Environmental Health Technical Specialist (TJ022)

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization is seeking an Environmental Health Technical Specialist in Charlottesville, VA, focused on food safety and environmental health initiatives. The role involves conducting inspections, providing training, and supporting health programs. Ideal candidates will have relevant certifications and experience in environmental health. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered including medical and retirement plans.

Benefits

12 paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans including 401a Cash Match

Sick and annual leave

Qualifications

• Must be able to complete training within 24 months.
• Considerable knowledge of environmental health practices.
• Experience related to environmental health specialization.

Responsibilities

• Support VDH and BRHD's initiatives for health protection.
• Conduct inspections and plan reviews for food service establishments.
• Provide training and technical support to EHS Food program staff.

Skills

Environmental health principles

Microbiology

Epidemiology

Technical support

Training and mentoring

Effective communication

Education

Certification as VDH Certified Milk Sanitation Officer

Certification as VDH Certified Food Safety DSO

Certification as VDH Certified Onsite Sewage System Specialist

Job description

Overview

Title: Environmental Health Technical Specialist (TJ022)

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $66,093 - $74,063

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: BLUE RIDGE HQ

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov/blue-ridge

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 33 local health districts. The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) encompasses the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson along with the City of Charlottesville and serves over 250,000 people.

Are you passionate about public health? The BRHD Environmental Team is looking for a dedicated and innovative environmental health professional with significant food safety experience, to support both VDH's and BRHD's initiatives and mission. The BRHD is at the forefront in accomplishing the VDH mission "to protect the health and promote the well-being of all people of Virginia." We accomplish this through collaboration and strategic initiatives with both our state and local community partners. If you are passionate about public health and the environmental health needs of your community, we want to hear from you!

The position provides direct service and support to both internal EHS Food program staff in the form of training and technical support, as well as owners and patrons of regulated food service establishments, including permitting and inspections and plan reviews. The position supports the objectives of the VDH and BRHD Strategic Plans in regard to performing a minimum of 80% of all scheduled food service facilities inspections on time and at least annually, as well as temporary event permitting and inspection as required.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of environmental health principles and practices related to the assigned program(s)
• Knowledge of microbiology and epidemiology as related to communicable disease
• Skill in evaluating the operation of assigned program area(s) and applying laws, regulations, and policies
• Skilled in proper use of instruments and equipment required for testing related to the assigned program area(s)
• Ability to interpret, apply, and enforce laws, regulations and policies governing environmental health
• Ability to explain and interpret detailed and complex rules and regulations
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to train and mentor program staff
• Must be able to complete training within 24 months and obtain one of the following certifications:
  • VDH Certified Milk Sanitation Officer
  • VDH Certified Food Safety District Standardization Officer (DSO)
  • VDH Certified Onsite Sewage System Technical Specialist

Additional Considerations

• Experience related to the area of environmental health specialization
• Prior experience training and mentoring staff preferred

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only online applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHS IG Exclusion List check, employment reference check, and E-Verify. Other background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found on the VDH website.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form or Preferential Hiring Form, you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment. As a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer, VDH welcomes Veterans to apply. VDH requires all Health-Care Personnel to provide documentation of immunization or evidence of immunity to certain diseases as described by policy.

Contact Information

Name: Tammy Richardson / Richard Bolden

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] / [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we encourage individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered, applicants may need to provide an AHP Letter. If applicable, request the AHP Letter from DARS/DBVI.

Note: Applicants who have a COD dated between April 1, 2022, and February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.