*ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1
Pay Range GC16

INTRODUCTION

The classifications within this two-level series perform sanitarian duties in inspection, investigation and documentation of identifiable environmental health threats in assigned geographic areas throughout the county, and the enforcement of appropriate state statutes and rules, county and city ordinances to maintain preventative compliance with regulatory measures; license facilities assigned by contract, agreement or ordinance; provide consultation or education programs regarding environmental health and safety.

This level within the environmental health specialist series is distinguished by performing sanitarian duties at a trainee level and under the supervision of a professional register sanitarian.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not perform all listed duties.)

1. Inspect and evaluate licensed and non-licensed public places (such as tourist accommodations; food service, recreational, housing, correctional, juvenile and job corps facilities; public and private schools; day care centers; swimming pools, spas, saunas) to assure compliance to ORS, OAR, county and city ordinances. Advise owners of any deficiencies; determine corrective measures, and implement compliance schedule. Document findings and complete necessary recordkeeping required by program area. License appropriate facilities.

2. Inventory, survey, inspect and evaluate community and non-community water system; collect samples, test, identify any problems, implement compliance to State regulations schedules, document findings and complete necessary recordkeeping.

3. Receive and investigate public complaints regarding environmental health hazards, evaluate problem, implement corrective procedures or refer to appropriate agency and monitor corrective process.

4. Investigate reported cases of food borne illness, waterborne illness and other non-communicable and communicable disease; collect and submit for laboratory examination samples including animals to be tested for the presence of rabies; provide information on diseases and vectors to public; work with other governmental agencies in conducting epidemiological or environmental investigations.

5. Respond to hazardous spills as needed; investigate nuisance complaints and take appropriate action; coordinate with other governmental agencies to set up compliance schedules.

6. Inspect landfill sites and transfer stations.

7. Represent environmental health division to community groups, other agencies, and media; provide education such as classes to inform public of proper sanitation, restaurant personnel of first aid used in choking procedures and proper food handling procedures; assist in health hazard surveys.

8. Prepare records, reports and documents as required by departmental policy, various contracts and federal and state laws and regulations.

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Reasonable knowledge of current methods, principles, techniques and practices as applied to environmental health areas; reasonable knowledge of first aid and food handling procedures, basic knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules that govern environmental health programs; basic knowledge of equipment and procedures used by businesses and facilities within program area; basic knowledge of laboratory testing procedures. Skill in: Writing clear and concise correspondence, records, reports and statistical data; interviewing techniques; using computers for word processing and data analysis. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; conduct investigations, document findings, determine corrective measures and implement compliance schedules; establish and maintain records, reports, and statistical data; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; courteously meet and deal effectively with employees, business owners, committees and advisory boards, state and federal agencies and the public.

Education, experience and training: Bachelor's degree in public or environmental health, bacteriology, chemistry, biology, entomology, or zoology. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Must possess current Oregon Registered Sanitarian Trainee Certificate.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the supervision of a professional, registered sanitarian, who gives assignments and reviews work for effectiveness, correctness, completeness, and conformance with policies and regulations. Technical guidelines and procedures are generally well-defined, but incumbents must exercise judgment and discretion to deal with inquiries to determine if problems must be referred to more fully qualified sanitarian, in completing routine assignments. Interpretation of general administrative or operational policies and procedures is sometimes necessary. Significant deviations require prior approval. Employee estimates time and materials and manages time efficiently. Work is checked at completion of projects. Employees may or may not work in proximity of supervisor.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established departmental policy and procedures, federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; environmental health reference materials, equipment manuals, contracts. Employee makes decisions in accordance with established rules and regulations and uses initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities.

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.