Environmental Health Specialist

Missoula County; United States; On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Missoula County in Montana is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist I to perform technical and regulatory duties in air quality, land services, licensed establishments or water quality to protect public health. You must become a Sanitarian in Training within one month of hire and pursue Sanitarian registration within one year.

This full-time role includes inspections, data collection, and public health education, with on-call responsibilities during evenings and weekends as part of the

Responsibilities

• Provides environmental and public health protection through education, special projects, program promotion, inspections, monitoring, application of laws and rules, investigation and enforcement.
• Works with the regulated community and the public to ensure compliance with environmental laws and rules.
• Responds to questions and requests for information on environmental health topics.
• Investigates and resolves complaints from the public.
• Maintains accurate and complete records.
• Collects, analyzes, and presents data, generates reports, and conducts research.
• Tests water samples for bacteriological contamination.
• Attends meetings as department representative.
• Prepares and delivers public presentations.
• Collaborates with other agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses and community members to protect and improve public health.
• Takes part in quality improvement projects and strategic work plans.
• Works within the incident command structure during emergencies.
• Serves as a member of the Missoula Public Health on call team, providing evening and weekend response to public health related emergencies.

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental health or in the biological or physical sciences

Job description

Job Description

RATE OF PAY: $29.93 per hour

DEPARTMENT: Environmental Health

JOB STATUS: Regular/Full-time

BARGAINING UNIT: MFPE - Local 8512

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.

Priority screening will start on September 4, 2026.

Definition

The Environmental Health Specialist I (EHS1) performs technical and regulatory work in one or more of the following: air quality, land services, licensed establishments, or water quality to protect and support the health of people, environments and communities. Employees hired as Environmental Health Specialist I, must become a Sanitarian in Training within one month of hire and a Registered Sanitarian with the Montana Board of Sanitarians within one year of hire. Employees are eligible for promotion to Environmental Health Specialist II after completion of registration as a Sanitario.

Examples of Duties

These duties include:

• Applies education and experience and completes on-the-job training in the duties of an Environmental Health Specialist I.
• Provides environmental and public health protection through education, special projects, program promotion, inspections, monitoring, application of laws and rules, investigation and enforcement.
• Works with the regulated community and the public to ensure compliance with environmental laws and rules.
• Responds to questions and requests for information on environmental health topics.
• Investigates and resolves complaints from the public.
• Maintains accurate and complete records.
• Collects, analyzes, and presents data, generates reports, and conducts research.
• Tests water samples for bacteriological contamination.
• Attends meetings as department representative.
• Prepares and delivers public presentations.
• Collaborates with other agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses and community members to protect and improve public health.
• Takes part in quality improvement projects and strategic work plans.
• Works within the incident command structure during emergencies.
• Serves as a member of the Missoula Public Health on call team, providing evening and weekend response to public health related emergencies.
• EHS 1s are typically assigned to one of the following teams, but can be assigned work in any of the following: Licensed Establishments: Protects public health and safety through education and inspection of restaurants, day cares, pools and spas, public lodging, body art, and other facilities.
• Reviews plans for new and remodeled businesses, changes of ownership, temporary food service permits, and large group functions.
• Investigates food and water borne illness.
• Provides food safety education and certification.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in environmental health or in the biological or physical sciences required. Applicants must meet minimum standards for sanitarians in training In accordance with Montana ARM 24.216.502 which requires a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter credit hours in physical and biological sciences including at least one successfully completed course in chemistry, biology, and microbiology (microbiology can be taken after hire). Requires one year of professional experience in one or any combination of the following fields: Environmental Health, a physical or biological sciences field related to environmental health, public health, education, enforcement or government regulation.

Special Requirements

Requires valid Montana driver’s license. New employees will be asked to volunteer vaccination status for required vaccines upon hire and will be offered assistance during hiring to receive necessary immunizations. Employees who have not received the vaccines required for their positions or who are unwilling to voluntarily provide vaccination status for required vaccines will receive a reasonable accommodation where such accommodation does not require an undue hardship or endanger the health or safety of any person.

Physical/Environmental Demands

Requires some physical exertion, bending, climbing; above average agility and dexterity. Requires lifting 10 pounds frequently; moving 50-100 pounds occasionally. Work involves moderate risks which require special safety precautions and outdoor exposure to extreme weather conditions. Work involves exposure to laboratory chemicals, pathogens and toxic or hazardous materials. Requires travel to remote sites and scheduled weekend work.

Additional Job Description

Complete job description available upon request to the department of Human Resources.

Missoula County is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or military status

At Missoula County, we are proud to serve as a unified team dedicated to protecting and enhancing the well-being of the people, communities, and environment of our region. Whether on the road crew in Seeley Lake, processing payroll or benefits, serving in the Detention Facility or Sheriff's Office, supporting emergency operations, or fulfilling one of the many vital roles that keep county government running--each member of our team plays an essential part. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and schedules-full time, part-time, or intermittent, because every role matters. No matter where you serve or how long you've been with us, you are an important part of the Missoula County team. Together, we strive to build on our strengths and shape a better future for our community. There's no better place to be than Missoula County, Montana.