Environmental Health Specialist 2 (Underfill EHS1) - Environmental Health Services

Marion County, Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 46,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Marion County Health and Human Services seeks an Environmental Health Specialist 2 to conduct routine inspections, investigate complaints, and promote compliance with public health laws. This full-time, in-person role may require some plan reviews, sampling, and community education to protect public health.

Ideal candidates will have 2+ years of experience in environmental sanitation, hold a Sanitarian registration, and possess strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in science related to environmental sanitation is required.
• Two (2) years full-time, paid experience in environmental sanitation for Environmental Health Specialist 2 level.
• Current Sanitarian Registration and continuing education units as required by the Sanitarian's Registration Act.

Responsibilities

• Conducts routine inspections of food service facilities, pools, spas, and other facilities for sanitation and compliance with public health regulations.
• Investigates complaints regarding the facilities.
• Conducts plan reviews for public facilities and investigates reports of communicable diseases.
• Collects environmental samples and arranges transport to labs.
• Advises business owners and the public on public health laws and compliance methods.
• Trains and educates clients and the public on food safety and public health practices.

Education

Bachelor's Degree with 45 quarter hours, or 31 semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation.

Job description

Wages
Environmental Health Specialist 1: $27.36 - $36.63

Marion County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.
Marion County Health and Human Services is currently seeking a talented Environmental Health Specialist 2 to join our Public Health division team to work collaboratively with our community to protect the health and safety of the public through education and prevention. This position may be underfilled with an Environmental Health Specialist 1. This position will be full-time, non-exempt, permanent, and working fully in person. The position will work in partnership with other businesses and community members as well as work independently. An Environmental Health Specialist 2 will conduct inspections daily of restaurants, food trucks, public pools, hotels and festivals to ensure compliance with state rules. An ideal candidate would be team oriented, highly collaborative and have creative problem-solving skills. Working for Marion County allows for future growth, has excellent benefits, and a chance to join a great team that is helping the community.

Wages
Environmental Health Specialist 1: $27.36 - $36.63
Environmental Health Specialist 2: $33.15 - $44.47

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs various survey and investigative duties of an introductory nature in environmental sanitation to determine compliance with public health laws and administrative rules. Upon satisfactorily meeting the experience, knowledge, training requirements, skills, and abilities of an Environmental Health Specialist 1, the employee may be promoted to the classification of Environmental Health Specialist 2.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work under the close supervision of a professional level environmental health specialist or the program supervisor who makes assignments and reviews work for effectiveness and adherence to law and departmental procedures and policies.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Lead work is not the responsibility of positions in this classification; however, all positions periodically train others and share information e.g., new employees, volunteers, cross-training, or special projects. If an appointing authority assigns an employee to a full spectrum of lead worker duties, the county shall compensate the employee as described in the Marion County Personnel Rules.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

This is a professional level environmental health specialist responsible for conducting surveys and investigations and assisting in the planning, promoting and carrying out of a program for the improvement of county and state environmental health standards and regulations as necessary to secure compliance with public health laws and administrative rules, does related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work under general supervision of the environmental health program supervisor or Environmental Health Specialist 3 who makes assignments and reviews work for effectiveness of program and for adherence to law and departmental procedures and policies.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May exercise limited leadwork over Environmental Health Specialist 1 classification

Typical Duties - Duties include, but are not limited to the following

• Conducts routine inspections of food service facilities, pools, spas, tourist accommodations, day cares, organizational camps, and school food facilities for sanitation and compliance with state public health regulations. Some inspections will require night and weekend work.
• Investigates complaints regarding the above facilities.
• Conducts plan reviews for public facilities. Investigates reports of communicable diseases including but not limited to foodborne, waterborne, and vectorborne diseases. Investigate animal bites.
• Investigates solid waste, sewage, and water system complaints.
• Investigates environmental hazards.
• Collects environmental samples including but not limited to water and food and properly packages and arranges transport to labs.
• Advises business owners/operators and the public orally and in writing about public health laws, regulations, ordinances and methods of compliance or corrective action.
• Advises the public on mosquito and rodent control, and proper disposal of solid waste.
• Conducts food handler and food manager training and prepares/presents educational material in both written and oral formats to clients and the public.
• Documents and reports inspections and investigations per program and state timelines.
• Keyboarding and use of computer hardware and software.
• Be able to use databases, word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail.
• Maintain all equipment supplied to you.
• Attends EH Team and departmental meetings.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives at the team, division and department level.
• Attends environmental health meetings in conjunction with Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Agriculture, federal and municipal agencies and other county agencies.
• Participates in emergency preparedness exercises.
• Drives to inspection/investigation and other sites using a county vehicle.
• Traverses a variety of terrain in order to conduct the necessary/investigation activities.
• Some sites within the county are not served by public transportation services.
• Work may occur under all weather conditions.
• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
• Response Level 2: In the event of an emergency, employee makes a reasonable effort to report to work. Employee may be required to perform duties outside of their regularly assigned duties. Employee may be requested to work an extended or flexible schedule. Staff at this response level must complete Incident Command System 100 and 700 on-line or in-person training.

Requirements for the Position

Environmental Health Specialist 1 Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 45 quarter hours, or 31 semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation.

Additional Requirements For Environmental Health Specialist 2 Level

• Two (2) years full-time, paid experience in environmental sanitation under the direction of a registered sanitarian; AND
• Possess and maintain current Sanitarian's Registration and continuing education units as required by the Sanitarian's Registration Act [ORS 700.010 to 700.990].

Special Requirements

• Must attach unofficial college transcripts to application for review by hiring department to determine if qualified for the Oregon Registered Environmental Health Specialist License.
• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/.
• Must have own transportation.
• Must possess and maintain proof of personal automobile liability insurance, at a minimum, in the amount required by Oregon Law [ORS 806].
• The finalist for this position may be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• Must possess, or can complete as required; courses such as:
• Sanitarian Trainee Registration and continuing education units as required by Sanitarian's Registration Act within 30 days of hire.
• Registered Sanitarian examinations conducted by the Sanitarian's Registration Board upon completion of the required number of hours worked as a Registered Sanitarian Trainee in the State of Oregon [3840 hours/2 years] in accordance with ORS 700.010 to 700.990. Failure to successfully pass the required Sanitarian examinations will result in termination from this position.
• Public Health Pesticide Applicators license from the Oregon Department of Agriculture in a 90-day notice.
• Possess and maintain current Oregon Registered Environmental Health Specialist License.
• Official transcripts required within 30 days of hire.
• Selected applicants will be required to provide unofficial college transcripts at interview; official transcripts required within 30 days of hire.
• This position may be subject to the following: Must not be excluded from participation in the federal health care programs (Medicaid, Medicare and other federally funded programs that provide health benefits); AND must not be excluded from participating in federal procurement (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and non-procurement activities (Executive Order No. 12549).
• This assignment is represented by a union.
• This is a full-time position, which is eligible for overtime.
• Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department and program.

Marion County offers a generous benefits package to regular employees working 50% or more of the regularly scheduled work week and their eligible dependents. Temporary employees and part-time regular employees working less than 50% of the regularly scheduled work week are not eligible for benefits.

Most regular positions in this classification are represented by Marion County Employees Association (MCEA). For a summary of benefits, click here. For a complete and detailed overview of the MCEA benefits package, click here, and select MCEA Benefits from the left menu or Marion County Employees Association (MCEA) from the page links. Regular and temporary employees are represented by MCEA.

Salary and benefits are subject to union contract negotiations and may change as a result.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Thorough knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of environmental health, thorough knowledge of laws and administrative rules governing sanitation programs of the state; ability to make thorough investigations, compile data and present clear, concise report; ability to promote awareness of, and participation toward correction of public health problems among the general public; ability to plan and organize work effectively; working knowledge of methods and equipment used by industries and any other phase of the social structure in which the program is concerned. Must have basic computer skills including word processing and spreadsheets.

Physical Requirements

Drives a motor vehicle in the performance of duties; uses depth perception; reads a 12 pt. font; distinguishes colors and shades on clorimeters; speaks with a clear and audible voice; hears a normal speech level; sits; stands; moves about the work area; uses hands and fingers to grasp and manipulate objects; operates a computer and keyboard; bends; stoops; climbs 1 floor of stairs; crawls on hand and knees; reaches overhead; lifts, pushes, pulls, moves carts and carries items weighing up to 25 lbs.; occasionally work in heat, cold, humidity, dust, noise, and wet or uneven areas; may use a ladder or scaffolding; may work with chemicals.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

Marion County is a qualifying public employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, full-time employees working at the County may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Student Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Questions about your student loan eligibility should be directed to your loan servicer or the US Department of Education.

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Marion County does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Marion County is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

Applicants are eligible to use Veterans’ Preference when applying with Marion County in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235 and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference will be awarded only if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position and attaches the required documentation at the time of application.

Documents Required For Veterans’ Preference

• One of the following:
• MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215); OR
• Letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension; OR
• Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

• In addition to one of the above documents, Disabled Veterans must also submit one of the following:
• A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR
• Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.