Environmental Health Specialist

County of Portage; Ravenna (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Portage County Combined General Health District is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist in Training (EHSIT) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) to protect residents and visitors through inspections, education, and regulatory compliance.

The role focuses on food safety, public swimming pools, campgrounds, and RV parks, combining field inspections, community interaction, and education to improve public health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, environmental science, biology, or closely related field.
• Certificate of registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist or ability to obtain an Environmental Health Specialist in Training credential per Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4736.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass drug screening and background check.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections at food service operations, retail food establishments, pools, campgrounds, and RV parks.
• Investigate complaints, identify hazards, document violations, communicate corrective actions, and perform follow-ups.
• Provide practical education and technical assistance to facilities and the public.
• Prepare inspection reports, maintain electronic records, and track inspections and performance metrics.
• Assist with plan reviews, licensing-related activities, and enforcement actions as trained.
• Support other Environmental Health programs and public health response efforts.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Feedback & collaboration

Microsoft Office Suite

Report writing

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental health or closely related field

Certificate of registration as REHS or EHSIT credential

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Portage County Combined General Health District is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist in Training (EHSIT) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) to protect residents and visitors through inspections, education, and regulatory compliance. This position primarily supports food safety, public swimming pools, campground, and recreational vehicle park programs. The role combines field inspections, community interaction, and education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct routine, follow-up, and complaint-based inspections at food service operations, retail food establishments, public swimming pools and spas, campgrounds, and RV parks.
• Investigate complaints, identify hazards, document violations, communicate corrective actions, and conduct follow-up as needed.
• Provide practical education and technical assistance to facility owners, operators, and the public.
• Prepare accurate inspection reports, maintain electronic records, and track inspections and performance measures.
• Assist with plan reviews, licensing-related activities, and enforcement actions as assigned and appropriate to training and credentials.
• Support other Environmental Health programs, quality improvement activities, and public health response efforts as operational needs require.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Substantial field work that includes daily visits to businesses, homes, construction sites, vacant properties, and various other settings. Requires the ability to navigate uneven terrain and congested worksites, ability to lift at least 30 pounds. The various work sites could include potential exposure to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, insects, wildlife, unpleasant smells or odors, excessive levels of dust and dirt or exposure to fumes, airborne particles, pesticides, toxins, raw sewage and other elements of outdoor work. Work performed in the community may subject some positions to adverse weather conditions and challenging interactions with off-site locations and community members. Some travel may be required; reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and current auto insurance are required, along with the ability to maintain insurability under the health districts’ vehicle insurance policy. Also, general office settings in the Health District facility requiring sedentary to light work which may include sitting, walking, climbing, reaching, standing, talking, and listening. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds

Environmental Health Specialist in Training or Registered Environmental Health Specialist Food, Pools, Camps Programs

Pay: EHSIT $23.00- $26.00 per hour REHS $26.00- $30.00 per hour

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, environmental science, biology, or a closely related field.
• Certificate of registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist or ability to obtain an Environmental Health Specialist in Training (EHSIT) credential per Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4736.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation
• Ability to pass drug screening and background check.

Must be able to have regular and reliable attendance and operate a motor vehicle as needed to perform the essential functions.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Creative and effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and to work collaboratively with employees, management, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with laws and agency policies.