Environmental Health Specialist

County of Chester; West Goshen (PA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Chester County Health Department is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist for the Food Division. The EHS will perform inspections of licensed food establishments, schools, and other environmental health programs, review plans for new or renovated facilities, and provide technical assistance and guidance to operators and the public.

This is an enforcement position that may involve actions against violators; a criminal background check is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, environmental science, public health or related field.
• Working knowledge of food safety practices.
• Working knowledge of public health vectors and code enforcement.
• Ability to interpret regulations and work with county officials.

Responsibilities

• Perform site inspections and investigations of licensed food establishments, schools, and related programs.
• Review plans for new or renovated facilities; provide technical assistance and guidance to operators and the public.
• Enforce regulations and complete enforcement actions; may file actions as needed.
• Coordinate with supervisor and maintain inspection records; communicate with municipal officials.

Skills

Inspection skills

Public health knowledge

Code enforcement

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental health

Tools

ArcView

MS Office

Job description

Chester County Health Department is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist for the Food Division. This Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) position provides inspection and public health evaluation duties within the Bureau of Environmental Health Protection. The individual in this position will perform a variety of duties that include inspections of licensed food establishments, schools, institutions, and other related environmental health programs. The individual will also be required to review plans for new or renovated facilities, provide technical assistance, education and guidance to facility operators and the general public. This is an enforcement position which may require the EHS to file legal actions against a violator of the Rules and Regulations. This position may be involved with other environmental programs within the Bureau of Environmental Health Protection as needed.

This is an Essential Employee position. Essential employees are obligated to report to work as scheduled or remain at work during emergencies. Following is the Duty Statement for Essential Employees:

"Carries out essential job functions or assigned emergency duties which may involve assignments within the Department of Health Command Center, deployment to a field location to participate in public health activities, or other duties as required during periods of emergency. If received, emergency assignments may be performed under adverse conditions and continue for periods ranging from a few hours to several weeks."

• Perform site inspections and investigations.
• Prepare, distribute, and maintain records of inspections and investigations.
• Enforce regulations and complete enforcement actions.
• Review architectural and engineering plans and specifications.
• Provide administrative assistance to supervisor.
• Maintain a professional public image.
• Communicate with municipal officials.
• Educate the public on regulatory, technical, and program services.
• Train and assist new staff during development.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

A criminal background check is required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, environmental health, biological sciences, public health, or related field.Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Working knowledge of food safety practices.
• Working knowledge of public health vectors.
• Working knowledge of code enforcement.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations and code.
• Working knowledge of environmental health principles.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and public relations skills.
• Ability to follow office policies and procedures.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of county management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic skill to use a personal computer and various software packages.
• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle on a daily basis is required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Two or more years of job related experience.
• Registered Sanitarian or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (RS/REHS) with any US State or the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
• Training and working knowledge of microbiology.
• Training in food safety, environmental sciences, microbiology, and epidemiology.
• Knowledge of U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Code.
• Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) credential
• Strong professional ethics.
• Able to use common sense and understanding to carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and remain focused on daily operations.
• Accurate and detail oriented.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to carry tasks to completion.
• Flexibility.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic to intermediate Microsoft Word skills
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Access databases
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Basic Microsoft PowerPoint skills
• Basic to intermediate Microsoft Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Basic Internet skills
• General knowledge and basic skill with ArcView