Positions in this series apply sanitary, biological, and physical science principles and knowledge to improve and control environmental factors affecting the public's health and welfare.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
- Assist in the inspection of food, tourist, housing, school, institutional care and day care facilities, and public swimming and spa pools for compliance with state sanitation laws and regulations.
- Conduct health hazard surveys and assist in conducting public water system surveys; follow up on alerts.
- Assist in the evaluation of private water supplies and sewage systems; collect samples for laboratory analysis; interpret and document test results.
- Assist in the investigation of communicable disease outbreaks implicating food or water or other environmental causes in public facilities or in a community; recommend necessary control measures.
- Assist in the review of building and mechanical plans and specifications of proposed or existing facilities for compliance with public health laws.
- In addition to the above duties, the Environmental Health Specialist will: independently perform the duties listed above; inspect public facilities; evaluate the safety of private water supplies and sewage systems; investigate nuisance complaints regarding housing, animals, general sewage systems, air quality, and toxic materials; conduct prelicensing inspections; educate operators of food service establishments, housing, and tourist facilities on proper public health practices; conduct food handler trainings and testing; prepare and maintain reports, recommendations, and records for all inspections; update files and continuously monitor sites for health safety compliance and remediation.
- In addition to the above duties, the Environmental Health Specialist Senior will: provide lead direction of work activities; prioritize and coordinate work assignments; review work for accuracy and content; evaluate projects, activities, and processes; monitor work performed to meet agreed upon goals and objectives; serve as the program or project leader; participate in the identification of resources such as fiscal, staffing, technology, supplies, and materials; contribute to the problem-solving, decision making, and planning activities; conduct special investigations and health inspections and perform mediation in cases of conflict between the county and facility operator; recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; evaluate operations and activities; recommend improvements and modifications; implement policies and procedures; prepare various reports on operations and activities; may monitor and participate in the preparation and maintenance of budgets; act as a primary resource and liaison regarding the technical and operational functions; act as representative on committees, interagency task forces, special projects, and other community outreach activities as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
LEVEL AND TYPE OF WORK AND/OR SUPERVISION:
Environmental Health Specialist Trainee
- Entry level
- Professional
- Perform the more routine duties as assigned with increasing independence.
- Decisions made or actions taken require higher-level review and work is checked for progress and reviewed for quality and compliance to policy and procedures.
- Typically, incumbents may use the entry level to obtain the proficiencies to qualify at the next level in the classification series.
- Receive direction from manager or staff.
- May exercise technical and functional supervision over staff.
Environmental Health Specialist
- Journey level
- Professional
- Perform the full range of duties, working independently, applying well-developed subject knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative.
- Receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.
- Fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
- Work is reviewed based on compliance, appropriateness, and effectiveness in meeting goals and deadlines.
- Receive direction from manager or staff.
- May exercise technical and functional supervision over staff.
Environmental Health Specialist Senior
- Advanced level
- Professional
- Perform the most difficult assignments requiring a higher level of responsibility, applying advanced subject knowledge, and exercising significant independent judgment and initiative.
- Receive work assignments in terms of objectives, priorities, and deadlines.
- Work is reviewed for technical accuracy, compliance to program objectives, and overall results.
- Receive general supervision from manager.
- Receive direction from manager or staff.
- May exercise functional and technical supervision over staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Requirements are determined at the time of recruitment based on responsibilities of the individual position and business needs of the department.
Environmental Health Specialist Trainee
Training and experience for entry level, professional classifications are typically equivalent to a bachelor's degree and up to one (1) year of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 4-5 years of qualifying training and/or experience).
Environmental Health Specialist
Training and experience for journey level, professional classifications are typically equivalent to a bachelor's degree and one (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 5-8 years of qualifying training and/or experience).
Environmental Health Specialist Senior
Training and experience for advanced level, professional classifications are typically equivalent to a bachelor's degree and three (3) to six (6) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 7-10 years of qualifying training and/or experience).
Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check, have a valid driver license, and/or additional training, licenses, or certificates.
REQUIRED TRAINING, LICENSES, AND/OR CERTIFICATES:
Environmental Health Specialist Trainee
- Must meet standards of Environmental Health Specialist Trainee as outlined by ORS 700.035.
Environmental Health Specialist
- Must meet standards of Environmental Health Specialist as outlined by ORS 700.030.
Environmental Health Specialist Senior
- Must meet standards of Environmental Health Specialist as outlined by ORS 700.030.