Environmental Public Health Specialist I-Ii (Ehs)

General Position Summary:

This position performs inspections and enforces local, State, and Federal environmental health standards and regulations for food protection and preservation, water supplies, chemical and physical hazards, vector control, school environmental health and safety programs, recreational facilities and other public health or sanitation issues.

Benefits and Compensation Information:

The 2024 salary for Environmental Public Health Specialists (I-II) is currently on a seven (7) step progression schedule. The starting salary ($4,659/mo.) may be negotiable with documented experience and/or certifications.

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision  (includes dependent coverage)

• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify

• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System

• Life Insurance

• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)

• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid

• 10 Paid Holidays

• Reasonable work hours

The County

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work.  Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts.  The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inspect and evaluate health department regulated facilities and other sites to ensure public health and environmental safety in compliance with applicable federal, state and local rules and regulations.

• Advise facility or site operators and/or owners of applicable rules and regulations and required environmental and public health standards. Offer recommendations and corrective actions to address deficiencies in order to comply with applicable rules and regulations. Issue appropriate notice of violation following established enforcement procedures, and conduct follow up inspections.

• Grant or deny permits, licenses or fitness of site. Recommends enforcement actions. Initiate appropriate legal action as needed.

• Assist with the development and implementation of a school environmental health and safety program. Offer technical assistance to address deficiencies noted during inspections and as needed.

• Review plans for new or remodeled regulated facilities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

• Assist the public with regulation compliance, and public health information pertaining to zoonotic diseases, control of rodents, bats and disease carrying insects. Consult with other agencies on special cases or refer public to other agencies as needed.

• Respond to program emergencies, public health concerns, incidents, and complaints.  Participate in epidemiological investigations pertaining to food borne or water borne disease or other communicable diseases.

• Provide regular status reports to the supervisor of complaints, ongoing investigations and enforcement actions. Consult with the supervisor on matters outside the scope of knowledge or for guidance, and when legal action is required.

• Testify in administrative hearings or in courts of law regarding investigations conducted.

• Collaborate and assist the supervisor to update and revise department procedures, references, and policies.

• Prepare and present public presentations, classes and write reports in a format and degree of detail as instructed by the supervisor or as the particular case requires.

• Attend training and keep current on ordinance, code, and legal changes pertaining to the field and related subjects.

• Assist in the orientation and training of other environmental health specialists on department policies, procedures, and tasks.

• Attend and participate in staff meetings. Provide input and recommendations to improve own work processes and the general operation, performance and services provided by the department.

• Participate in and conduct surveys to gather information, analyze and reach conclusions to identify control measures and solutions.

• Assist the department in coordinating efforts during special projects, special investigations, or emergency situations.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

EHS I

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental or Health Science or closely related field applicable to this position.

• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

EHS II

• Minimum qualifications of EHS I

• Two (2) years of work experience as a Sanitarian or Environmental Health Specialist.

• Possess and maintain certification as a Registered Sanitarian/Environmental Health Specialist EHS in the State of Washington or through the National Environmental Health Association, or able to obtain reciprocity within 6 months of employment.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and others requiring services. Professionally handle the public's complaints and concerns.

• Ability to develop and maintain good working relations with own dept. staff, other county employees, and other public and private agencies.

• Ability to provide technical information and recommendations to assist the public to comply with regulations in a manner that develops positive relations.

• Ability to effectively explain the purpose and the process of inspections, including consequences of re-occurrence or noncompliance.

• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, in a professional business-like manner. Experienced at preparing thorough, organized and clearly presented technical reports.

• Work well as a team member, in a multi-task work environment. Complete tasks within deadlines.

• Possess a good general understanding of the regulations and ordinances that relate to this field and be able to interpret and apply them.

• The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.