Environmental Health Specialist I or II - Consumer Protection (Hybrid Work Schedule)

Arapahoe County•Centennial, CO

8d•$55,286 - $99,015•Hybrid

About The Position

Arapahoe County is hiring an Environmental Health Specialist I or II in the Consumer Protection Program. The position primarily supports the Retail Food Program by educating and conducting regulatory inspections of retail food establishments and licensing and inspecting mobile food and special event vendors. Specialists investigate foodborne illnesses and work closely with Communicable Disease staff during food-related outbreaks. They also respond to and investigate environmental complaints and resident concerns, and may inspect body art facilities, participate in vector surveillance and control, and assist with other Environmental Health programs. The specialist performs inspections and investigations required by Colorado and Arapahoe County laws, rules, and regulations, documents violations, and works to ensure compliance. The role may recommend enforcement actions to the Environmental Health Supervisor when needed. This is an entry-level position requiring close oversight from senior employees while the employee develops the skills to handle more complex situations independently. The position requires work at indoor and outdoor sites, reliable transportation, and the ability to operate motor vehicles. Work may involve occasional exposure to disease, bloodborne pathogens, toxic compounds, pesticides, gases, and fumes, including work in industrial or construction areas. The employee must be available for an on-call rotation for urgent Environmental Health calls during and outside business hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfies the job requirements.
At least 0 years of relevant experience for the entry-level position; the Specialist II level requires at least 3 years of relevant experience.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to maintain effective, professional collaborative relationships with coworkers, teams, external agency and organization representatives, and community members.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with project staff, contractors, clients, and other stakeholders.
Proficiency using computers and standard software suites.
Must pass pre-employment testing, including an acceptable motor vehicle record and background check.
Must possess a valid Class R Colorado driver’s license or be able to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.
Must have reliable transportation and be able to operate motor vehicles.
Must be able to work an on-call rotation for urgent business-hours and after-hours calls related to Environmental Health.
Must participate in required emergency preparedness and response exercises and drills and complete training appropriate to the position.
Must meet the position’s physical demands, including occasional lifting, carrying, pulling, or pushing of equipment up to 50 pounds; outdoor work in all weather and terrain; and use of computer and test equipment.
Requires sufficient hearing and speech to respond to inquiries and complaints and address large groups, color vision to distinguish chemical reaction color changes, and correctable vision to observe sampling and conduct investigations.
May be required to wear personal protective equipment in construction sites and other hazardous environments.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, or a related field.
For Specialist III, at least 5 years of relevant experience and an approved industry-specific credential or certification, or registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist by NEHA; the credential or certification must be obtained within one year of employment and continuing education maintained as required. The posting notes these as Specialist III requirements, although the listed opening is for Specialist I or II.

Responsibilities

Conduct scheduled and non-routine inspections of facilities to assess compliance with environmental standards; notify owners or operators of unsafe, inadequate, or noncomplying conditions and document contacts and findings.
Educate and conduct regulatory inspections of retail food establishments, and license and inspect mobile food and special event vendors.
Investigate foodborne illnesses and coordinate with Communicable Disease staff during food-related outbreaks.
Respond to and investigate environmental complaints and resident concerns; answer public inquiries and provide resources and information.
Investigate environmental health conditions and recommend compliance measures; prepare orders and instructions to maintain compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Perform field tests to assess the safe and proper operation of equipment and facilities, and collect samples for further analysis when needed.
Explain investigation, field-test, and laboratory findings to establishment owners, managers, and affected occupants; provide technical advice to support compliance.
Enter program data into computer systems.
Review and recommend approval of plans and specifications for most situations, issue permits as appropriate, and inspect construction and equipment installations for regulatory compliance.
Participate in community outreach activities to promote understanding and support of environmental health programs.
May conduct regulatory inspections of body art facilities and participate in vector surveillance and control efforts.
Support public health emergencies, incidents, and events as required; participate in preparedness exercises and drills, complete required training, and initiate corrective actions and responses pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.
Work on an on-call rotation for urgent Environmental Health calls during and outside business hours.