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Form of workJackson County Employment Opportunity.
The Environmental Health Specialist position promotes the health and safety of the community through education and enforcement of public health regulations pertaining to food, pool, and lodging facilities; public drinking water systems; as well as wood stoves and open burning.
Jackson County Health & Human Services is simultaneously recruiting for two similar positions at the same time within the department. The titles of these recruitments are "Environmental Health Specialist I" & "Environmental Health Specialist II". Please note we will only be filling one of the above positions with the best candidate from the combined pool of qualified applicants.
Jackson County strives to recruit, hire and retain the best employees!
- Must qualify and obtain an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee license through the Oregon Health Licensing Office.
- Pass a criminal background check prior to hire.
- Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire. click on the following link to review Jackson County's requirements for an acceptable driving record.
- Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana. Click on the link to review Jackson County's Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
- This position is represented by union group SEIU
I. Position Summary
Performs a variety of duties involved in the inspection of private and public facilities to ensure compliance with public health regulations and assists in providing effective education and training to the public. Performs most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but is not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercises less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern, with all but minor variations referred to the supervisor.
II. Examples of Essential Position Duties (The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)
- Conducts inspections, investigations and enforcement actions related to Environmental Health regulations, laws and programs including communicable diseases, animal control, drinking water safety, sewage disposal, air quality, etc.
- Inspects and investigates a variety of establishments, including permanent and temporary restaurants, mobile units, commissaries, warehouses, public swimming pools and spas, RV parks, camps, public water supplies, sewage systems, schools, day cares, group-use facilities, travelers' accommodations, etc., for compliance with regulatory and/or state construction standards.
- Investigates complaints and violations regarding a variety of Environmental Health hazards.
- Collects samples of water, food, sewage, etc., for laboratory analysis.
- Evaluates and/or design private water and sewage disposal systems for parties involved in real estate transactions; issues various related permits.
- Evaluates animal bites and recommend animal disposition and human treatment as appropriate.
- Responds to emergencies when expertise is needed concerning toxic spills, radiation accidents, forest fires and natural disasters; may act as a member of the Emergency Management Team.
- Assists in promoting public understanding of Environmental Health through consultative services, environmental education classes for businesses and the general public and preparation and distribution of informative publications.
- Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required trainings, as well as safe work practices.
- Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
- Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.
III. Minimum Requirements(Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions)
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Science with the equivalent of 45 quarter hours of course work in Environmental Health or soil/physical sciences depending on program (internship or other experience in the Environmental Health or wastewater field preferred); OR
- Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.
License, Certificate or Other
Requires possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Eligible to be registered as an Oregon Registered Environmental Health Specialist or trainee, or a Wastewater Specialist, depending on program, at time of appointment.
IV. Other Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Position requires knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of Environmental Health and sanitation, and diseases associated with poor sanitary conditions; knowledge of landscape development, geology and soil science as they related to Environmental Health practices; modern office and record-keeping procedures and practices. Position requires ability to learn operations and services of an Environmental Health program; learn laws and regulations governing the sanitation programs of the state; learn to effectively investigate and report on compliance with standards, laws and regulations; work with public agencies, private corporations and the general public in the inspection and control of sanitary and environmental standards; compile, edit and report data associated with sanitation and disease control; promote awareness of Environmental Health and safety standards; interpret laws and regulations and apply them in the field; understand and use college mathematics to make algebraic and geometric calculations and measurements and to compile and analyze statistical data; learn to operate testing equipment and instruments, as well as a computer and other office machinery; understand and carry out oral and written directions; read and understand technical journals and reports, regulations and laws, maps, equipment manuals, technical diagrams, etc.; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; perform duties professionally in emergency, dangerous or volatile situations; exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
Physical Demands (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands)
Requires the ability to perform moderately heavy physical tasks including walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy items. Tasks require minimal dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs and body in the operation of office equipment. Requires the ability to operate vehicles and tools in which manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination are important ingredients of safe and/or productive operations. Tasks require frequent exposure to extreme heat/cold or extreme weather conditions, strong odors and/or smoke, dust, pollen, strong and/or toxic materials, illness and/or sewage. Tasks require color, odor, depth and visual perception and discrimination, as well as oral communications ability.
Working Conditions (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following working conditions)
Work is performed in both an office and in the field where incumbents are exposed to adverse weather, including extreme temperatures, rain, snow, sleet and hail. Incumbents are also exposed to dangerous or unpleasant conditions and substances, including noise, dust, chemicals, paint, traffic hazards, noxious plants and wildlife. May include exposure to disruptive people and communicable diseases.
V. Additional Information
This classification description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, or requirements, as any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of these duties, in addition to other duties not explicitly listed here. The various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in the shift, work demands, seasons, service levels and management's decisions on how to best allocate department resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing of these assigned duties, responsibilities and/or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification. The County shall schedule employees and determine FTE consistent with its determination as to efficiency of operations, financial advantages to the County, and/or effective service to the public.
