Public Health Sanitarian

Cayuga County New York•Auburn, NY

About The Position

The Public Health Sanitarian applies physical, biological, and social science principles to detect, evaluate, control, and manage environmental factors that affect public health. Under supervision, the incumbent performs professional activities that may include investigating and inspecting non-engineering aspects of environmental health control. The position is responsible for assigned programs and may supervise subordinate personnel. Related work is performed as required. The incumbent conducts routine and follow-up inspections of various facilities and environmental health conditions, provides technical advice, collects and interprets samples and laboratory results, prepares reports and correspondence, and uses computer and tablet systems for records and paperless inspections. The position may also include program supervision, staff training, public education, enforcement testimony, consultation with local jurisdictions, and participation in assigned disaster activities. Some assignments require reasonable access to transportation for timely fieldwork; operating county-owned vehicles requires a current valid New York State motor vehicle operator’s license.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State-registered college or university, including 30 credit hours in natural sciences, with no more than 12 credit hours in applied sciences; or five years of experience as a Public Health Technician deemed satisfactory by the local Commissioner of Health or Public Health Director, plus satisfactory completion of a State Health Department-approved public health training course.
Appointees qualifying through the bachelor’s degree pathway must satisfactorily complete a State Health Department-approved public health training course within two years of appointment.
Good knowledge of environmental health practices, State and County Sanitary Codes, regulations, and inspection methods.
Ability to plan and supervise others’ work, train others in environmental health work, and prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.
Ability to write clearly with proper grammar and use an alphanumeric keyboard and learn computer software programs.
Ability to use a tablet device to perform inspections and develop and maintain good public relations.
Experience working in high-stress situations with emotional or anxious individuals.
Good professional judgment, high standards of personal presentation and hygiene, tact and courtesy, mental alertness, and physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Certain assignments require reasonable access to transportation for fieldwork; operation of county-owned vehicles requires a current valid New York State motor vehicle operator’s license.

Responsibilities

Perform work on more difficult assignments than those generally handled by a Senior Public Health Technician.
Conduct routine and follow-up inspections of camps, food establishments, public swimming pools and bathing beaches, temporary residences, migrant farm labor camps, mobile home parks, agricultural fairgrounds, tanning facilities, water supplies, and sewage disposal systems.
Conduct tobacco sale purchases under the Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act.
Inspect residences for lead hazards and respond to complaints about smoking and public health nuisances to determine compliance with local and state sanitary codes and laws.
Provide technical advice and recommendations on environmental health topics, including rabies, private water supplies, radon, and mosquito- and tick-borne diseases.
Collect water, food, and other samples for laboratory examination and interpret laboratory reports.
Prepare reports and correspondence concerning inspections, investigations, and program issues.
Use a computer to enter and retrieve data and a tablet device to conduct paperless inspections.
Testify at enforcement proceedings when needed.
Serve as a consultant to local jurisdictions in the absence of a Senior Public Health Sanitarian when needed.
Supervise and train subordinate personnel on assigned programs and supervise all or part of assigned environmental health programs.
Handle office and field conferences and provide public training and education when needed.
Review work and inspection reports for completeness and accuracy.
Arrange inspection schedules and assign work to Public Health Technicians and Senior Public Health Technicians.
Participate in disaster activities as trained and assigned.
Interact effectively and professionally with people of diverse ages and backgrounds.
Perform related tasks as needed or assigned by a supervisor.