Environmental Health Specialist

Ramsey County•Hazelwood Professional Center, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This vacancy in the community environmental health program will work collaboratively to ensure compliance with various public health ordinances and state rules. The major focus of this position will be inspecting food and lodging establishments, public pools and manufactured home parks licensed by Ramsey County. This position will also investigate reports of public health nuisances. The ideal candidate will have knowledge or experience in food, pool, lodging regulation and compliance. 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, environmental sciences, physical, chemical or biological sciences, or a related environmental health natural sciences or natural resources field, including at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical, chemical or biological sciences.
None (for experience).
A valid drivers’ license.
Employee must have the following state certification, within 18 months of appointment: Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as required by the Delegation Agreements between Ramsey County and the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health

Nice To Haves

Knowledge or experience in food, pool, lodging regulation and compliance.

Responsibilities

Regularly inspect 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 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.
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.
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 submittals; prepare reports on CEC; coordinate work with the Finance and Washington County, and initiate enforcement actions if needed.
Conduct home inspections for hazards such as lead, mecury, radon, asthma triggers and perform risk assessments related to childhood lead poisoning.
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 and ensuring the 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 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 work together with them on joint projects, such as the coordination of community training activities.