Internship - Environmental Health

Livingston County was named a 2023 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 5 elected offices, and 5 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary:

Under the close supervision of an assigned supervisor and/or department head, performs entry-level professional duties of moderate difficulty. Accompany professional level employees on assignments providing an opportunity for training in various Environmental Health programs (i.e. food safety, wastewater, surface water, vectors). Performs assigned duties to gain knowledge of standards and procedures required for successful performance. This position will be responsible for the management of our vector disease surveillance program, which involves placing mosquito traps and analyzing and identifying mosquito types. This Internship opportunity will provide practical experience in various Environmental Health programs, and broad exposure to the County's organizational structure.

Internship Details:

This is an paid Internship opportunity starting in May, and will run through September (this is a flexible timeframe), and is not eligible for any benefits. Average hours per week range from 16-40, and are flexible.

Benefits:

Not eligible for benefits as an intern.

Pay Rate Information:

The paid intern position is a temporary position and the pay scale is $17.34/hr. (Grade 1 - Undergraduate) and $18.56/hr. (Grade 2- Graduate).

Essential Functions:

An Intern in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily.

1. Collects water samples and prepares reports for groundwater contamination program.
2. Assist with the mosquito and tick surveillance program. Identify trap locations, deploy and retrieve traps, insect identification, and report completion.
3. Conduct swimming pool, beach, and temporary food inspections as need.
4. Conduct a quality improvement project to enhance community outreach efforts for the radon program.
5. Assist with data entry of drinking water well records into statewide database.
6. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• Major/Field of Study desired: Environmental Science/Health, Natural Sciences
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office application (i.e. Word, Excel).
  
• Valid Driver's License, and a good driving record.
• Skill in effectively communicating assigned areas of responsibility orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials and the public.
• Experience with ArcGIS desirable.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in an office and in the field. While in the office, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile both in an office setting and in the field with the ability to stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 40 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in the office and at other work sites and regularly travels between work sites using a motor vehicle. Though applicable safety procedures are documented and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials, individuals and situations in the course of performing required duties. The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet to moderate.