Environmental Health Specialist

Scott County•Davenport, IA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Environmental Health Specialist delivers services to ensure the health and safety of the community by inspecting and investigating service establishments and providing education and methods to avoid, correct, or mitigate health hazards. This role will primarily conduct inspections of licensed food facilities, food markets, and temporary food events.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree Public/Environmental Health, or related field; AND two (2) years of experience in a public health setting; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
Knowledge of Records maintenance and retention practices and procedures.
Knowledge of Conflict management methods.
Knowledge of Work safety policies, procedures, and practices.
Skill in Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
Skill in Maintaining accurate records and documentation.
Skill in Conducting thorough inspections to identify health risks, hazards, and violations.
Skill in Preparing clear and concise reports.
Skill in Interacting tactfully and professionally with County staff, outside agencies, and the public.
Skill in Operating a computer including standard software and some specialized software.
Skill in Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
Skill in Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
Must obtain required certifications and successfully complete required training courses after hire.
Must possess a valid Driver's license.

Responsibilities

Completes inspections of licensed food facilities, food markets, and temporary food events and implements corrective actions on facilities found to be in violation of the state food code; provides information and resources, facilitates corrective action planning; and conducts investigations on illness and non-illness complaints dealing with food establishments.
Inspects businesses and schools providing public use of recreational water facilities to ensure facilities perform appropriate maintenance, follow established health regulations, meet construction and structural guidelines and are registered with the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Conducts inspections of sand filter sewage systems, commercial and residential septic tanks, and non-community wells; collects sewage effluent samples to ensure proper treatment of sewage in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations.
Investigates complaints and conducts routine inspections of hotels, tanning and tattoo establishments for compliance with State regulations; completes re-inspections if any violations were identified.
Investigates public health nuisance complaints to determine if there are violations of public health regulations.
Maintains records of inspections and required corrective actions; gathers documentation of proof of corrective actions taken by facilities.
May act as a public information officer for the health department by answering requests from the public and news media outlets; participates in determining which staff member would best represent the health department in speaking on the particular topic; prepares the spokesperson for interviews.
Attends and participates in various meetings, committees, and continuing education courses as required.
Participates in department efforts related to accreditation/reaccreditation, performance management, quality improvement, and workforce development.
Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.
Performs related duties as assigned.