*ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION DIRECTOR
Pay Range GC24

INTRODUCTION

This classification serves as working director of environmental health division of health and social services department and performs administrative and management duties in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating services of program area to identify, eliminate and prevent environmental health hazards; promote continued environmental health and safety standards; serve as liaison between environmental health division and other divisions of department as well as the community. The director supervises professional and clerical support staff in varying degrees and has the final responsibility for work performed within the division.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs and services for environmental health areas ensuring compliance to appropriate regulations.

2. Prepare water contracts with federal and state agencies; monitor work activities necessary for contracts; prepare division budget and monitor fiscal expenditures; participate in establishing and maintaining division policy and procedures.

3. Coordinate epidemiological investigations within Health Department; implement and monitor corrective procedures; consult, exchange information and resolve problems with coworkers and Community Health Nurses.

4. Supervise, assign work to and train professional and clerical support staff; offer technical assistance as needed, and determine best solution when problems arise. Ensure work is in compliance with appropriate federal and state regulations. Assume accountability for work performed within division. Is involved in the selection, training and evaluating of staff. Establish and interpret policy and procedures. Provide administrative management to water laboratory; manage laboratory staff in supervising testing in clinics.

5 Coordinate and investigate public complaints/concerns regarding environmental health hazards and animal bites; prioritize public health risk; implement corrective procedures or refer to appropriate agency; monitor corrective process.

6. Represent division to community groups, committee meetings, other agencies, and media.

7. Perform environmental health specialist duties such as field inspections, investigations, enforcements and sampling as necessary.

8. Prepare records, reports and statistical information as required by departmental policy, federal and state laws and regulations.

9. Consult, exchange information, inform and resolve problems regarding environmental health issues with coworkers, community health nurses, state and federal agencies.

10. Serve as a part of the department management team and participates in development of goals and objectives both for the division and the department.

11. Respond on "24-hour call" for spill and/or hazardous materials accidents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures as applied to environmental health areas to identify, eliminate and prevent environmental health hazards; thorough knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules that govern environmental health; thorough knowledge of principles and practices of public administration including public relations, personnel and fiscal management; thorough knowledge of administration and management of program services to develop, implement and evaluate programs; considerable knowledge of laboratory test procedures. Skill in: Writing clear and concise correspondence, records, reports and statistical data; interviewing techniques; budget administration; using computers for word processing and data analysis. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; interpret laboratory test results regarding environmental health hazards; make decisions independently in accordance with established policy and procedures; establish new policies when applicable; use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; supervise and lead a staff of professionals and support staff; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, business owners, federal and state agencies and the public.

Education, experience and training: Bachelor's degree in public or environmental health, bacteriology, chemistry, biology, entomology, or zoology and four years progressively responsible work experience which includes two years management/supervisory experience OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience or training. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Must possess current Oregon Registered Sanitarian License.

Desirable qualifications: Master's degree in public or environmental health and two years progressively responsible work experience which includes management and supervisory experience.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the guidance of the health and social services administrator. The employee works independently in administering a complex area of responsibility and confers with supervisor for professional advice. Discretion is required in applying general goal and policy statements, in development of recommendations, policies and procedures and in resolving program problems. Work is accomplished within a broad framework, with authority and responsibility in area of service. Periodic reviews of work performance are conducted in terms of expected results.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established departmental policy and procedures, federal, state, county and local statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; environmental health reference materials, management and fiscal reference materials, personnel rules, accepted practices in environmental health field. Employee uses seasoned judgment in interpreting guidelines and contributes to modification of existing guidelines by recommending changes or adapting guidelines to problems encountered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in both office and field locations; which may require climbing, hearing voice conversations, keyboarding, lifting up to 60 pounds, standing, stooping and walking sometimes rough terrain. Work performed in the field is in an environment which involves everyday risks or discomforts, and sometimes adverse weather conditions, requiring safety precautions. A considerable amount of driving is required.