Environmental Health Technician

Gila River Indian Community; Sacaton (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation, holiday and sick leave

Medical, dental, vision, life and long

Job summary

The Gila River Indian Community in Sacaton, AZ is seeking an Environmental Health Technician to conduct bed bug and vector-borne disease prevention and inspections. The role involves field investigations, health education, and helping ensure environmental health compliance.

The position requires 30 college credits in science or a related field or equivalent experience, with ability to pass background checks and obtain a pesticide applicator license within a year.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of IPM principles, practices and techniques.
• Basic knowledge of environmental health best practices, regulations and compliance.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and Privacy Act.

Responsibilities

• Conduct environmental health surveillance and investigations on bed bugs and vector-borne diseases.
• Inspect homes for indoor air quality issues and unsanitary conditions; provide corrective recommendations.
• Identify bed bug sources and plan control/mitigation measures.
• Provide health education on prevention and impacts of vector-borne diseases.
• Assist with environmental health inspections at institutions (Head Start, Schools, etc.).
• Prepare regular written reports and weekly work plans.
• Collaborate with Office of Emergency Management on environmental events.
• Contribute to development of Environmental Health plans and policies.
• Inspect environmental hazards to ensure code compliance; maintain confidential client records.
• Establish strong relationships with internal/external departments and community members.
• Perform other related duties.

Skills

IPM knowledge

Environmental health regs

HIPAA knowledge

Hazard recognition

Tribal government familiarity

Verbal/written communication

Independent work

Instruction following

Record keeping

PPE & respirators

MS Office

Education

30 credit hours in Physical Science or related field

High School diploma or GED + 2 years relevant experience

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

None

Job description

Job Title: Environmental Health Technician

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Number: 25-127
Job Type: Full-Time Regular Department: Tribal Health Department City: Sacaton, AZ
Location: 433 W. Seed Farm Road
Area of Interest: Tribal Health
Salary/ Hourly Rate: $18.61 - $23.81 Hourly
Tribal Driving Permit Required: Yes

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The Environmental Health Technician is working under the direction of the Environmental Health Specialist or designee and primarily performs activities on bed bug, rodents and all vector borne related disease prevention and control measures to include: investigation, health education on prevention, control measures and interventions; additionally, will assist with the compliance of environment health rules and regulations.

Essential Functions

• Conduct environmental health related surveillance, investigations on bed bugs, vector borne related diseases, (e.g. RMSF, West Nile virus, Hantavirus, etc.) and implement prevention strategies and control measures.
• Inspect individual homes on indoor air quality (ex. mold, combustible gases, allergens, etc.) and unsanitary conditions and provide recommendations for corrective action.
• Conduct surveillance and determine the sources of bed bugs, vector and rodent breeding & harborage areas. Develop a method or plan for control and mitigation measures.
• Provide health education on prevention, intervention and the impacts on public health regarding vector borne and rodent related diseases.
• Assist the Sanitarians in conducting environmental related inspections at the institutions (Head Start, Schools, Detention facilities, Day Care Centers, etc.).
• Prepare weekly, monthly, semi & annual written reports of activities and develop weekly work plan to be submitted to the supervisor.
• Participate and collaborate with Office of Emergency Management on all environmental related emergency events.
• Participate and provide recommendations for the development of Environmental Health plans, policies goals and objectives, strategies, projects, etc.
• Conducts inspections and investigations for environmental related hazards to ensure compliance with environmental health codes and ordinances governing sanitary conditions. Maintains, secures and keeps confidential all client information and records.
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with all internal and external departments, programs and agencies including other tribal departments and community members.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Basic knowledge and skill on environmental health best practices, regulations and compliance
• Knowledge of HIPAA and Privacy Act
• Knowledge and skills in identifying unsanitary, unsafe, or hazardous conditions.
• Intimate working knowledge of local Tribal government and community members.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge and skills to keep and maintain records and prepare written reports.
• Knowledge and skills in properly utilizing personal protective gear, which includes the use of N-95 and 1/2-Face respirators
• Knowledge and skills in use of computers; Microsoft, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Required Education/Experience

• Thirty (30) credit hours from an accredited college or university in Physical Science, Environmental Health, Public Health, Health Education, Natural Science, Food Sciences or closely related field and one (1) year of experience directly related in an environmental health or public health sanitation program which involved inspection of food services, pest control, or health related experience; Or
• High School diploma or GED and two (2) years’ experience directly related in an environmental health or public health sanitation program which involved inspection of food services, pest control, or health experience.
• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Physical Science, Environmental Health, Public Health, Health Education, Natural Sciences, Food Science, or closely related field is preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Must qualify for and successfully obtain licensure through the Arizona Office of Pest Management for Pesticide Application within one (1) year of hire.
• Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout the duration of employment.
• Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly.
• Must be able to work nontraditional hours including late evenings, early mornings or weekends, independently lift up to 50 pounds, safely operate generator and bed bug heat treatment equipment and routinely work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Required to obtain a Tribal Operator’s permit. Valid state driver’s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission of the application

Benefits

The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)

Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.) Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)

Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.