Environmental Health Specialist
About The Position
THIS WORK MATTERS! We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and prompt health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities. Environmental Health Services (EHS) programs serve to protect the public from environmental health related issues: food, water, vector borne diseases and environmental health threats and disasters. The nature of the work is complex due to the numerous environmental health concerns and regulations and the high profile of the activities conducted. The EHS unit analyzes local environmental health issues from a public health perspective, regulates specified businesses and enforces state and local environmental health laws and rules. The Environmental Health Specialist plays a crucial role in protecting public health by ensuring compliance with state sanitary codes in various settings. This dynamic position offers a blend of fieldwork, community interaction, and administrative tasks.
Requirements
- Possession of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist in the State of Oregon or NEHA
- Possession of a Oregon Drivers license
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrate experience working with a multicultural and diverse workforce.
- Promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.
- Maintain a safe and healthful workplace.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive on-site inspections of food service establishments (restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, etc.), evaluating food handling practices, temperature control, equipment sanitation, employee hygiene, and overall facility cleanliness.
- Inspect tourist accommodations including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, and campgrounds to ensure compliance with regulations related to water quality, sanitation, waste disposal, and pest control.
- Evaluate public and private swimming pools and spa pools for proper water chemistry, filtration systems, safety equipment, and overall hygiene.
- Inspect other facilities as needed, such as schools, daycare centers, and temporary food vendors.
- Document findings thoroughly and accurately, using photographs and detailed reports to support your assessments.
- Issue citations and warnings for violations of state sanitary codes.
- Work with business owners and operators to develop and implement corrective action plans to address identified deficiencies.
- When necessary, initiate legal action to ensure compliance and protect public health.
- Respond to and investigate complaints from the public regarding potential health hazards.
- Develop and deliver engaging food handler training courses, covering topics such as safe food handling practices, personal hygiene, temperature control, and preventing cross-contamination.
- Provide educational materials and resources to the public on various environmental health topics, including food safety, water quality, and disease prevention.
- Conduct outreach to businesses and community organizations to promote awareness of public health regulations and best practices.
Benefits
- Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
