Assistant Division Director of Environmental Health

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds. As a local Department of Health, FCHD promotes population health, protects public health and the environment, and ensure that Fairfax residents have access to health services and information. Developing a competent public health workforce is integral to the department’s mission. We invite you to apply to become a member of our thriving workforce, together making a difference in the health of our community!

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated visionary leader to join our Executive Management team to help drive the Environmental Health Division. This position provides programmatic development, implementation, planning and evaluation for the Division of Environmental Health to assure successful achievement of the Division’s objectives and to support the agency strategic plan. Duties also include policy development and implementation oversight for the programs under the position's direction. A focus on health equity and population health is at the core of the Environmental Division.

Under general direction of the Division Director of Environmental Health (EH), the Assistant Director position participates in policy development for agency-wide environmental health efforts which focus on building a stronger, more integrated local public health system responsive to community needs. Leads in developing, monitoring, and updating the divisions goals, and priorities in alignment with agency-wide strategic plan and countywide strategic plan. Assists in the development, and managing the divisions finance expenditures, budget, and contractual services; oversees grant processes and memorandum of agreements for EH programs and services. Oversees the division’s data collection and reporting. Conducts statistical analysis and performs quality assurance work as it relates to regulated facilities, permits and revenue collection. Serves as a subject matter expert on environmental health practices, code, and ordinance regulations. Coordinates, collaborates, and communicates with local, regional, state, and federal government partners and community organizations on planning initiatives, and programmatic issues, as appropriate. Models' leadership behavior, foster ethical practices and professional code of conduct. Provides leadership guidance to program supervisors and ensures sound management of division operations and programs. Responsible for recruitment, hiring, onboarding and ongoing workforce development.
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Oversees development, implementation and planning for division operations ensuring that County, State, and Federal requirements are met;
• Provides direction, guidance and direct supervision to direct reports and overall leadership to the division, leads change management and project management initiatives; 
• Participates as a member of the Environmental Health management team to assist in planning and coordinating department environmental health service programs; 
• Assists in the development and implementation of standards, policies, and procedures for the Division of Environmental Health;
• Assures that staff are in compliance with appropriate licensure and practice requirements; 
• Directs training and orientation of supervisory, professional, and paraprofessional personnel; 
• Assists the Division Director in establishing goals, objectives, and priorities for the division; develops and evaluates performance measurements and benchmarks; 
• Monitors progress and analyzes the effectiveness of Environmental Health programs in meeting the division and agency objectives and as they relate to community needs; 
• Provides leadership to assure the development, data collection, reporting and analysis of performance measures for the division; 
• Conducts surveys and studies for special projects relating to Environmental Health needs and program proposals in Fairfax County; 
• Assists in developing and managing division finance expenditures, justifies budget and contractual services; oversees grant processes and memorandum of agreement for Environmental Health programs and services; 
• Coordinates, collaborates, and communicates with local, regional, state, and federal governmental partners and community organizations on planning initiatives and programmatic issues, as appropriate; 
• Communicates with the public and the media on programmatic and community issues under the direction of the Division Director;
• Assists in the review and preparation of legislative proposals; 
• Prepares board items and makes presentations to Board of Supervisors, business and community organizations, and other county departments, as appropriate; 
• Participates in proposing, developing and/or preparation of ordinances relating to environmental health; reviews and/or proposes legislation and/or code amendments as needed; 
• Advises staff on difficult or unusual problems; Responds to inquires or requests for information for Environmental Health services;
• Makes inspections and recommendations in emergency situations; 
• Makes recommendation to division director in controversial high-risk situations;  
• In the absence of the Division Director serves as division’s point-of-contact in contacts with the state, county, community and other human service organizations, as appropriate; 
• Answers complaints and advises on sanitary hazards.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of Environmental Health, public health and community health planning; 
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of Environmental Health, communicable diseases, and epidemiology; Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and County Environmental Health laws and regulations; 
• Knowledge of current literature and new developments in Environmental Health and administration; 
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of administration, management, supervision, and consultation;
• Knowledge of demography, statistics, and research methodology; 
• Knowledge of available community resources for referral; 
• Knowledge of the legislative and political process; 
• Ability to identify Environmental Health needs in the community; Ability to function effectively as an interdisciplinary management team leader or member; 
• Ability to plan and evaluate a comprehensive Environmental Health program; 
• Ability to develop, analyze, and review methods and systems for Environmental Health services delivery; 
• Ability to solve problems and resolve conflicts; 
• Ability to analyze data and draw sound conclusions; 
• Ability to develop and effectively coordinate and implement division strategic goals and strategies; 
• Ability to write comprehensive reports; 
• Ability to provide effective leadership; 
• Develop others through coaching and mentoring; 
• Ability to effectively manage, train and motivate employees;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, coworkers, associates, elected or appointed officials, public and private sector organizations, community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health or Bachelor’s degree with at least thirty (30) semester hours of coursework in the physical or biological sciences; Plus, six years of experience in the Environmental Health field, at or above a level equivalent to Environmental Health Specialist II, including at least three years of experience supervising environmental health investigative work.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (Required within 60 days of appointment).
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (Required within 60 days of appointment).
• Possession of a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) credential from the National Environmental Health Association (Required within twelve (12) months of appointment).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)   

Additional Work Schedule Requirements: May work evening hours and on weekends, during emergencies and program events and activities; days and hours may change during emergencies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health or Bachelor’s degree with at least thirty (30) semester hours of coursework in the physical or biological sciences.
• Seven or more years of extensive experience and knowledge working in a regulatory environment interpreting and/or enforcing codes or regulations.
• Seven or more years of experience supervising staff with a demonstrated ability to manage operational components of EH programs that require field-based staff.
• Seven or more years of experience in the field of environmental health and inspection programs and services.
• Senior level managerial or senior level administrative experience overseeing environmental health related programs in a public agency.
• Experience with and working knowledge of data collection, statistical analysis, and quality assurance.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and expert-level written and oral communications with demonstrated ability to develop written products, for a diverse range of audiences.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect an ability to manage multiple priorities, time sensitive projects, and deliverables with excellent attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across all staffing levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Experience and proficiency in informatics and computer skills.
• Possession of any of the following certifications or completed trainings: Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian issued by the National Environmental Health Association, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Pesticide Applicator Certificate, Certified Pool/Spa Operator Certificate, Certified Food Manager (CFM) ANSI Certificate, Virginia Fire Marshal Academy Civilian Entry Examination, Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator License (Virginia), or Professional Engineer License (Virginia).
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 
Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb or crawl, stretch, reach overhead, exerting up to 10 lbs. of force and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; lift or carry up to 25 lbs., unaided; or up to 50lbs. with or without assistance, occasionally. Constant movements (motions) of the arms, wrists, hands, and/or fingers to grasp, handle or feel. Ability to move safely through narrow passages or traverse over uneven terrain; wear personal protective equipment, as required. Position frequently communicates and must be able to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing. Visual acuity is required to read data on a computer monitor; ability to operate keyboard driven equipment and computer; and touchscreen electronics. Generally, works in an office environment but primarily required to perform job duties outside of a typical office setting to conduct inspections or investigations (e.g. restaurants, pools, other facilities etc.), including outdoor settings in all-weather conditions and night-time hours. Ability to drive a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver s license, travel to various locations throughout the county. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: 
Panel Interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others. We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. 

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.

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