Environmental Health Specialist 2 - Clatsop County Public Health
Description:
Clackamas County Health, Housing & Human Services, Public Health Division is seeking a Drinking Water Environmental Health Specialist (Environmental Health Specialist 2) to join it’s team. This position will focus on the statutory responsibilities for regulating Clackamas County Public Drinking Water Systems. This position will support Clackamas County residents in the areas of domestic well safety and emerging issues related to regulated and non-regulated water; and work across programs and other county/state departments to ensure healthy community water systems. This position will also work with the Public Health and County Emergency Preparedness staff on preparing for, and responding to, and recovering from emergencies and natural disasters, including (but not limited to) wildfires and large community boil water advisories.
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
1. Inspects food, tourist, housing, school, institutional care and day care facilities, and public swimming and spa pools for compliance with State sanitation laws and regulations; conducts health hazard surveys.
2. Conducts public water system surveys and follows up on alerts.
3. Evaluates the safety of private water supplies; collects samples for laboratory analysis; interprets and documents test results. Investigates communicable disease outbreaks implicating food or water or other environmental causes in public facilities or in a community; recommends necessary control measures.
4. Evaluates and investigates non-communicable concerns having an environmental cause; recommends necessary control measures.
5. Reviews building and mechanical plans and specifications of proposed or existing facilities for compliance with public health laws.
6. May serve on various environmental health related committees.
7. Investigates environmental health related complaints or concerns as directed.
Skills/Eligibility:REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Thorough knowledge of: Applicable public health statutes and laws, County ordinances and state memos and policies.
Working knowledge of: Modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of environmental health and sanitation; procedures and practices of disease control; water, sewage and septic systems and their placement and usage; sanitary standards for public swimming and spa pools, institutional care facilities, schools and water supplies, restaurants, tourist facilities, day care facilities and camps.
Skill to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; investigate and report on compliance with sanitary and environmental standards, laws, rules and regulations; perform and interpret clinical, physical, and biological tests related to environmental health and sanitation investigations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; promote awareness of and participation toward the correction of public health problems among the general public.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
- The following licensure/certifications are required at the time of hire:
- Registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (per ORS 700.020) OR
- Licensure as a Sanitary Engineer or Public Health Engineer OR
- Doctorate in veterinary medicine
- Experience conducting regulatory inspections, including interpreting and applying environmental public health laws and regulations and investigative techniques.
- Ability and experience applying math and science applications to environmental health work.
- Experience writing accurate and detailed technical reports.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills - including the ability to communicate professionally with diplomacy and sensitivity, and present to small groups.
- Direct customer service experience with strong customer service skills.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including skills to effectively and appropriately work across all cultures and socioeconomics.
- Highly developed skills in conflict resolution.
- Proven ability to work effectively with others in a team-oriented environment as well as work independently with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook).
- Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
- Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver’s license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County’s driving policy
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
- Experience conducting inspections in food service establishments, pools and spas, lodging facilities, and child care facilities.
- Experience working with Oregon and/or EPA drinking water regulations, including ground water system surveys.
- Knowledge of domestic wells / domestic well program.