Environmental Health Officer

Job Summary:

Under the direction and supervision of the Zoning Administrator, the Environmental Health Officer performs Environmental Health services consistent with state and county laws and regulations and other duties as assigned or directed. Duties include, but are not limited to, performing inspections, grant management, budget management, issuing permits and well plugging applications, monitoring septic systems, investigation of animal bites and nuisance complaints.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health or other related science field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of full-time experience in an Environmental Health related field for each year of required education.

Licensure/Certification: Valid Iowa driver’s license with proof of personal auto liability insurance or demonstrated reliable mode of transportation.

Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of Environmental Health rules and regulations. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in English with people from diverse professional, educational and lifestyle backgrounds both orally and in writing. Ability to read and understand/follow written and verbal directions. Requires organizational and self-motivational skills in prioritizing and managing multiple tasks. Demonstrated knowledge of management and supervisory principles. Must demonstrate ability to utilize effective decision-making and problem-solving techniques. Ability to remain calm, cheerful, and professional in stressful situations amid interruptions in potentially fast-paced environment. Ability to perform public speaking regarding Environmental Health issues and programs. Must demonstrate basic computer, internet, and email skills. Ability to work independently and interdependently.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Budgeting for Environmental Health Office
• Bill for services provided as allowed by regulation
• Attend required trainings and meetings to maintain certifications and remain knowledgeable in Environmental Health field
• Accept and process applications for septic systems
• Perform initial and follow up septic system inspections
• Maintain organized filing system for permits, reports and other documents
• Analyze potential commercial septic systems to determine county jurisdiction
• Monitor discharging septic systems, bill for services, send violation notices
• Review, follow-up on, and file time of transfer septic inspections
• Perform well inspections
• Accept well permit applications and issue said permits
• Perform required follow up on wells permitted
• Accept and process well plugging applications and administer well plugging grant
• Perform investigations of animal bites and take appropriate action based on results of the investigation
• Investigate nuisance complaints relating to septic systems, trash and unsanitary conditions, open burning, animal abuse, wells, and others as allowed by law or regulation
• Complete environmental studies as required by grants, law, regulation or as directed
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Zoning Administrator

Note: Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of the supervisor, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

Must be able to hear and see within normal limits with or without corrective devices. Must successfully complete a physical. Must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb in and out of trenches, climb ladders, walk up and down steps, walk up and down steep grades, walk over irregular surfaces and work outside in extreme heat and cold weather. Must have a tolerance for strong odors, wind, and sun. Manual dexterity requiring in handling of equipment. Emotional demands require working and remaining calm, cheerful and professional in a potentially stressful environment. Mental abilities required to assimilate information and utilize effective decision-making and problem-solving techniques.

Additional Working Conditions:

Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours

• Requires frequent exposures to pollen and dust.
• Occupational exposure to pests such as but not limited to rodents, bats, cockroaches, and snakes and domestic animals such as but not limited to cats, dogs, birds, and livestock.
• Requires operating a motor vehicle before, during and after adverse weather conditions have occurred.

Notice of Resignation:

This position is a position “at will”. However, for the purpose of benefit pay out upon termination, four weeks written notice is required.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person