Environmental Health Specialist at Walla Walla County Walla Walla, WA

Position Description

Position:
Environmental Health Specialist I

Salary Range: $4,785.00/month - $6,410.00/month;
Starting Salary DOQ, DOE

Location:
Community Health Department

Employment Type:
Full-time (40 hours/week); FLSA non-exempt, Benefits Apply

Open Until Filled

Full Time Benefits Include:

• County pays $1,550 per month towards medical, dental, vision, life insurance and employee assistance program for employee and eligible family members
• Retirement:
  Walla Walla County full time employees are eligible for Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS)
• HRA Veba account:
  Employer contribution may apply
• Wellness program
• Access to Met Life Pet Insurance
• Deferred compensation plans offered
• Twelve paid holidays annually
• Vacation accrual based on seniority (see Union Contract)
• Benefited employees shall accrue sick leave benefits at the percentage rate of hours worked per week, to a maximum of eight (8) hours earned per month based on a forty (40) hour workweek but not less than one (1) hour per every forty (40) hours worked per County Policy 30.05.0

Visit Walla Walla County Website for detailed benefits information.

This is an entry level environmental health position. The Environmental Health Specialist I (EHSI) performs detailed professional environmental health inspection, evaluation and enforcement duties, while consistently exercising judgment and discretion to determine compliance with federal, state and local regulations and policies. The employee in this position is expected to function effectively and independently in assigned areas of responsibility, enforcing the full range of environmental health programs including, but not limited to: food protection, on-site sewage disposal, drinking water supplies, solid waste handling, schools, water recreation facilities, vector control and epidemiology.

A supervisor is generally available to review preliminary findings and discuss difficult or sensitive problems. Tact and diplomacy are required during extensive public contact to explain legal and administrative requirements in seeking compliance with regulations. The person in this position must maintain a professional relationship with Community Health Department staff and with staff of other public agencies concerning the regulatory responsibilities handled by the health department.

Health education is an important role for this position. The employee is expected to meet the requirements of an Environmental Health Specialist II within three (3) years of hire.

Working conditions are a mixture of office and field work. Field work may be conducted outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather, or indoors depending on the nature of the work to be done. The person in this position must be prepared to work effectively in a wide range of working conditions. Ability to drive an automobile, fly in an airplane and travel as required.

Ability to lift and carry twenty-five to forty (25-40) pounds. Ability to tolerate environmental conditions and odors. Ability to navigate uneven surfaces (i.e.: new proposed building sites, steep slopes, soil test holes). Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity to operate personal computers, hand levels and lab equipment. Requires sufficient hearing and speech ability to communicate verbally.

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor of Science Degree involving major study in environmental health, sanitary science, microbiology, public health, biology or other closely related science is required. Must have a minimum of forty-five (45) quarter hours or thirty (30) semester hours of basic or natural sciences. Previous experience as an Environmental Health Specialist is not a requirement for this position.

Valid driver’s license and have a driving record acceptable to the county’s insurance provider. Access to a vehicle and proof of liability insurance. Must be vaccinated per the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other mandated vaccines by State, Federal or local officials. Provide documentation of immunization status or proof of immunity (titer) to vaccine preventable diseases. Required vaccines must be started within 14 days of employment and completed per ACIP schedule.

Certifications or registrations to include:

• Eligibility for Registration as a Sanitarian with the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians, or as an Environmental Health Specialist with NEHA.
• A Certificate of Competency as an On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems Inspector, issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing, if applicable. (Must be obtained within two (2) years of beginning work in the on-site sewage program.)
• A Certified Playground inspector certification if assigned to the School Safety Program (Must be obtained within two (2) years of beginning work in the School Program)
• A Manager of…