Environmental Health Specialist 1 or 2

Consolidated Municipality of Carson City•Nv 89706, NV

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time, FLSA non-exempt position with Carson City Health & Human Services. Depending on qualifications, this position may be hired as either an Environmental Health Specialist 1 or 2. The Environmental Health Specialist 1 is an entry and training level position that allows for progression to the journey level upon meeting requirements. Incumbents must obtain certification as described in NRS Chapter 625A.115 to be retained for employment unless an exemption is granted by the REHS Board. This level is intended as a temporary training position to enable incumbents to learn policies, procedures, specific techniques, and regulations related to environmental health while assisting journey level Environmental Health Specialists. The Environmental Health Specialist 2, under general supervision, conducts routine inspections of public facilities to ensure compliance with City and Nevada state laws and regulations governing Environmental Health and Safety, to protect the public against disease, sickness, illness and/or injury, and to investigate environmental health related epidemiological complaints.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, sanitary engineering or environmental engineering; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience approved by the Board of Registered Environmental Health Specialists (BoREHS).
A valid driver’s license.
Environmental Health Specialist 1: Must file with the Board of Registered Environmental Health Specialists an application for a certificate of registration as an environmental health specialist trainee not later than 30 days after the date on which the person initially becomes employed as a part of the training program.
Environmental Health Specialist 2: Must have passed the written examination and been issued a certificate of registration as an environmental health specialist by the Nevada BoREHS, or able to obtain a registration by endorsement from the Nevada BoREHS.
If not already registered with the Nevada Board of Registered Environmental Health Specialists (BoREHS), the employee must obtain a Certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Nevada BoREHS within 30 days of appointment.
Knowledge of health department health and safety policies and procedures.
Knowledge of computer applications that relate to the job including but not exclusive to Microsoft Windows, Word, Office, Excel, Internet and E-Mail applications, and other modern office procedures.
Knowledge of general principles of biological, physical and chemical sciences used in environmental health and safety.
Knowledge of general principles and application of microbiology as it relates to food-safety and disease transmission.
Knowledge of general principles and application of chemistry as it relates to hazardous materials.
Knowledge of techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals, at all levels of responsibility, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
Skill in interpreting, applying and explaining environmental health inspection, investigation and enforcement principles and procedures.
Skill in interpreting, applying and explaining Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations as they relate to the administration of public health.
Skill in analyzing situations accurately and take or recommend effective action.
Skill in responding to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Skill in understanding and follow oral and written instructions.
Skill in preparing clear and concise reports.
Skill in obtaining public cooperation in the establishment and maintenance of reasonable public and environmental health standards.
Skill in applying computer applications related to the job including but not exclusive to Microsoft Word, Office, Excel; Internet and E-Mail applications.
Skill in safe handling and storage techniques of pesticides, chemicals and formulated or naturally occurring hazardous materials or items.
Skill in collection and correct labeling of laboratory samples.
Skill in communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Skill in using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Skill in contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
Skill in demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with business owners, public, and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of two years of full-time experience performing environmental health or enforcement functions in a health department or industry (Required for Environmental Health Specialist 2 only).
Continued employment is contingent upon passing the written examination and been issued a certificate of registration as an environmental health specialist by the BoREHS within three (3) years of date of employment.
Must maintain certificate of registration by completing yearly requirements as a condition of continued employment.
If not already holding a current Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certificate, the employee must obtain within one (1) year of employment.
If asked to be part of the mosquito abatement program, if not already holding a current Certified Pest Control certificate from the Nevada Department of Agriculture, the employee must obtain with in one (1) year of employment.

Responsibilities

Perform routine compliance inspections of facilities including but not limited to: retail, wholesale, mobile and non-profit food establishments and vendors; public, private and charter schools; private, public and institutional child-care facilities; hotels, motels, septic tank systems, vector/ animal disease surveillance, collection and abatement, recreational vehicle parks and mobile home parks; correctional institutions; body art parlors; public swimming pools; and other environmental health issues.
Document all violations, issue notices of corrective action and ensure future adherence through periodic follow up visits.
Issue Notices of Violation and/or Cease and Desist orders to illegal food vendors or facilities that require permits and/or illegal dumping suspects; issue Nuisance Abatement orders to persons causing or maintaining conditions that are a public health hazard or environment health nuisance.
Investigate complaints of health safety violations including bio-terrorism and communicable disease; provide general policy compliance information to architects, owners/operators, contractors, consultants and other independent entities.
Respond to walk-in and telephone complaints and requests for information on regulations, procedures, systems and precedents relating to assigned program.
Collect random samples of water, soil, waste, food and animals suspected of contamination; deliver samples to the laboratory for processing and assessment.
Review construction application documents and plans for food establishments, public swimming pools, Child Care facilities, schools, public accommodations, individual sewage disposal facilities, mobile home and RV parks and solid waste facilities; approve or deny applications based on factual evidence; issue permits as appropriate.
Investigate and compile data for special projects; collect and assemble data and background materials for reports and/or presentations.
Prepare reports and recommendations for all inspections; maintain records on all inspection sites; update files and continuously monitor sites for health safety compliance and remediation.
Perform mosquito abatement duties as required.
Provide and explain educational materials, regulations, policies and other compliance information to contractors, permit holders, consultants and the general public.
Conduct educational presentations on food-safety and other regulated topics.
Testify in judicial and semi judicial proceedings and hearings.
Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures.
Uses standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work.
Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with patients, family members, visitors, and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.