JOB TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 34530

DEFINITION: This is professional work in coordinating the environmental health program for a health district within the Department of Health.

An employee in this job investigates, evaluates, and advises on environmental health issues within a health district to determine the nature and extent of environmental health hazards and to evaluate potential impacts on human health. Work includes planning, implementing, and conducting environmental health investigations and surveys, collecting and analyzing surveillance data, reporting on results and conclusions, and determining and coordinating corrective actions; liaising with, and providing consultation to, officials from other state agencies to address complaints, coordinate program efforts, and implement corrective actions; providing outreach and assistance to the community on environmental health matters of concern to the general public; and advocating the policies of the department with respect to safeguarding the health and welfare of the public. Work also includes providing advisory, investigative, and technical support to state, county, and federal agencies, local health departments, and health district offices regarding environmental health issues. Work is assigned in the form of goals and objectives by a higher level public health professional and is reviewed for conformance with accepted procedures and soundness of recommendations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Plans, organizes, and coordinates surveys between the Bureau of Epidemiology, a health district, and other state agencies, such as the Departments of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, to determine the nature of environmental hazards, the significance and impact on human health, and steps necessary for remediation.

• Responds to citizens' and community complaints regarding potential environmental health hazards, coordinating with state and federal agencies as appropriate.

• Coordinates health assessments, epidemiological surveys, and the publication of study results with the Bureau of Epidemiology and other organizations within and outside the Department of Health.

• Organizes and maintains data from investigations, literature reviews, survey records, samples, and other sources.

• Reviews completed case reports, questionnaires, or data abstraction forms collected by field investigators to determine the need for additional information or to prepare reports.

• Advises community members of the toxicity levels of potential environmental hazards.

• Under the guidance of medical staff, advises the public on preventive health and safety precautions to follow during a potential environmental health threat.

• Advises on risk assessment and remediation strategies.

• Identifies studies or additional actions needed to further evaluate potential environmental health hazards.

• Evaluates the education, training, and experience qualifications of candidates for Local Health Officer certification.

• Organizes Local Health Officer training that meets standards adopted by the Department of Health and local health regulations.

• Leads the implementation of environmental health program objectives for county and municipal health programs, such as Local Health Officer training, environmental health program training, and vector control.

• Provides environmental health consultation and advice, including oral presentations, to a wide variety of community partners and public service organizations.

• Approves new public bathing place construction and operation permits in accordance with regulations.

• Conducts scientific testing of environmental samples, such as water, air, soil, solid waste, and hazardous waste.

• Oversees certification of organized camps in accordance with regulations.

• Travels to locations throughout the district on a regular basis.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of environmental hazards and their impact on human health.

• Knowledge of environmental protection laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of environmental testing procedures.

• Knowledge of toxicity levels for environmental hazards.

• Knowledge of hazardous materials handling.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written and numerical information.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Two years of professional environmental protection or environmental health program experience; and a bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical, chemical, or biological science, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.