Environmental Health Specialist

Yakima Health District
Full time
Regular
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)
Overview:
Salary: $31.09 - $40.57 per hour** (10 Salary Steps) + Benefits
This is a regular non-exempt full-time position that generally works a Monday-Friday work schedule, an occasional evening, and some weekends.
The Yakima Heath District offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and life insurance (Public Employee Benefits Board); participation in Washington State retirement system (DRS); and a generous annual, holiday, and sick leave package.
**The first ten salary steps are determined based on the employee's experience, language skills, and length of time with the Yakima Health District. With completion of the 10th salary step, the employee may be eligible for salary increases if the employee achieves a set of performance goals in accordance with the Pay-For-Performance program.
Purpose of the Position:
Environmental Health Specialists use natural sciences to inspect, monitor, assess, and educate business owners, contractors, and the public about a variety of public health regulations in place to protect the health of humans and the environment.
This position investigates foodborne, waterborne, and vector-borne illnesses; reviews and approves plans for solid waste facilities, schools, food service establishments, drinking water systems, and onsite sewage systems; and identifies risks of hazardous materials to the environment and humans.
This position reports to the Environmental Health Director and the Environmental Health Manager, has been determined to be a non-exempt employee in accordance with FLSA regulations, and is a member of Professional and Technical Employees Local 17 union.
Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct inspections of food establishments to verify appropriate measures are taken to ensure the health and safety of consumers;
• Survey public water systems, inspect wells, evaluate the feasibility of small water systems, and assure drinking water is safe for human consumption and domestic use;
• Conduct inspections of recreational water programs, swimming pools, and spa facilities to verify appropriate measures are taken to ensure the health and safety of the public using these facilities;
• Evaluate on-site septic systems and conduct on-site septic inspections;

• Conduct solid waste sites inspections, advise business and homeowners of the "best practices" of managing solid waste; when appropriate, issue SEPA findings and review permits and engineering plans;
• Conduct inspections of camps and schools to verify appropriate measures are taken to ensure the health and safety of the public using these facilities;
• Carry out enforcement actions when public health regulations are not being met;
• Respond to complaints, surveil, and investigate food-borne, water-borne, and vector-borne diseases;
• Enter client information into an integrated permit management system, and be competent in using Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and GIS;
• Prepare professional correspondence, prepare complex and scientific reports, collect, and analyze data necessary for official documents, and design informational and educational materials specific to Environmental Health;
• Prepare and present information in a clear and concise manner while conveying scientific and complex information in a manner understood by the public;

The itemized list of job tasks and essential functions as identified above may not be all inclusive. Job duties may change during peak work periods such as major outbreaks of diseases, major illness, or staff shortages.
Ability to:

• Understand, interpret, and present scientific terms and guiding principles, public health programs, laws, and regulations both verbally and in writing;
• Work with and provide service to a very diverse community, some with limited English proficiency;

• Use computer, Microsoft software, copy machines, mobile and office phones, and be able to use hands and wrist repetitively;
• Read a map and/or use GPS systems to navigate roads, highways, and regions of Yakima County;

• Prepare and produce clear and concise reports, records, and investigative case notes; maintain all records and file in accordance with medical confidentiality and public records requirements;
• Follow laboratory procedures and effectively utilize aseptic technique when required;
• Establish and maintain effective, courteous, and respectful relationships with internal and external colleagues, partners, clients, and the general public, and on occasion manage a situation involving difficult or disruptive customers;
• Effectively manage competing demands of a large individual caseload, increasing needs for improved customer service, working in a fast paced and ever-changing work environment, and working directly with the public;
• Regular and reliable attendance Monday through Friday is essential to managing a demanding workload, and essential when the agency is required to respond to a public health emergency which may include additional duties and different working hours. Collaborate with team members in a stressful environment, respond to and manage complex and time-sensitive issues, , and maintain a professional relationship with a wide range of community partners, colleagues, and public health professionals.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Chemistry, or other related Physical Science (applicant must submit a college issued transcript with their resume and cover letter);
• Ability to acquire Registered Sanitarian or Registered Environmental Health Specialist certification within two (2) years of the date of hire; review requirements at: http://wsbrs.org/getreg.html;
• All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment;
• Ability to speak, read and write English.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Work in a wide range of environments including remote and rural areas, in confined spaces, and maneuver rough terrains;
• Must be able to obtain a valid Washington State driver's license within 30 days of employment and possess auto insurance, or to be able to demonstrate the ability to travel throughout the county daily in all weather conditions using personal or agency vehicle;
• Must be able to work outdoors during extended periods of extreme weather including snow, and extreme cold and hot weather; and

• The successful candidate will be required to complete a thorough background investigation including review of the individual's criminal history, and to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Preferred Knowledge and Abilities

• Experience in a prior Environmental Health position is desired but not required, recent college graduates are encouraged to apply;
• Ability to speak, read and understand Spanish is helpful.

Working Conditions/Physical Conditions:

• The time spent in the field and in the office varies based on the demand for service;
• Must be able to walk on uneven and difficult surfaces, traverse a variety of surfaces including steep terrain, climb stairs and ladders, and maneuver through heavy vegetation and wooded areas;
• The nature of this work on occasion requires this employee to be exposed to toxic or hazardous gases, chemicals, biohazards, and in these instances, wear protective clothing and decontaminate accordingly;
• Must be able to lift, push, or pull field equipment weighing between 20-40 pounds;
• Must prove or obtain immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella diseases within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Must be current with pertussis immunization within ninety (90) days of employment.

"AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"
Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and the Disabled are encouraged to apply.
Yakima Health District ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of a person's age, color, creed, sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and military status, or any other protected status under federal or state statute.
PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish the information.
Disabled applicants may request accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment. Please contact Human Resources for further information.
Yakima Health District is a qualified Public Service entity for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/charts/public-service or contact your federal loan servicer.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Yakima Health District will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Yakima Health Districtis an E-Verify Employer.