Senior Environmental Health Specialist - Pools, Tattoos, and Environmental Health Services

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

6d•$69,389 - $91,073•Onsite

About The Position

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County Public Health become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a healthier world for all. As a member of the Mecklenburg County Public Health team, you will become a subject matter expert in the public health field. The CDC foundation explains that “Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting health lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious disease”. Come be a part of Mecklenburg County’s Public Health department’s vision to “assure the health and safety of our diverse and changing community today and for future generations.” Position Summary Performs advanced level technical, investigative, and regulatory work to protect and promote the public’s health by the enforcement of multiple codes and regulations; provides technical training, guidance and support to frontline Environmental Health Department field staff. This lead position is responsible for regulation and enforcement of applicable Environmental Health codes, rules and regulations at the most technically complex operations and installations. Depending on area of assignment, this role may supervise others.

Requirements

Minimum of three years or experience in the field of environmental health and authorization(s) in the area of assignment or two years’ experience in the field of environmental health and authorization(s) in areas of assignment if a fully registered environmental health specialist and has successfully completed the NC State REHS Board requirements.
Educational requirements are mandated by NC General Statute 90A 53(3): graduate from a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree program that is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC); or graduate from a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree program that is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) having earned a minimum of 30 semester hours or its equivalent in the physical or biological sciences.
Chapter 90A of the NC General Statutes requires that an Environmental Health Specialist be registered with the NC State Board of Environmental Health Specialists Examiners as a “Registered Environmental Health Specialist. All requirements for registration, including successfully passing a comprehensive exam must be met within three years from date of registration or the incumbent cannot practice in this field.
Requirements to be completed above the educational standard include: Successful completion of Centralized Intern Training provided by the NCDHHS (NC Department of Health and Human Services); Completion of 15 contact hours of Board approved continuing education annually; Completion of Environmental Health Law course within five years or initial registration.
State authorization or licensure in one or more of the following fields: Food, Lodging and Institutions (FLI), Child-Care and School Sanitation (CCSS); Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (CLPP); Public Swimming Pools (PSP); On-Site Wastewater (OSWW); Tattoo Sanitation (TATT); Private Wells (Wells); Public Pest Control Operator from NC Department of Agriculture; FDA Standardized Retail Food Safety Inspection Officer
Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Must obtain and maintain a Mecklenburg County Operator's Permit
Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required
Knowledge of State laws and regulations, county ordinances, administrative rulings, and judicial decisions that pertain to the area of environmental health and sanitation
Knowledge of Communicable diseases, transmission methods, and prevention
Knowledge of Proper sampling techniques and in operating necessary equipment
Knowledge of Epidemiological principles, methods of communicable disease transmission and prevention
Knowledge of Principles of design and construction and how they impact sanitation, public health, and the environment
Skills Applying statistical analysis to Pools, tattoo establishments, rodent demolitions, and other related environmental health issues
Skills Advanced knowledge in applying rules, interpretations, policies, and procedures; using effective field evaluation techniques
Skills Advanced knowledge of the repair of onsite water and wastewater systems
Skills Advanced knowledge of complex engineered onsite water and wastewater systems
Skills Development and implementation of effective training/educational techniques
Skills Utilizing effective written and oral communications, providing exceptional customer service
Skills Recognizing and respecting diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and the ability to effectively communicate with non- or minimal English speaking clients
Skills Defusing hostility in confrontational situations
Abilities Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner
Abilities Business Acumen: Using scientific, economic, financial, market and industry data to understand and improve business results; using one’s understanding of major business functions, industry trends and own organization’s position to contribute to effective business strategies and tactics
Abilities Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
Abilities Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Abilities Managing Conflict – Dealing effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people
Abilities Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently
Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

Conduct training for Environmental Health Specialist interns, finding and developing new educational material and training methods
Coordinate training, site visits, meetings, and presentations and develops, presents, or facilitates training or educational materials
Responsible for regulation and enforcement of applicable Environmental Health codes, rules and regulations at the most technically complex operations and installations.
Evaluate and approve new and existing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point management systems at food service establishments where food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
Provide oversight and monitoring of progress for construction and remodeling of regulated facilities, ensuring that facilities are compliant with the applicable public health codes.
Act as a liaison between the contractor, architect, and code enforcement of other trades.
Conduct environmental hazard investigations to determine connection to reports of illness and to contamination of soil or water.
Assist supervisor as needed to collaborate with State Regional Environmental Specialists, State Epidemiology staff, Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Retail Food Specialist, NC Department of Agriculture agents, staff Hydrogeologists or Soil Scientists as appropriate on investigations and/or rule interpretations.
Assist supervisor in grant application procedures, record maintenance and retention
Assist Environmental Health Specialists with complaint investigations and reports of communicable disease outbreaks; serves as lead investigator in large-scale illness outbreaks
Determine and utilize the appropriate administrative actions to achieve compliance; coordinates activities with other regulatory agencies as appropriate; document findings and testifies in court when necessary; suspend or revoke permits.
Provide community outreach and education; interacts with individual citizens and community groups and responds to citizens regarding issues or questions, problems, or improvements.
Communicate with various agencies regarding compliance matters and reporting requirements.