Environmental Health Specialist

• Environmental Health Specialist I: $84,876.81-$106,096.35
• Environmental Health Specialist II: $89,968.77-$112,460.96

The Environmental Health Specialist I performs inspections and investigations in a wide variety of facilities and environments to determine compliance with federal, state, and City codes. Program areas include: food safety assurance and recalls; recycling; housing; property maintenance; public health nuisance control; plan review; food and water-borne illness investigation; lodging inspection and sanitation; swimming pool safety and sanitation; water supply sanitation; noise; water and air pollution control; indoor air quality; radon; emergency response; body art; massage; and special events.

Scope of Impact:

The duties and responsibilities of this job are performed with latitude for independent judgment commensurate with employee knowledge, experience, and decision-making ability. Activities must be performed in accordance with Department and City policies, Federal, State and local regulations and are based on detailed knowledge of Department operations.  Work is subject to periodic review by the supervisor, who provides input on and approval of recommendations, and discusses assignments, priorities, and work.

The Environmental Health Specialist II will assist the Community Health Administrator in planning and administering the Health Division; will protect public health and safety by conducting inspections and investigations, providing education, and encouraging voluntary compliance with City Codes.  Codes enforced include; The Minnesota Food Code, Minnesota Pool Code, City of Edina Health Code, and other applicable Federal, State and local codes. The EHS II will coordinate activities and perform lead work duties in assigned program areas.

Scope of Impact:

The duties and responsibilities of the Environmental Health Specialist II are performed with latitude for independent judgment in accordance with Department and City policies, Federal, State and local regulations and are based on detailed knowledge of Department operations.  Work is subject to periodic review by the supervisor, who provides input on and approval of recommendations, and discusses assignments, priorities, and work.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Food Science, Physical Sciences or related field.
• Registered Sanitarian/Environmental Health Specialist, or the ability to obtain registration within 18 months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Certified Pool Operator/Aquatic Facilities Operator Certificate.
• Standardized Food Inspection Officer.

Minimum Qualifications:

The job requires a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Biological Science, Sanitary Science, Food Science or related field and a minimum of five years experience in regulatory environmental health.  The employee must be a Registered Environmental Health Specialist and possess a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

A standardized Food Inspection Officer is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required for Successful Job Performance:

• Knowledge of the Minnesota Food Code and FDA Food Program Standards.
• Knowledge of governmental operations and departments.
• The ability to read and understand commercial blueprints.
• General knowledge of plumbing, mechanical and fire codes.
• The ability to perform work requiring a high degree of concentration and judgment in interpreting practices and procedures to solve problems.
• The ability to work independently and to prioritize work requests.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate standard office software sufficient to manipulate data, draft reports and maintain records.
• Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences, persuade stakeholders, and to perform public speaking to the City Council and community and other groups, and reading comprehension skills sufficient to read, understand and interpret complex and varied work-related materials.  
• Demonstrates the desired standard of conduct and work performance including confidentiality and privacy requirements of the Health Division.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and/or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Physical effort is light with lifting or carrying limited to 40 pounds intermittently.   Approximately 70% of work is performed in the field conducting inspections where the employee may bend, lift, climb or crawl, and could be in confined areas or exposed to inclement weather conditions.   The job includes driving a vehicle on a regular basis.  Report preparation and writing at times requires extended use of a keyboard.  Work interruptions are frequent.

Working Conditions:

Approximately 70% of the work is performed in the field and 30% in a normal office environment.  Work in the field may include exposure to disagreeable environments, including potential hazards such as emergency scenes, chemicals, vectors, rats, and contagious diseases.   The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue.  

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this job at any time.