Environmental Health Specialist I

Inspect, monitor and enforce established health codes, regulations and ordinances within assigned area of responsibility; receive and investigate environmental complaints and conduct surveillance activities for code and regulatory conformance; interpret and disseminate environmental health information to industry, the general public and other agencies; perform a variety of professional and technical tasks in support of assigned division. 

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Ensure compliance of assigned environmental health areas with applicable laws, rules and regulations related to the provision of environmental health protection and related services.
2. Detect community environmental health hazards based on scientific knowledge and training; develop recommended policies and plans of action.
3. Monitor and independently inspect assigned facilities; issue citations and secure facilities for failure to comply with codes and regulations.
4. Develop survey instruments; conduct surveys and interpret and record survey results; implement program changes in response to results.
5. Receive and investigate environmental complaints relative to assigned areas.
6. Conduct surveillance activities for code and regulatory conformance.
7. Consult with parties failing to meet established codes and regulations; develop, plan and recommend alternative solutions; design, develop and conduct workshops concerning assigned area of responsibility.
8. Review permit applications relative to assigned area; approve or deny the issuance of permits.
9. Maintain records and develop reports concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness within assigned area of responsibility.
10. Operate specialized equipment used in monitoring environmental conditions; interpret and apply information obtained.
11. Coordinate assigned environmental health activities with other divisions, departments and outside agencies.
12. Research, compile and analyze data; prepare statistical reports using word processing and/or spreadsheets.
13. Review, recommend and follow standard operating procedures.
14. Maintain and operate vehicle emissions analyzers used for the collection of vehicle emissions data; re-test vehicles that previously failed emissions tests; ensure that the equipment is properly calibrated.
15. Conduct special investigations and routine audits of certified emissions testing stations; ensure compliance to established codes and regulations regarding vehicle pollution.
16. Provide training to certified automotive technicians and "air care" inspectors in vehicle emissions testing and repair.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the assigned field of environmental health.
2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
3. Use, maintain and monitor electronic database for quality assurance.

Related education and experience may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.  

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, chemistry, mathematics, geology, ecology, biology, public health or a related field; and 

Four (4) years' experience monitoring and enforcing ordinances, codes or regulations.  

Experience in monitoring and enforcing environmental ordinances, codes or regulations is preferred.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician certification in Engine Repair or Engine Performance within one (1) year from date of hire depending on position.

Environmental:
Office, shop or field environment; travel from site to site; possible exposure to inclement weather conditions, hazardous chemicals, smoke, fumes, gases and pathogens carried by insects and/or animals.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for climbing ladders, standing, walking and sitting for prolonged periods and medium to heavy lifting and carrying of monitors and equipment.

When assigned to the Vehicle Pollution Management Division:

Essential functions require maintaining the physical condition to open and lift car hoods and repeatedly kneel down to inspect under vehicle chassis and dashboards and insert analyzer probes in vehicle tailpipes.