Vector Control - Environmental Health Specialist - 1

Allen County Indiana; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environmental Health Specialist I (Vector Control) in Allen County conducts inspections, nuisance abatement, and lodging establishment enforcement to protect public health. This role includes rodent and mosquito control, lead risk assessments, and compliance with public health ordinances.

Responsibilities cover on-site inspections, documenting findings, and collaborating with agencies. The position requires a bachelor’s in a related field, some inspection/pesticide experience, and licensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, public health, public affairs, environmental health/affairs, education, or related field.
• 1 year of experience in inspection, environment, pesticide application or related field preferred.
• Strong writing skills to document work performed, actions taken, results.
• Strong problem-solving skills to assess situations and apply solutions.
• Strong speaking skills to interview and discuss citizen problems and complaints.
• Working knowledge of Public Health Laws and Regulations.
• Ability to use field equipment and computer software (MS Office).
• NIMS certification upon employment as required for public health staff.
• Indiana Pesticide Applicator Certification 7a/8 and Indiana Pesticide License 7a/8 eligibility.
• Valid Driver’s License for inspections and county vehicle operation.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints about rodents, pests, and unhealthy living conditions.
• Educate and enforce the Allen County Public Health Hazards and Lodging Establishment ordinances.
• Inspect lodging establishments for compliance and address lodging complaints.
• Assist with lead risk assessments and mosquito surveillance.
• Be on-call for after-hours public health emergencies.
• Perform other duties, including overtime, as required.

Skills

Strong writing

Strong problem-solving

Strong speaking

Public Health laws

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/chemistry/public health/related field

Tools

Truck-mounted ULV sprayer

Granular backpack spreader

Handheld ULV sprayer

Rodent bait stations

Mosquito gravid traps

Job description

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I - VECTOR CONTROL

Department: Health - Vector Control & Heathy Homes Program FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Classification/Level: A4 Date: 08/2022

Under the direction of the Vector Control and Healthy Homes Program Coordinator, the Environmental Health Specialist I ensures compliance with all applicable Indiana Codes and Indiana Administrative codes relative to public health nuisances, healthy homes activities, rodent and mosquito control, and general protection of public health. This position engages in inspections/testing as needed relative to the enforcement of the Allen County Lodging Establishment Ordinance and Allen County Public Health Hazards Ordinance. This involves inspecting lodging establishments, properties, and other applicable facilities to address environmental and nuisance complaints as well as licensure and inspection. This position is Covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Investigates complaints about rodents, trash and debris, bed bugs, cockroaches, unfit living conditions, and unmaintained swimming pools. Seeks compliance with the Allen County Public Health Hazards Ordinance by educating, issuing legal notices, and participating in hearings. Conducts inspections of lodging establishments, ensuring compliance with the Allen County Lodging Establishment Ordinance. Investigates public complaints about lodging establishments. Assists with lead risk assessments. Posts meth-contaminated structures as uninhabitable during and after work hours. Assists with mosquito surveillance and control programs. Ability to be on-call and respond to public health emergencies after business hours. Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in biology, Chemistry, Public Health, Public Affairs, Environmental Health/Affairs, Education, or related fieldOne year of experience in inspection, environment, pesticide application or related field preferredStrong writing skills with the ability to document work performed, actions taken, or resultsStrong problem-solving skills to aid in assessing situations and applying appropriate solutionsStrong speaking skills to interview and discuss detailed information about citizen problems and complaintsWorking knowledge of Public Health Laws and RegulationsAbility to use a truck mounted ultra-low volume chemical sprayer, gas powered granular backpack chemical spreader, handheld ultra-low volume chemical sprayer, rodent bait stations, and adult mosquito gravid trapsStrong computer skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other work-related computer softwareNational Incident Management System (NIMS) certification upon employment as required for all public health staffAbility to obtain Indiana Pesticide Applicator Certification 7a and 8 and Indiana Pesticide Applicator License numbers 7a and 8Ability to obtain Indiana Lead Risk Assessor LicenseValid Driver’s License to perform inspections and enforcements and/or to operate county owned vehicles required

DIFFICULTY OF WORK

The Environmental Health Specialist performs work that is of substantial intricacy when investigating unsanitary housing and hotel/motel complaints. Judgment is needed to fix complex environmental hazard problems dealing with rodents, trash, insects, and mold.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Environmental Health Specialist is responsible for substantial contributions when working on compliance issues for the Allen County Lodging Establishment Ordinance and the Allen County Public Health Hazards Ordinance. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment and conformance with departmental policies.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

The Environmental Health Specialist maintains communication with other County employees, local, state and federal agencies, and the general public regarding programs and information to control insects and animals that can transmit diseases to humans and in the enforcement of sanitary codes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Environmental Health Specialist (Vector Control) works in the field with insect and animal control including mosquito spraying and surveillance, with exposure to physical and health hazards normally associated with vector control operations. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, frequently bend, reach over head, and kneel and will be exposed to temperature extremes, dangerous equipment, chemicals, noxious odors/fumes and exposure to biting insects and animals, disease and poisonous plants.

SUPERVISION

None

LICENSING

National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification upon employment as required for all public health staff; Indiana Pesticide Applicator Certification 7a and 8; Indiana Pesticide Applicator License number 7a and 8; Indiana Lead Risk Assessor License; Valid Driver’s License to perform inspections and enforcements and/or to operate county owned vehicles required

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR

Vector Control and Healthy Homes Program Coordinator

HOURS

8:00am - 4:30pm with the ability to be on-call and to work as needed; 37.5 hours/week; overtime as required

EEO CATEGORY:0802

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:9410