Environmental Health Specialist

Buncombe County Government•Asheville, NC

2d•$28 - $40•Hybrid

About The Position

Buncombe County is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist I in the Onsite Wastewater and Well Program. This position will report to the OSWW Environmental Health Supervisor. This position will be responsible for evaluating properties to determine suitability for private drinking water wells and subsurface wastewater systems. Other duties will include performing final inspections on subsurface wastewater systems and investigating complaints related to failing septic systems. Our team consists of eight other Environmental Health Specialists, and each are assigned to a certain geographical area of the county. Working hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00. This is a remote/hybrid position, and a Buncombe County vehicle will be provided. The purpose of this position is to conduct state-mandated inspections of facilities under the jurisdiction of Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Environmental Health division to ensure compliance with public health laws and rules.

Requirements

Graduated with a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree from a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council or graduated with a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree and earned a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences; or bachelor’s degree in public health, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Per NC Local Health Department Accreditation requirements, employees in this role must present their diploma, degree, or transcript to their supervisor/department upon hire.
Registration is required by the N.C. State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners under the provisions of Chapter 90A of the General Statues of North Carolina.
Required to attend and pass the centralized training provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Additionally, must be able to pass state authorization evaluations and test for specific program areas in order to perform duties.
Also, must pass the REHS exam and NEHA within the timeframe established by the Board.
Lifting is considered medium work requiring exertion of up to 50 of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Position includes ending, reaching, squatting, manual dexterity, repetitive motion, and the ability to distinguish colors.
Visual acuity is required, must have eyesight that allows distinction between an array of colors.
This position involves significant standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time.
The work is performed in an environment with crisis situations that require major decisions involving people, resources, and property.
Must be able to auger a minimum of four feet and remove the auger and its contents for evaluation.
Knowledge of environmental health laws, rules, and procedures, as well as a complete understanding of the concepts of public health law.
Knowledge of the design of on-site wastewater treatment systems, food sanitation, foodborne diseases, communicable diseases, vector control, protection of water supplies, solid waste management, and institutional sanitation as applicable to area of assignment.
Knowledge of inspection methods and investigation techniques as applied in environmental health.
Knowledge of the responsibilities of other agencies involved in environmental health work.
Ability to accurately interpret and enforce state and local laws, rules, and ordinances.
Ability to understand and use engineering, technical, and specialized information.
Ability to analyze and comprehend a variety of technical and administrative regulations, records, and reports.
Ability to effectively communicate potential concerns and corrective measures to business and property owners and the consuming public in matters related to protecting and promoting public health.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and deal tactfully with a wide range of the public while communicating potential concerns and corrective measures and enforcing public health laws and rules.

Responsibilities

Enforce applicable state laws, rules, and ordinances governing well installations and construction, private water supplies, and on-site wastewater disposal systems promulgated by the state.
Perform inspections and related activities for all new well installations, well repairs, on-site wastewater systems, and system repairs as mandated by state laws and rules.
Evaluate soil and/or sites to determine suitability for sewage disposal systems and/or well location and make recommendations to property owners, realtors, developers, and builders.
Help with inspections of engineered septic tank systems under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, on-site water protection branch.
Inspect private water supply systems, collect water samples and other materials for laboratory tests, interpret test results, inform the applicant, and take appropriate action.
Keep accurate and detailed inspection records as mandated by the state.
Serve as a consultant to assist applicants with proper maintenance and protection of water supplies and assure that recommended standards regarding such supplies are being maintained.
Investigate a broad spectrum of environmental complaints and health-related nuisances, provide recommendations, and ensure enforcement procedures are implemented to abate applicable situations.
Serve as a primary contact and consultant for well drillers, on-site wastewater installers, homeowners, contractors, realtors, and other members of the public on wells, on-site wastewater systems, and related groundwater issues.
Design wastewater disposal systems that comply with applicable rules and laws, issue necessary permits, conduct final inspections and authorize the use of the system.
Provide assistance in investigating outbreaks of illness associated with water supplies and assist with corrective actions to protect public health.
Perform other related duties as assigned.