Environmental Health Officer

Black Hawk County; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Hawk County in Iowa seeks an Environmental Health Specialist to perform professional work in environmental control programs, including water quality, lead safety, waste management, and sanitation evaluations for food service and lodging establishments.

The role conducts inspections, analyzes plans and permits, responds to public inquiries, and participates in program development with emphasis on protecting public health. Travel and weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience substituting science coursework for years of education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers and software applications; GIS knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts environmental inspections and assessments to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Examines facility plans, permits, and reports; collects samples and analyzes data.
• Responds to requests from the public for information or assistance on environmental issues; explains rules and policies.
• Investigates foodborne illnesses and sanitation problems; performs data analysis and follow-up actions.
• Maintains reports and communications; participates in development and review of local ordinances and regulations.

Skills

Communication

Computers & software

Blueprint reading

Public health experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences

Tools

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Job description

Under general supervision, performs professional work in an environmental control program including but not necessarily limited to water quality, safe drinking water, environmental lead and lead poisoning, integrated solid waste management, private sewage disposal systems, sanitation evaluation and regulation regarding food service, processing and storage; and lodging establishments; conducts inspections and evaluations encompassing food establishments, pools/spas, lead safety inspections and Healthy Homes assessments, tattoo facilities, hotels/motels, well systems and septic systems.

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location to perform assigned tasks.
• Conducts environmental inspections and assessments, including initial, routine, follow-up or in response to complaints, to ensure compliance with applicable rules, standards, and regulations.
• Examines facility plans and specifications, previous inspection reports, operating and construction permits; collects samples and data; and performs analyses as necessary to determine compliance with applicable rules, standards, and regulations.
• Research and review applicable regulations, standards or rules including state, city, and county codes to develop improvement plans in response to non-compliance.
• Responds to walk-in/written/telephone/electronic requests from public and private entities or individuals for information or technical assistance on environmental issues; assists customer with problems or questions they may encounter and explains and clarifies rules, regulations, and policies.
• Investigates food borne illnesses and other public sanitation problems, including data analysis, source determination, and measures to stop or prevent outbreaks, follow-up investigations, client interviews and collection of samples for analysis.
• Investigates vermin complaints as indicated; monitors seasonal mosquito activity for vector borne illnesses.
• Prepares electronic reports, using approved software applications, to communicate/summarize inspection, regulation, analysis, and other environmental regulatory information.
• Participates in the review of local ordinances, state administrative rules, and federal standards to identify gaps and/or opportunities to promote safe environmental practice.
• Collaborates with other enforcement agencies, elected officials, academic institutions, business partners and general public to address environmental health issues, including education on environmental topics.
• Collaborates with the internal team to promote best practice, flexibility, high morale, and productivity.
• Attends trainings and professional meetings to further knowledge in agency programs or in specific subject matter areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Administrative and functional supervision is received from the Program Manager, Program Supervisor, or other designee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and major course work in the natural or physical sciences; or a bachelor’s degree with an equivalent combination of experience and education substituting one year of full-time professional work in an environmental health or food sanitation program for each year (30 semester hours) of required science coursework.
• Eligible for certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) preferred.
• Previous experience dealing with the public in the area of public health, environmental health or related field work preferred.
• Knowledgeable of state, federal, and local environmental control laws, rules, and regulations, and their application to environmental health programs.
• Ability to read, interpret and analyze plans and blueprints.
• Previous experience in well and septic system design, installation and inspections preferred.
• Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills and a professional demeanor.
• Must maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with computers and software applications required.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems to organize, display and evaluate information on a relational basis preferred.
• Must be available for off-hour and/or weekend activities and overtime if needed.
• Requires a valid Iowa Driver’s License and be insurable under the County’s guidelines. The position may require the occasional use of private vehicle for official business.

Special Requirements

• May require approved training and certification in bloodborne pathogens upon hire.
• May require Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certificate within one (1) year or less.
• May require Pest Control Applicator certification within one (1) year or less in the areas of general/household pests and community insect control.
• May require Lead Inspection Risk Assessment certification.
• May require Elevated Blood Lead Level certification.
• May require additional certification as necessary.
• Maintains required continuing education credits necessary to perform essential job functions as well as required certifications.

The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Refer to the “Essential and Marginal Function Analysis” statement for a complete description of essential functions and functional requirements.

• Position requires the occasional exposure to undesirable conditions which may include heat, cold, live or dead animals, human or animal waste, odors, filthy environments and insects.
• Must be able to walk on uneven or heavily wooded ground for the purpose of monitoring mosquito activity and applying chemical control measures.
• Occasional lift or move up to 30 lbs.