Environmental Health Specialist

Environmental Health Specialists in the Water and Sewage Division are responsible for conducting environmental health assessments, complaint investigations, inspections, and enforcement activities for several environmental health programs.  These programs include individual sewage disposal systems, individual water supplies, and other related environmental health programs.

This is an Essential Employee position.  Essential employees are obligated to report to work as scheduled or remain at work during emergencies. 

A criminal background check is required.

Essential Duties, Tasks and Accountabilities:

• Perform site inspections and investigations.
• Prepare, distribute, and maintain records of inspections and investigations.
• Enforce regulations and complete enforcement actions.
• Review architectural and engineering plans and specifications.
• Provide administrative assistance to supervisor.
• Maintain a professional public image.
• Communicate with municipal officials.
• Educate the public on regulatory, technical, and program services.
• Train and assist new staff during development.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, environmental health, biological sciences, public health, or related field.   Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Certification as a Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) or the ability to obtain certification within the first nine months of employment.
• Must maintain SEO certification, including completion of continuing education courses and technical training.
• Ability to conduct inspections and investigations in rough terrain and/or under adverse environmental conditions.
• Working knowledge of code enforcement.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations and code.
• Working knowledge of environmental health principles.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and public relations skills.
• Ability to follow office policies and procedures.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of county management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic skill to use a personal computer and various software packages.
• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives. 
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.

A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle on a daily basis is required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Two or more years of job related experience.
• Training and skills in agronomy, and soil identification and classification.
• Knowledge of onlot sewage treatment.
• Knowledge of water chemistry and aquifer dynamics.
• Working knowledge of PA Department of Environmental Protection’s (PA DEP) onlot sewage regulations.
• Registered Sanitarian or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with any US State or the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
• Training and working knowledge of microbiology.
• Strong professional ethics.
• Able to use common sense and understanding to carry out verbal and written instructions.               
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and remain focused on daily operations.
• Accurate and detail oriented.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to carry tasks to completion.
• Flexibility.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic to intermediate Microsoft Word skills

• Basic to intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Access databases

• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills

• Basic Microsoft PowerPoint skills

• Basic to intermediate Microsoft Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)

• Basic Internet skills

• General knowledge and basic skill with ArcView

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach above shoulder height, climb stairs, drive a vehicle during working hours, and talk or hear.  Occasionally, the employee will need to sit; work with arms above shoulders; bend at the waist; kneel, stoop crouch or squat; lift or carry items; and taste or smell.  On rare occasions, the employee will need to crawl, climb ladders, push items, twist or rotate at the waist, and work with an uncommon level of noise.  

The special vision requirements listed for this position are:

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors).
• Ability to adjust focus of the eye to bring an object into sharp focus.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Outdoor work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Travel is conducted in a personal vehicle.

Other:

• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• This position requires professionalism.

Confidentiality is crucial to this position.