Siouxland District Health Environmental Health Specialist

Summary

ENTRY SALARY:   $2,195 Bi-Weekly (Plus Benefits)
      
 LOCATION: The location for this position is in Sioux, Lyon, O'Brien, and Osceola Counties in Iowa. Applicants must reside in or immediately adjacent to the assigned territory of Sioux, Lyon, O'Brien, and Osceola counties in Iowa. Position responsible for field inspection work in this territory from a home-based office.

Under general supervision, Environmental Health Specialists perform professional work in environmental health programs such as, but not limited to: regulation and inspection of retail food operations, hotel/motel inspection, inspection of public pools and spas, evaluation of property for the installation of on-site septic systems, private water well permitting, tattoo and tanning facility inspection, animal bite follow up and rabies control, water sample collection and analysis, lead paint inspection and childhood lead poisoning prevention, septic pumper inspection, arbovirus surveillance and mosquito collection, outbreak investigation, emergency response, enforcement, community education and coalition-building, and other related work as required. 

Essential Functions

Essential Duties:

• Conduct routine environmental inspections in assigned program areas to determine compliance with applicable rules, standards, and regulations; review plans and specifications, previous inspection reports, and operating or construction permits; observe the facility in operation; collect samples and data; perform analytical analysis; complete reports; and follow up and carry out enforcement actions when necessary.
• Review various reports, permit applications, facility floor plans, corrective action plans, etc. and ensure compliance with applicable rules.
• Provide education about and clearly explain codes and regulations and their public health significance.
• Attend training sessions, professional meetings, seminars, and/or conduct special studies or projects on a variety of environmental issues to further knowledge of agency programs and specific subject matter areas in order to better perform assigned duties. 
• Respond to emergency situations such as fires, illness outbreaks, and floods on a 24-hour call response basis to protect public health and to facilitate proper cleanup.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Required Qualifications

• Proof of graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a natural science or related field. 
• Must meet academic eligibility requirements for credentialing as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) through the National Environmental Health Association, including an algebra or higher math course and 30 semester hours in basic sciences. 
• Ability to obtain additional certifications as required, such as Certified Pool Operator (CPO), Iowa Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor, Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), or Iowa Time of Transfer Inspector. These requirements are based on program assignment and are supported by SDHD. 
• Ability to successfully complete training requirements for each assigned program area.
• Display a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently and effectively; demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail; exhibit honesty and integrity; and respond appropriately to supervision.
• Ability to apply scientific principles to inspection, sampling, data collection, and enforcement procedures.  
• Ability to maintain records and prepare clear and legible reports. 
• Ability to understand, interpret, and enforce applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, private business representatives, and the general public; and to represent SDHD in a professional manner. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work in an unstructured setting, be self-directed, independent, and complete work reliably with minimal supervision.  
• Ability to lift objects up to 50 pounds.   
• Time-management and computer skills required. 
• Must reside in or immediately adjacent to the assigned territory of Sioux, Lyon, O’Brien, and Osceola Counties in Iowa. 
• Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to obtain car insurance at agency-specified liability level.

Excellent Benefits