Health Protection Scientist

Bernalillo County•Albuquerque, NM

6d•$26 - $41

About The Position

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more. The Health Protection Scientist performs professional-level inspection, education, and compliance services to enforce a wide range of environmental health codes. This role works with diverse populations and delivers excellent customer service to the public, external clients, and County employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Physical, Natural, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Two (2) years of work experience in environmental health, code enforcement, food protection, and/or inspection.
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.
Health Protection Scientist Level I requires advanced certification from National Swimming Pool Foundation as a certified pool operator obtained within nine (9) months from date of hire.
Successful completion of Food Protection Manager Certification of equivalent within nine (9) months from date of hire.
Complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
Comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
This position is safety sensitive. Employment is subject to a pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state rules and regulations regarding alcohol and/or drug testing.
Complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to position.
Possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by employment date and maintain a valid NM driver’s license while employed in this position.

Responsibilities

Assist with on-site facility inspections and conduct field investigations under the guidance of a Health Protection Scientist II; ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and codes; authorize permits to support sanitation and code compliance.
Enforce laws and regulations related to public swimming pools, food processing and service establishments, general health and sanitation, and noise control.
Investigate routine environmental complaints and recommend corrective actions; prepare written reports outlining methods to protect public health.
Collect field samples and public health-related data for laboratory analysis or trend evaluation.
Prepare and present reports summarizing inspection results and analysis findings; deliver presentations to clients, agencies, community forums, the general public, and County departments.
Conduct routine site visits and inspections performed by the Health Protection team; review operational plans for food service and food processing establishments.
Prepare and coordinate environmental health cases scheduled for court hearings.
Interpret and explain environmental health ordinances, rules, and procedures; respond to inquiries from the public.
Develop, deliver, and evaluate public health education programs focused on preventing environmental and communicable diseases.
Collaborate with private organizations and government agencies to improve environmental health practices and safeguard public health.
Prepare reports, correspondence, and maintain records of inspections and investigations.
Handle sensitive or confidential records, plans, and decisions; maintain confidentiality in accordance with policy and regulations.