Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Environmental Health Specialist delivers services to ensure the health and safety of the community by inspecting and investigating service establishments and providing education and methods to avoid, correct, or mitigate health hazards.

Job Responsibilities

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Completes inspections of licensed food facilities, food markets, and temporary food events and implements corrective actions on facilities found to be in violation of the state food code; provides information and resources, facilitates corrective action planning; and conducts investigations on illness and non-illness complaints dealing with food establishments.

Inspects businesses and schools providing public use of recreational water facilities to ensure facilities perform appropriate maintenance, follow established health regulations, meet construction and structural guidelines and are registered with the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Conducts inspections of sand filter sewage systems, commercial and residential septic tanks, and non-community wells; collects sewage effluent samples to ensure proper treatment of sewage in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations.

Investigates complaints and conducts routine inspections of hotels, tanning and tattoo establishments for compliance with State regulations; completes re-inspections if any violations were identified.

Investigates public health nuisance complaints to determine if there are violations of public health regulations.

Maintains records of inspections and required corrective actions; gathers documentation of proof of corrective actions taken by facilities.

May act as a public information officer for the health department by answering requests from the public and news media outlets; participates in determining which staff member would best represent the health department in speaking on the particular topic; prepares the spokesperson for interviews.

Attends and participates in various meetings, committees, and continuing education courses as required.

Participates in department efforts related to accreditation/reaccreditation, performance management, quality improvement, and workforce development.

Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Standards for Initial Consideration

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Bachelor's degree Public/Environmental Health, or related field; AND two (2) years of experience in a public health setting; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:
Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

Records maintenance and retention practices and procedures.

Conflict management methods.

Work safety policies, procedures, and practices.

Skill in:
Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.

Maintaining accurate records and documentation.

Conducting thorough inspections to identify health risks, hazards, and violations.

Preparing clear and concise reports.

Interacting tactfully and professionally with County staff, outside agencies, and the public.

Operating a computer including standard software and some specialized software.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

License and Certification Requirements
Must obtain required certifications and successfully complete required training courses after hire.
Must possess a valid Driver's license.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed at various locations both indoors and outdoors. May be exposed to potentially dangerous tools, equipment, and machinery, hazardous chemicals, and potential physical harm from agitated citizens, and infectious diseases when collecting sewage samples.
May be required to traverse uneven terrain, climb ladders, and lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

The following is a summary of benefits provided to non-union County employees. Benefits for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary somewhat depending on specific contract provisions.

• Scott County Employment Benefits