Environmental Health Specialist (Ehs)

Position: Environmental Health Specialist (EHS)

St. Joseph County Department of Health – Environmental Health Unit

Closing Date: Until Filled

Salary: Up to $54,600

Location: 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 – 9th Floor

Status: Full Time

Job Category: PAT (Professional, Administrative, Technological)

FLSA Status: Exempt

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Environmental Health Specialist for the St. Joseph County Health Department, responsible for performing plan reviews, conducting inspections, providing information and education to the public, and enforcing federal, state, and local public health and environmental protection laws, rules, and regulations.

DUTIES:

Analyzes soil boring reports, reviews engineered designs, and inspects permitted activities for

compliance. Investigates properties with ground penetrating radar to identify illicit discharges, underground storage tanks, and other potential subsurface public health threats. Inputs data into ArcGIS and uses ESRI suite to spatially track and digest data. Develops solutions to complex site situations.

Responds to requests, questions, and problems concerning septic systems, wells, and related environmental concerns, provides information and assistance, explains procedures, conducts inspections, takes enforcement actions, and issues or denies permits as applicable

Inspects private wells and septic systems for loan approvals and completes reports and related paperwork as required.

Performs environmental inspections of public and private property, ensuring compliance with public laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations. Provides consultation regarding Environmental Health and safety issues, indoor/outdoor air quality, mold, lead, radon, swimming pools, schools, and solid and hazardous waste inspections.

Performs environmental and health inspections of tattoo parlors, enforcing public laws, codes, ordinances and regulations, and providing related consultation.

Inspects public and private facilities and premises for rodent and insect infestations and conducts rodent and vector control needs assessments. Identifies mosquito and bird problem areas and applies insecticides and pesticides for mosquito control. Provides consultation and public education

concerning methods of rodent and vector control.

Conducts, photographs, and documents inspections, determining violations, sending warning letters to responsible parties, and referring violations to law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

Inspects and issues permits for solid waste vehicles, transfer sites, transfer stations, and disposal facilities.

Conducts follow-up inspections as required to ensure compliance with code. Provides corrective instruction for violations, conducts additional inspections, and refers violators to law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

Investigates various spills and/or discharges into the ground and/or bodies of water. Works closely with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) on spill complaints and outdoor air complaints.

Responds to health/sanitation inquiries from the general public and provides related technical advice, including, but not limited to, providing information, referrals, and/or assistance as appropriate.

Performs lead risk assessments and serves as member of the St. Joseph County Lead Assessment Coalition.

Maintains accurate and detailed files of all complaints, inspections, and related documents. Completes daily work and mileage reports and monthly/annual reports as required by supervisor and regulating agencies.

Works with personnel from Environment Protection Agency (EPA), IDEM, Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), Army Corps of Engineers, and Indiana Department of Labor to coordinate services, interpret and enforce health requirements, draft ordinances and regulations, and provide and request work-related information.

Periodically testifies in legal proceedings/court as required.

Provides local print, radio and television news media with information concerning specific public health and/or environmental protection events.

Attends professional education workshops and training seminars as required.

Serves as a public health emergency responder, responding to and assisting in resolving public health emergencies, including serving on a 24-hour call for emergencies.

Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Baccalaureate Degree in environmental science, public health, or related field.

Possession of and ability to retain possession of certification as a registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of Indiana.

Possession of or ability to obtain Pesticide Applicator's Certificate, Certified Pool Operator License, IDEM Lead Risk Assessor/Inspector License, and National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification.

Thorough knowledge of standard policies and practices of St Joseph County Health Department, with ability to apply appropriate procedures accordingly.

Thorough knowledge of standard principles and practices of public health and environmental protection, with ability to effectively evaluate facility operations and instruct members of the general public in application of appropriate procedures.

Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing environmental protection, with ability to properly review and approve permits, conduct effective investigations, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare detailed written reports, maintain accurate/organized records, present educational materials and maintain positive community support/public relations.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, ISDH, EPA, IDEM, other government agencies, University of Notre Dame, Home Builders Association, Wastewater Advisory Board, engineering firms, soil scientists, contractors, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements.

Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons.

Ability to properly operate standard office and environmental testing equipment, including computer and department software applications, keyboard, telephone, copier, fax machine, digital camera, mosquito traps, moisture and humidity testing equipment, global positioning service (GPS) unit, vehicle, and protective equipment/clothing.

Ability to compile, analyze and evaluate data, make determinations, and present findings in oral or written form.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out verbal or written instructions.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment, often amidst frequent distractions and interruptions, and on several tasks at the same time.

Ability to apply knowledge of people and locations, plan/layout work assignments, and read/interpret detailed blueprints and plans. Ability to testify in legal proceedings/court as necessary.

Ability to occasionally respond to public health emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

Ability to occasionally work extended, evening and/or weekend hours and travel out of town for meetings/workshops, sometimes overnight.

Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent performs a wide range of duties which involve consideration of many variables. Majority of duties are performed within clear and well-defined guidelines that are applied to specific tasks.

Incumbent exercises judgment when conducting public health and environmental inspections, evaluating facility compliance, and determining appropriate action for non-compliance.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent ensures proper implementation of sanitation requirements and environmental codes according to technical specifications and standard practices of the profession. Goals and objectives of incumbent’s work are known, and work is reviewed primarily for compliance with Department policy and legal requirements. Decisions are restricted only by organization-wide policies, with unusual problems and/or significant deviations from standards reviewed with supervisor as needed.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent communication with co-workers, other County departments, ISDH, EPA, IDEM, other government agencies, University of Notre Dame, Home Builders Association, Wastewater Advisory Board, engineering firms, soil scientists, contractors, and the public for purposes of exchanging information and explaining, interpreting and enforcing regulations.

Incumbent reports directly to Environmental Health Manager.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment and in the field, involving sitting/walking

at will, standing/walking for long periods, driving, walking on uneven terrain, lifting/carrying objects weighing 25 to 50 pounds, pushing/pulling objects, bending, reaching, crouching/kneeling, climbing on roofs, crawling in basements, close/far vision, color/depth perception, speaking clearly, hearing sounds/communication, and handling/grasping/fingering objects. Incumbent is frequently exposed to inclement weather and hazards normally associated with construction sites and inspection of public health and environmental protection problems. Safety precautions must be followed at all times to avoid injury to self and others. Incumbent maintains considerable contact with the public and may be exposed to irate/hostile persons.

Incumbent occasionally works extended, evening and/or weekend hours, and travels out of town for meetings/workshops, sometimes overnight. Incumbent occasionally responds to public health

emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

Interested candidates may upload documents such as cover letter, resume and references at: https://sjc.ezhiregov.com/.

If a certification or license is required, please be sure to attach the documents.