Environmental Health Specialist

Overview

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range: $34.80 - $42.71 Hourly

Department: Health Department

Job Type: Regular Represented

Exemption Status: United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date: January 25, 2026

THIS WORK MATTERS! We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission:
We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and prompt health and wellness for everyone. We uphold the values:
Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the diverse population we serve.

Environmental Health Services (EHS) programs protect the public from environmental health issues including food, water, vector-borne diseases and environmental health threats. The EHS unit analyzes local environmental health issues from a public health perspective, regulates specified businesses and enforces state and local environmental health laws and rules.

The Environmental Health Specialist plays a crucial role in protecting public health by ensuring compliance with state sanitary codes in various settings. This position blends fieldwork, community interaction and administrative tasks.

Responsibilities include:

• Inspections:
  Conduct on-site inspections of food service establishments (restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, etc.), evaluating food handling practices, temperature control, equipment sanitation, employee hygiene, and overall facility cleanliness.
• Inspect tourist accommodations including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, and campgrounds for compliance with water quality, sanitation, waste disposal, and pest control regulations.
• Evaluate public and private swimming pools and spa pools for water chemistry, filtration, safety equipment and hygiene.
• Inspect other facilities as needed (schools, daycare centers, temporary food vendors).
• Document findings with photographs and detailed reports to support assessments.

• Enforcement:
  Issue citations and warnings for violations of state sanitary codes.
• Collaborate with business owners to develop and implement corrective action plans.
• Initiate legal action when necessary to ensure compliance and protect public health.
• Respond to and investigate public complaints regarding potential health hazards.

• Community
  
  Education:
  
  Develop and deliver food handler training courses and provide educational materials on environmental health topics, including food safety and water quality. Conduct outreach to promote awareness of regulations and best practices.

Routine Telework: This position is eligible for routine telework (working remotely most of the time). Onsite work at Lloyd Corporate Plaza, Portland, OR may be required occasionally. Telework designation may change. Must reside in Oregon or Washington.

Onsite location:
Environmental Health, 847 NE 19th Ave, Suite 350, Portland, OR 97232.

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills unless labeled required. Please be clear about relevance. For selection process details, review our overview page.

• Possession of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist in the State of Oregon or NEHA
• Possession of an Oregon Driver’s license

You do not need these to qualify, but may be considered. Explain on your application how you meet any preferred qualifications.

• Experience working with a multicultural and diverse workforce
• Promotion of a culture of respect, inclusiveness and appreciation of diverse perspectives
• Maintain a safe and healthful workplace
• Transferable skills: describe relevant skills from education, work experience or life experience and how they apply to this position

REQUIRED: Submit ALL requested items. Incomplete applications will be considered.

• Online application
• Resume demonstrating minimum qualifications
• Cover Letter addressing: alignment with the County’s mission (diversity, equity and inclusion), your qualifications, and why you are interested

Notes:
Application materials will be scored to determine eligibility. See selection process page for details.

The Selection Process: Initial review of minimum qualifications; evaluation of application materials; interviews; background, reference and education checks. This process is subject to change without notice.

Type of Position:
This represented position is eligible for overtime

FLSA:
Non-exempt

Note:

The eligible list may be used for other Environmental Health Specialist positions.

Multnomah County is committed to workforce equity and equal employment opportunity. We value diversity and provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.…