Environmental Health Specialist

Jefferson County • Lakewood, CO

4d • $27 - $36 • Hybrid

About The Position

Jefferson County is looking to hire an Environmental Health Specialist. This role with hire as a level I or II position. The Environmental Health Specialist I is responsible for training in and performing entry level environmental and public health inspections and investigations of a variety of environmental conditions and regulated facilities to ensure compliance with codes, laws, regulations and standards. They serve as a liaison and respond to requests for information from the public. They also support the activities of field work compliance teams. The Environmental Health Specialist II is responsible for performing intermediate to complex level environmental and public health inspections and investigations of a variety of environmental conditions and regulated facilities to ensure compliance with codes, laws, regulations and standards. They serve as a liaison and respond to requests for information from the public. They also Participate in the activities of field work compliance teams and may be assigned roles on these teams that require intermediate to advanced knowledge of the subject matter. SCHEDULE: This position operates on a choice of our four-day work week (typically Monday-Thursday) or a five-day work week. This position may be hybrid, with remote work and in-office work as needed and approved by the Supervisor. Personal Choice Work Model: After six months of employment, employees can collaborate with their supervisor to develop a personalized work model and schedule that aligns with role expectations. This flexibility allows employees to choose a work arrangement that balances in-office and remote work, with consideration for in-person tasks required by the role.

Requirements

• Specialist I Experience: No experience required
• Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Specialist II Experience: Two years directly related work experience
• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Master's degree in Environmental Health or Public Health
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) in training by National Environmental Health Association
• Industry-specific Knowledge: Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to environmental health through direct work experience .
• Technical Skillset: Strong written and oral communication; independent critical thinking and analysis; ability to understand laws, regulations and policies; proficiency in time management and prioritization.
• Soft Skillset: Team-oriented, self-motivated, reliable; ability to articulate information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Additional: Bilingual in Spanish (speaking and writing).
• Candidates must successfully pass retail food inspection standardization and County required training(s) within one year of hire.
• Colorado Driver's license within 90 days of hire.
• Compliant with the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) immunization policies at the time of hire and on-going throughout employment with JCPH.
• Ability to pass a pulmonary function test.
• Fit tested for proper N-95 or equivalent mask.

Responsibilities

• Performs compliance inspections of regulated facilities such as, retail food service establishments, childcare centers, group homes, schools, and swimming pools.
• Documents all violations, determines compliance with applicable local and state laws and regulations
• Prepares and maintains inspection reports and other appropriate documents, including but not limited to memoranda, letters, notices of violation and civil penalty notices.
• Initiates enforcement actions, as necessary, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Investigates complaints regarding environmental health concerns.
• Conducts disease surveillance and investigations.
• Provides and explains educational materials, regulations, policies, and other compliance information to contractors, permit/license holders, consultants and the general public.
• Responds to consumer complaints, requests for information regarding regulations, procedures, and systems.
• Participates in professional conferences, and committees to continue learning.
• Supports higher-level staff with Instructing classes for food service personnel regarding proper handling, storage and preparation of food.
• Responds to environmental health emergencies such as regulated facility fires, and public health emergencies as needed or required.
• Ensures that communication is culturally competent and reflective of Health Equity and Environmental Justice principles.
• Conduct and support other team members with scheduled on-site inspections of regulated facilities and businesses to ensure compliance .
• Identify compliance and violation issues.
• Establish compliance agreements, monitor compliance, and perform reinspections.
• Conduct and support other team members with investigations in response to complaints of health and safety concerns in regulated facilities and businesses.
• Establish compliance agreements, monitor compliance, and determine when re-investigation is necessary to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Provide information and technical assistance to assist facilities and businesses in obtaining and sustaining compliance.
• Inform businesses of potential monetary penalties.
• Participate in environmental and public health emergencies and response activities.
• Conduct investigations into foodborne illness complaints and disease outbreaks in regulated facilities and business.
• Prepare inspection documentation and reports.
• Prepare reports of complaint investigations.
• Share inspection reports with regulated facility operators.
• Review applications and construction plans for compliance with applicable public health related codes, regulations, and standards.
• Collect fees and issues permits and licenses.
• Assist and collect field samples and related public health data including biological and zoonotic samples for trend analysis or laboratory research.
• Conduct disease surveillance, case investigations, contact tracing, and identification of outbreak prevention measures and interventions.
• Serve as liaison with business owners, contractors, permit/license holders, consultants, interest groups, public, interest groups, and the public.
• Instruct or support classes in a variety of environmental health topics.
• Support higher-level staff with providing training, education and outreach to the community.
• Support higher level staff with developing and implementing program changes improvements.
• Represent the county in legal actions involving environmental health concerns and enforcement actions associated with assigned areas of practice.
• Provides training for current and new inspectors related to their assigned program areas and expertise.

Benefits

• Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules, remote work options and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees