Public Health Inspector

City of Danbury•City of Danbury, CT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Danbury is announcing an Open Competitive Exam for the position of Public Health Inspector. The employee is responsible for promoting and protecting public health through the review, inspection, and enforcement of State and local public health laws and regulations, as well as providing public health education. This role involves technical and inspectional work, with the employee expected to perform all similar or related duties. The position operates under the general supervision of the Health and Human Services Director or their designee, utilizing initiative for recurring assignments while seeking guidance for complex or unusual tasks. Regular checks ensure technical accuracy and adherence to instructions. While not regularly supervising City employees, the role provides direction to a part-time interpreter for the Fair Rent Commission. The employee will have regular access to confidential information such as medical, financial, department, and client records. The work involves standardized practices and procedures, requiring judgment to apply the most pertinent guidelines. The duties are varied and generally follow established protocols, with sequences adapting to specific situations. The working conditions include exposure to outdoor weather, noise, confined spaces, biohazards, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, traffic, and other unpleasant elements during field inspections. Occasional work at heights or in cramped quarters, or around machinery, may be required. The employee must be available to work beyond normal business hours for emergencies and attend evening meetings. Relationships are primarily with co-workers and the public, involving frequent explanations of regulations and coordination of work efforts. Contacts also include service recipients and outside organizations. Extraordinary courtesy, tact, and diplomacy may be needed to resolve complaints or deal with uncooperative individuals. Errors in this role can have serious consequences, including monetary losses, legal repercussions, and personal injury due to exposure to hazardous conditions or communicable diseases. Essential functions carry a risk of personal injury if safety precautions are not followed, and special protective gear may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, public health, or a related field.
Two to five (2-5) years’ experience in public health services or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Valid Class II Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
Within 1 year of employment, must obtain State Department of Public Health Food Service Certification.
Within 1 year of employment, must obtain State Department of Public Health Phase I & II Sub-Surface Sewage Disposal Certification.
Within 1 year of employment, must obtain Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor Certification.
Certified maintenance of continuing education credits (CEUs) is required for on-going State recertification of all required licenses.
Thorough knowledge of state regulations, statutes and all other laws, pertaining to public health regulated activities and facilities.
Knowledge of local, state and federal housing laws, regulations and procedures.
Ability to meet and deal with the public effectively and appropriately.
Ability to effectively handle problems in the field and during emergencies.
Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain, manage, and organize records.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state regulatory agencies and the disgruntled members of the public.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and organized manner.
Ability to enforce laws and regulations in an impartial and consistent manner.
Proficient oral and written communication skills.
Work requires some agility and physical strength, such as moving in or about construction sites or over rough terrain when conducting field inspections, or standing or walking for most of the work period.
Occasionally, work may require lifting objects and carrying them.
There also may be a need for the employee to stretch and reach in order to retrieve materials.
Duties may involve assignments requiring the application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination in order to operate a motor vehicle and conduct field inspections.
The employee is constantly required to read and interpret documents and reports for understanding and analytical purposes.
Employee is constantly required to determine color differences.

Responsibilities

Prepare documentation related to environmental programs and/or orders for remediation of non-compliance.
Conduct field inspections to investigate complaints and/or compliance issues to determine if there are violations of regulatory standards.
Participate in public health education programs in the community as required.
Inspect housing, food service establishments, salons, daycares, pools, enforce ordinances, rules and regulations governing sanitary conditions of such establishments and enforce ordinances and state laws in environmental health.
Perform water sampling of pools, wells, rivers, lakes, etc. for environmental surveys as required.
Investigate environmental complaints, such as garbage and rubbish disposal, rodent and insect infestation, air and water quality, disease vectors, mosquito control, housing concerns and unsanitary environmental conditions.
Prepare inspection/investigation reports, confer with supervisor regarding deficiencies and the measures necessary to correct them, and perform follow-up inspections to ensure conditions have been remedied.
Perform plan reviews, observe and/or perform soil testing and conduct inspections of sewage disposal systems under the supervision of a Registered Sanitarian.
Prepare documents in support of public health hearings and department enforcement actions, hearings, or legal actions.
Give expert testimony on behalf of the City’s enforcement actions.
Provide friendly, courteous and responsive service to the residents and constituents of the City of Danbury.
Maintain knowledge and expertise in relevant areas of public health and environmental issues in order to maintain required licenses and certifications and changes in pertinent public health laws and regulations as well as enforcement practices.
Prepare reports for Supervisor as requested.
Participate in public health programming as required.
Respond to emergencies as directed.
Perform other duties as assigned.