Temporary - Environmental Health Technician I

Benton Franklin Health District•Kennewick, WA

About The Position

Temporary position to work from Mid/May to End of September in Pool Program. Under close supervision, the Environmental Health Technician assists Environmental Health Specialists in performing routine tasks associated with the inspection and enforcement of applicable health and consumer protection laws. Individuals assigned to this position are expected to learn and apply an understanding of food, water, and vector-borne communicable diseases and their means of transmission and control. Other responsibilities may include a range of activities in the environmental health field as required and related to the classification of an Environmental Health Technician. The position requires frequent weekend work and occasional adjustments to normal working hours.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree desired.
Successful applicants must have satisfactorily completed coursework in Chemistry, Microbiology, or Biology and/or be able to satisfactorily complete related training provided by the District.
Progression from an EHT I classification to an EHT II classification is based on experience, job knowledge, motivation and performance. Promotion will be determined at the employee's two-year anniversary performance evaluation. If the EHT I is not advanced to an EHT II, a performance plan written with the program supervisor will be used to ensure the EHT I is progressing satisfactorily.
Performance of job duties requires driving on a regular basis, a valid Washington State driver's license, the use of the incumbent's personal motor vehicle when a District fleet vehicle is not available for use, and proof of appropriate auto insurance.
Knowledge of communicable diseases, their means of transmission and methods of control, principles of foodborne disease transmission and control, principles of vector control, principles of general sanitation and environmental law.
Ability to interpret regulations; explain disease control and inspection methods to the public; and write clear narrative reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, coworkers, and the public.
Ability to learn and utilize specialized software programs.
Ability to prioritize and schedule work.
Ability to listen attentively and communicate effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed.
Ability to deal with the public in a courteous manner in situations which can be confrontational or hostile.
Ability to instruct groups or individuals and represent the agency in a professional manner.
Ability to maintain confidentiality as required and manage sensitive information appropriately.
Ability to work with various cultural and ethnic groups in an effective manner.

Responsibilities

Organize, review, and perform health and safety inspections, complete follow-up enforcement action where required.
Investigate foodborne and vector illnesses to prevent spread of communicable disease.
Draft inspection reports, letters, and other records for review.
Maintain accurate and complete records and enter results into a computer database.
Understand, apply, and explain regulations and enforcement procedures, policies and standards to industry members and general public.
Participate in the review of pertinent rules and regulations.
Use of various sampling, monitoring, measuring and laboratory supplies and equipment and specialized protective gear as needed.
Assist with shipping biological or laboratory specimens as needed.
Prioritize and schedule work to ensure completion of inspection requirements.
Respond to public health emergency drills/exercises or actual events as requested.
Other duties as assigned.