Environmental Health Specialist II

Inspect, monitor and enforce established health codes, regulations and ordinances for Environmental Health Department's Consumer Health Protection Division; conduct inspections of assigned facilities for code and regulatory conformance; operate technical equipment;  interpret data collected; identify and evaluate new and unusual situations based on professional knowledge ; interpret and disseminate environmental health information to industry, the general public and other agencies; reduce the risk and severity of public exposure to environmental health hazards; 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. Mustbe 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; reduce the risk and severity of public exposure to environmental health hazards through surveillance and intervention; develop recommended policies and plans of action.
3. Conduct inspections and monitor assigned facilities for code and regulatory conformance; issue citations and secure facilities for failure to comply with codes and regulations.
4. Develop survey instruments; conduct surveys, interpret data collected and record survey results; implement program changes in response to results.
5. Identify and evaluate new and unusual environmental health situations based on professional knowledge and scientific background.
6. Receive and investigate environmental complaints relative to assigned areas.
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 technical 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. Develop, coordinate and administer training; proctor exams, and issue documents of certification.
13.  Assist in the preparation of legal cases pertaining to permitted facilities and represent the City of Albuquerque by personal testimony.

When assigned to Consumer Health Protection Division:

1. Conduct field inspections of public swimming pools/spas; implement and enforce the City's swimming pool/spa certification program.
2. Conduct field inspection of food establishments; ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations including principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point.
3. Identify, interpret and respond to unusual situations that occur resulting from routine inspection and public interaction.
4. Respond to noise complaints from the general public; enforce and resolve the City's noise ordinance.

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.

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below 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, or public health; and

Four (4) years of 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 six (6) months from date of hire.

When assigned to Consumer Health Protection Division possession of Certified Professional - Food Safety (CPFS) Credential or ability to obtain within three (3) years from date of hire.
 
When assigned to Consumer Health Protection Division possession of National Swimming Pool Foundation Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification or Certified Pool & Spa Inspector (CPI) credential or ability to obtain within one (1) year from date of hire.Environmental:
Office, shop or field environment; travel from site to site; possible exposure to hazardous chemicals, smoke, fumes, gases and pathogens carried by insects and/or animals.  Working outside in hot and cold environmental conditions.

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 Environmental Services or Air Quality Division:  
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for performing field work and wearing a respirator while performing light to moderate lifting and carrying, standing, walking and sitting for prolonged periods; participate in the medical monitoring program as per OSHA regulation.