Careers

Description:

Environmental Health Specialist use natural sciences to inspect, monitor, assess, and educate business owners, contractors, and the public about a variety of public health regulations in place to protect the health of humans and the environment.

This position investigates foodborne, waterborne, and vector-borne illnesses; reviews and approves plans for solid waste facilities; schools, food service establishments, drinking and recreational water sources, solid waste and onsite sewage systems; and identifies risks of hazardous materials to the environment and humans.

This position reports to the Environmental Health Director, has been determined to be a non-exempt employee in accordance with FLSA regulations, and is a member of Professional and Technical Employees Local 17 union.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct inspections of food establishments to determine if the production and preparation of food and beverages are safe for human consumption;
• Survey public water systems, inspect wells, evaluate septic systems, and assure drinking water is safe for human consumption and domestic use;
• Evaluate, inspect, and review plans for recreational water programs, swimming pools, and spa facilities;
• Develop plans and evaluate the feasibility of small water systems, conduct on-site septic inspections;

• Conduct solid waste sites inspections, advise business and homeowners of the “best practices” of managing solid waste, when appropriate issue SEPA findings, and review permits and engineering plans; Conduct inspections of camps and schools to verify appropriate measures are taken to ensure the health and safety of the public using these facilities;
• Respond to complaints and investigate disease causing sources re: food-borne, water-borne and vector-borne diseases;
• Work with a wide range of community partners, professional colleagues, and coworkers as part of the environmental health team for the common good of promoting good health practices to protect the public health and environment of Yakima County
• Effectively manage competing demands of a large individual caseload, increasing needs for improved customer service, working in a fast paced and ever-changing work environment, and working directly with the public;
• Enter client information into an integrated permit management system, and be competent in using Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and GPS;
• Prepare professional correspondence, prepare complex and scientific reports, collect, and analyze data necessary for official documents, and design informational and educational materials specific to environmental health;
• Prepare and present information in a clear and concise manner while conveying scientific and complex information in a manner understood by the public;
• Regular and reliable attendance Monday through Friday is essential to managing a demanding workload, and essential when the agency is required to respond to a public health emergency which may include additional duties and different working hours.

Skills/Eligibility:

Ability to:

• Understand and interpret scientific terms and guiding principles, public health programs, laws, and regulations;

• Must be confident in using computer Microsoft software, fax and copy machines, mobile and office phones, and be able to use hands and wrist repetitively;
• Must be able to read a map and/or use GIS systems to navigate roads, highways, and regions of Yakima County;

• Prepare and produce clear and concise reports, records, and investigative case notes: maintain all records and file in accordance with medical and public records;
• Establish and maintain effective, courteous, and respectful relationships with internal and external colleagues, partners, clients, and the general public, and on occasion manage a situation involving difficult or disruptive customers;
• Ability to work with and provide service to a very diverse community. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Chemistry, or other related Physical Science (applicant must submit a college issued transcript with their resume and cover letter);
• Experience in a prior Environmental Health position is desired but not required, recent college graduates are encouraged to apply;
• Equivalent amount of experience may substitute for education on a one-on-one basis.
• Possess the ability to understand and convey to others very complex and scientific terms, regulations, guidelines, and processes;
• All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment;
• Ability to speak, read and write English.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Work in a wide range of environments including remote and rural areas, in confined spaces, and maneuver rough terrains;
• Must be able to obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license within 30 days of employment and possess auto insurance, or to be able to demonstrate the ability to travel throughout the county daily in all weather conditions using personal vehicle;
• Must be able to present complex regulations and guidelines in writing and verbally in a clear and concise manner to a diverse population, some with limited English skills;
• Must be able to work outdoors during extended periods of extreme weather including snow, and extreme cold and hot weather; and

• The successful candidate will be required to complete a thorough background investigation including review of the individual’s criminal history, to pass a pre-employment physical exam, and to perform the essential functions of the job with or without an accommodation.

Preferred Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to obtain a Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification within two (2) years of hire is preferred. This certification may qualify you for an additional salary step increase. For eligibility requirements, visit: http://wsbrs.org/getreg.html.
• Use the principles, practices, techniques, and the “best practices” of environmental sciences, environmental health, and good health;
• Work with confidential information, adhere to HIPAA regulations when applicable, and ensure compliance with public records processes; 
• Ability to collaborate with team members in a stressful environment, respond to and manage complex and time-sensit