Environmental Health Specialist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Newport News, VA

1d•$45,000 - $49,071•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 32 local health districts. These entities work together to promote healthy lifestyle choices that can combat chronic disease, educate the public about emergency preparedness and threats to their health, and track disease outbreaks in Virginia. As part of the Virginia Department of Health, the Hampton, and Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) are two health districts serving the residents of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and the Counties of James City, and Yorktown. The Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts are focused on four key pillars to create a sustainable and engaged workforce: 1. Workforce Development and Training 2. Culture and Climate 3. Community Engagement and Partnerships 4. Communication and Openness. Through these pillars, we aim to achieve our mission of becoming the healthiest districts in the state and better serve our communities. Apply and join the Virginia Department of Health's efforts to become the healthiest state in the nation. Want to start a meaningful career protecting public health and the environment? Then join the Virginia Department of Health as an Environmental Health Specialist to help strengthen public and environmental health across the Peninsula District! The Peninsula Health District is searching for three Environmental Health Specialists who will perform environmental health duties at the entry level as a trainee. Employees are typically new hires in formal and on-the-job training in one or more areas such as food sanitation, on-site soils evaluation, private well inspection, rabies abatement, communicable disease investigation, and migrant labor camp inspection, classification of shellfish growing areas and investigation of general environmental complaints. Employees receive close supervision and guidance. Must be able to complete the applicable training in the VDH Soils program, VDH Food program or VDH Shellfish program and be able to obtain credentials in one of the following within 30 months: VDH Standardized in Food, DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE), DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE), and National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) State Standardized Inspector. Employees are moved to the Environmental Health Specialist Senior position upon successful completion.

Requirements

Ability to communicate effectively with the public as well as other internal/external partners and staff.
Proficient in basic computer software programs.
Ability to provide services in a professional, courteous manner.
Ability to present educational programs to adults.
Uses a customer-service oriented approach to assignments.
Works effectively as a team member.
Time management skills necessary to meet workload demands.
Knowledge and/or experience in assigned program area.
Must be able to complete training in the VDH Soils program, VDH Food program or VDH Shellfish program and be able to obtain credentials in one of the following within 30 months: VDH Standardized in Food, DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE), DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE) or National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) State Standardized Inspector.
A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

Nice To Haves

Experience in environmental health, such as experience gained as an Environmental Health Associate.

Responsibilities

Perform environmental health duties at the entry level as a trainee.
Complete formal and on-the-job training in areas such as food sanitation, on-site soils evaluation, private well inspection, rabies abatement, communicable disease investigation, migrant labor camp inspection, classification of shellfish growing areas, and investigation of general environmental complaints.
Receive close supervision and guidance.
Complete applicable training in the VDH Soils program, VDH Food program, or VDH Shellfish program.
Obtain credentials in one of the following within 30 months: VDH Standardized in Food, DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE), DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE), and National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) State Standardized Inspector.