*ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2
Pay Range GC19

INTRODUCTION

All 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 classification directs and trains lower level classifications.

This level within the environmental health specialist series is distinguished by performing sanitarian duties at a professional level. Additional duties may include assist in orientation and training of new employees; shellfish collection and testing; serve as division director in his absence.

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, provide informant training of small water system operators, advise on alternatives.

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 needing 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. Coordinate and collect sampling of bay and estuary water and shellfish with Department of Agriculture; submit for laboratory testing.

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

7. Inspect landfill sites and transfer stations.

8. 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 and preparing training materials; participate and assist in staff training.

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

10. Assist in planning, promoting and execution of program goals and requirements for the improvement and maintenance of a safe and healthy environment; may serve as division director in his absence.

11. 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: Thorough knowledge of current methods, principles, techniques and practices as applied to environmental health areas; thorough knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules that govern environmental health programs; considerable knowledge of equipment and procedures used by businesses and facilities within program area; considerable knowledge of laboratory testing procedures; reasonable knowledge of first aid and food handling procedures; reasonable knowledge of commercial shellfish and public health hazards associated with them. Skill in: Writing clear and concise correspondence, newsletters, records, reports and statistical data; use of related sampling and lab equipment used in biological and chemical testing; 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; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable, and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; work independently and manage time efficiently; 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 and two years progressively responsible work experience as a registered sanitarian. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Must possess current Oregon Registered Sanitarian License.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the general direction of the environmental health division director who establishes general policy and program objectives. Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience and training. The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation. Employee estimates and manages time efficiently. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions made are in compliance to department policy and procedures.

GUIDELINES

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

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.