ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENTIST
Environmental Health Scientist II
GENERAL PURPOSE
Performs a variety of working level professional, complex technical duties related to the monitoring, inspecting and regulating county-wide environmental conditions and influences to assure compliance with state, federal and local environmental quality laws, regulations and guidelines.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the broad policy guidance and direction of the Environmental Director or Environmental Health Scientist III while on a project-by-project basis.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Provides close to general supervision to the Environmental Health Scientist(s) I and clerical support staff while in
training or on a project-by-project basis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Participates in county-wide review, inspection and analysis to assure compliance with environmental health laws,
programs and regulations related to food service, waste water, culinary water, public swimming pools, noise/nuisance complaints, subdivision infrastructure, underground storage, radon gas, asbestos, indoor clean air, solid waste/landfill, hazardous waste, recreation facilities, sanitation, day care facilities, water shed, etc.; conducts risk assessment of environmental issues, recommends appropriate remedies; utilizes various planning models to identify trends and forecast future needs and impact.
Manages the daily operation of an environmental laboratory; establishes analytical procedures and quality control systems; assures equipment is properly calibrated to measure and report various types of analysis; assures maintenance of lab certification requirements and performance standards; conducts analysis of culinary water and swimming pool samples, documents procedures and records and reports results. Conducts sanitary surveys of culinary water systems and waste water operations; inspects facilities to determine compliance with operating procedures and regulations; assesses vulnerability to contamination; documents and reports findings; takes water samples, conducts lab analysis and reports findings.
Designs and inspects the installation of individual and industrial waste water and septic systems; issues waster water permits; reviews plans and approves or disapproves proposed building sites; analyzes proposed sites to determine suitability for septic tank and drain field utilization; assures soil compatibility. Oversees public swimming pool and spa installation and operation; coordinates with operators to conduct inspection and assure proper purification and safety; takes pool samples and interprets test results according to chemical requirements; assures proper operation of pumps, filters, dispensers, cleaning methods, etc.
Conducts inspections of restaurants and food service operations; evaluates quality and sanitation methods and compliance; apprises owner of findings and essential actions to maintain compliance; instructs food handlers classes, tests applicants/students and issues food handlers licenses/cards Processes complaints; conducts investigation and determines appropriate remedy; coordinates various resources as needed; conducts general education programs and meetings as needed to apprise and inform the public.
Responds to hazardous or toxic spills on state or federal highways; identifies substances and product, determines degree of hazard and level of contamination; monitors clean-up and disposal of materials. Performs various inspections and certifications of homes and businesses to detect asbestos, radon gas, waste pollution, poison, soil contamination, household hazardous material, etc.; monitors indoor air quality. Maintains program and inspection activity records; assures proper collection of documentation as needed to support findings and decisions; prepares and submits various reports as needed to defend or authorize agency actions; operates personal computer as needed to develop database and information base for the division.
Participates in all emergency exercises and drills as requested; in case of an actual emergency shall report to work when called upon and work as required by the job assignment; will assume emergency response duties as assigned. Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Education and Experience:
A. Graduation from a accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, health physics, biological science or other related fields; AND
B. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience performing above or related duties; OR
C. And equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of federal and state regulations governing food quality and safety, air quality, water quality, radiation monitoring, waste water, and hazardous waste; general and standard laboratory procedures, instruments, measurements, and terminology; hazards associated with various chemicals, equipment, organic and inorganic substances; the nature and causes of various communicable diseases and other diseases linked to environmental conditions; various environmental health resources available in rural areas; various funding sources available for environmental health management; public relations skills; county general operations including applicable laws and regulations; computer operations and various software applications related to word processing, data processing and spreadsheets.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; make basic decisions where established procedures do not always apply; perform complex mathematical computations; operate personal computer and apply various program applications related to word processing, spread sheets and desktop publishing; develop effective working relationships with professional health care personnel, elected officials,
administrators, co-workers and the public..
3. Special Qualifications:
Must be a registered Environmental Health Scientist. Must become certified as an inspector in various aspects of environmental health management through established professional organizations, state and federal, including air quality (opacity), asbestos, radon gas, water quality- sampling and testing, hazardous waste. Must complete and maintain EPA hazardous waste training (40 hr. course).
4. Work Environment:
Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities, which may involve muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking. Hearing and seeing essential to the safe performance of essential functions. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance.
Salary Range: $25.79 - $36.12/hr