Environmental Health Specialist

Johnson County • Iowa City, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs fieldwork with professional responsibilities in environmental protection programs. Enforces environmental health regulations, provides environmental health consultation, and collects environmental samples.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of natural and physical sciences as related to environmental protection
• Knowledge of state and local environmental laws, rules, and regulations and their application to environmental programs
• Knowledge of HIPAA rules and regulations
• Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency preparedness
• Knowledge of principles and practices of performance management and quality improvement
• Knowledge of investigation, analysis, and procedures used in sampling and related data collection
• Knowledge of basic techniques involved with environmental control and the application of those techniques to specific environmental problems
• Knowledge of geology, soils, and watersheds as related to the protection of natural resources
• Knowledge of basics of geographic information systems
• Ability to represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Ability to be detail oriented while performing duties
• Ability to learn, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures
• Ability to apply knowledge of scientific principles to specific environmental problems
• Ability to perform statistical computations
• Ability to provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Ability to develop, read, comprehend, and analyze laws, rules, reports, and related technical and administrative data
• Ability to integrate data and information to improve organizational processes and performance
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with industry and public officials, private business representatives, supervisors, co-workers, and members of the public
• Ability to interact effectively with persons from widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view
• Ability to use a computer for the purposes of data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, email and Internet
• Ability to operate common office equipment such as calculators, fax and postage machines, photocopiers, scanners, and multi-line telephones
• Ability to handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities
• Ability to organize and present facts, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals in formal and informal situations
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
• Sufficient vision which permits light to moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms, and complete field inspections
• Sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits light to moderate use of a keyboard and mouse
• Sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various facilities/work sites
• Bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or related field OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage.

Nice To Haves

• One (1) year of experience in public health, environmental health or related field preferred.
• Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) preferred.
• May require Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification within one year of employment.
• May also require use of private vehicle for official business.

Responsibilities

• Conducts environmental investigations by visiting sites and inspecting facilities to determine compliance with applicable rules, standards, and regulations; reviews facility plans and specifications; makes recommendations for corrective action.
• Prepares written and/or statistical reports to disseminate, interpret, or explain information to department staff, environmental facility operators, governmental agencies, courts, private industry representatives, and/or the general public.
• Collects samples of water, wastes, foods, and other materials for laboratory testing and analysis.
• Reviews reports and permit applications submitted by department personnel and other private and governmental entities to insure compliance.
• Responds to requests for information or technical assistance on environmental issues; assists with problems or questions, explains and clarifies rules and regulations.
• Investigates complaints from the public regarding alleged violations of environmental rules and regulations.
• Assists in the development of Board of Health rules and regulations and in the administrative rules process.
• Responds to emergency situations to protect public health and the environment.
• Represents Johnson County and participates in training/education opportunities and work-related meetings as required.
• Assists in providing technical assistance or consultation in a specific environmental program to the Board of Health, public and industrial officials, and the general public to facilitate compliance with regulations.
• Conducts special studies or projects on a variety of environmental issues.
• Makes presentations to public and/or professional groups on a variety of environmental topics.
• Provides back-up for Environmental Health division staff.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time.

Benefits

• Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement Systems (IPERS)
• ISave 529
• Public Loan Forgiveness
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation plan with County matching for eligible employees
• Generous paid time off—encompassing vacation time, sick days, personal days, holidays, and paid parental leave
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• LTD (Long-Term Disability) insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level