, take samples, analyze results, and document findings; gather evidence, such as photographs and samples, to document violations; if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action, and initiate enforcement action; perform reviews of facility plans and specifications prior to and during construction and/or remodeling; issue new permits/licenses or renew existing ones, if appropriate.
Conduct inspections and assist team members of food establishments, lodging facilities, swimming pools, manufactured home parks, children’s camps, and public and private water supplies to ensure compliance with public health and environmental laws and regulations. Document compliance and if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action and initiate enforcement action.
Investigate public health nuisance complaints.
Conduct plan reviews for new and remodeled establishments deciding when establishments may go into business.
Conduct home inspections for hazards such as lead, mercury, radon, asthma triggers and perform risk assessments related to childhood lead poisoning.
Maintain and update Ramsey County Dump site inventory; provide technical data concerning dumpsites as requested by consultants and the public for environmental reviews.
Monitor solid waste haulers’ compliance with the County Environmental Charge (CEC); review data submittments; prepare reports on CEC; coordinate work with the Office of Budgeting and Accounting and Washington County, and initiate enforcement actions if needed.
Provide technical assistance to public and private entities inspected and discuss with them any changes that are necessary to be in compliance with County ordinances and State and Federal law; plan, design and conduct training sessions and educational seminars for public and private entities on requirements, regulations, and methods of compliance.
Assist in developing and maintaining Ramsey County's environmental health programs and related policies by gathering information, conducting research and analysis, reviewing technical reports, conferring with other environmental health professionals, industry officials, and regulatory agencies, and by analyzing legal requirements.
Assist in coordinating Ramsey County's yard waste management and household hazardous waste management programs by scheduling yard waste monitors, monitoring vendor performance, managing program data and reports, overseeing the maintenance of sites; ensuring that yard waste and household hazardous waste sites are in compliance with solid waste and zoning laws and regulations.
Conduct public education programs on environmental health issues for community groups and schools; respond to inquiries from the public relating to environmental health laws or issues.
Investigate complaints, document conditions, and write written orders from the public concerning hazardous waste violations, solid waste violations, lead, mercury, radon, public health nuisances or clandestine drug labs, and take appropriate action.
Investigate foodborne and waterborne illness complaints and outbreaks.
Work with epidemiologists to investigate and halt the spread of disease in the community.
Share information with other public health agencies and regulatory agencies and works together with them on joint projects, such as the coordination of community training activities.