Position Description
About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and Health Education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
Under the supervision of the Mosquito & Vector Control Division Director, the Health Education Specialist directs the development and implementation of internal and external education and training programs, and monitors compliance with the Pesticide Discharge Management Plan of the Harris County Public Health (HCPH) Mosquito & Vector Control (MVC) Division and ensures successful communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders participating in the Vector Control Network. The Health Education Specialist also supervises 3 Health Educators to ensure that Division training and outreach goals are met.
Duties & Responsibilities:- Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, vector control network members and other public/private entities for the promotion of MVC education programs and workshops.
- Represents MVC as speaker and panel member at civic associations, schools, public/private groups and other educational entities.
- Supervises section staff to ensure MVC messaging is complete and accurate in presentations, outreach materials, one pagers etc. and that appearances and commitments are met.
- Coordinates with HCPH Office Communication Education and Engagement with media releases, handouts, and social media messaging. Serving as a subject matter expert.
- Monitors and reports compliance with Pesticide Discharge Management Plan and Texas Dept of Agriculture Licensing requirements for MVC staff.
- Interacts with internal County partners for web page, SharePoint, MCDWEB and County-wide pesticide usage database maintenance.
- Coordinates and facilitates training of mosquito control practices for internal and external stakeholders.
- Responsible for Mobile Vector Unit used in outreach campaigns.
- Work on special projects for MVC Director.
- Other duties as assigned including responding to emergency events.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in education, Entomology, Biology, or science-related field from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in science-based communication.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a Supervisory role.
- Valid Driver’s License (Texas upon hire) along with a good driving record required.
- Must be able to lift at least 50lbs. Must also be able to stand for extended periods, and sit and drive with occasional breaks.
NOTE:Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Location:
- Harris County Public Health/Mosquito Vector Control (3330 Old Spanish Trail, Building D, Houston 77021)
- The job will have both office and field work. Office work will consists of computer and visual aid usage, filing paperwork, etc.. Field work will include operating a county vehicle safely, appearing/participating/representing MVC at a variety of functions, conducting outreach and training. May consist of indoor or outdoor venues.
- This is a regular, full-time position.
- Typically works 40 hours a week.
- Hours are generally 7:00AM-5:30PM Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday but schedule can be flexed based on appearances at events after normal work hours or on weekends.
- Must work nights, weekends and some holidays as required to accomplish the mission of the MVC Division.
- Organizational Leadership
- Understands the organizational mission
- Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
- Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
- Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
- Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
- Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
- Ability to adapt to change
Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect- Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner.
- Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
- Uses sound judgment
- Self-motivated
- Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
- Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
- 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Retirement pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedules (varies by department)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
- Flexible schedules (varies by department)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.