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Environmental Health Specialist (HHS)

Employer
Walworth County Judicial Center
Location
Elkhorn, Wisconsin, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Oct 22, 2021

View more

Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Other
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
This position is responsible for the application and enforcement of federal, state and local laws relating to the field of environmental and public health. This position is mandated by Chapter 254 of the HFS administrative code that requires local health departments to provide environmental health services. This position works to assure that consumers have clean food, air and water for drinking and for recreation, and assesses human health hazards.

SCHEDULE

Division: Public Health

Days: Monday - Friday

Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Hours Per Shift: 8

Shifts Per Pay Period: 10

Position FTE: 1.00

Applications are being accepted from current County employees as well as members of the public.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Provide on-going assessment of the county's environmental issues to manage and implement the county's environmental health program. Ensure compliance to policies, procedures and ordinances related to the county's public health code and Wisconsin Public Health Statutes including Wisconsin Chapters 251, 252, 254, 95, 163, 145 and NR 810 and 812.

Conduct water sample analysis and ensure compliance with NR149 and ATCP 77. As a part of the environmental health team, oversee day-to-day operations of the laboratory, training, certification and scheduling of staff in the lab, recordkeeping, and paperwork compliance with state regulations. Provide troubleshooting and problem solving for laboratory errors as necessary. Annually update the laboratory policies to reflect procedures appropriately and conduct quality review of the laboratory on an ongoing basis.

Maintain compliance with responsibilities as outlined in the Transient Non-Community Water System contract with the DNR. This includes water sampling, sanitary well surveys, annual site visits, county contract training, seasonal startups and follow-up on all failed tests by issuing and enforcing do not use or boil water advisories.

Work in coordination with communicable disease surveillance program for follow-up for food and waterborne disease outbreaks, including conducting interviews of affected individuals and facility staff, coordinating with state agencies to conduct inspections of implicated facilities, collecting samples to be tested and data analysis.

Investigate all consumer complaints or concerns regarding human health hazards in accordance with Walworth County ordinance and WI State Statutes. Order appropriate corrective action and follow up on investigations to ensure compliance.

Serve as the back-up contact for law enforcement agencies regarding human health hazards. Provide inspection services, placarding, issue abatement orders, and conduct clearance inspections. Provide health information and referral services to parties impacted by the health hazard as appropriate.

Perform inspections and provide written formal reports of violations with consultation for corrective action on a variety of environmental health issues including but not limited to rabies, asbestos, lead, radon, Lyme disease and pest control in accordance with established laws, regulations and local ordinances.

Conduct recreational water monitoring in support of Walworth County Code and WI Chapters 254 and 251.

Participate in emergency preparedness training and activities for responding to public health emergencies in conjunction with local, state and federal emergency response teams. Lead discussions on environmental recovery as a part of preparedness exercises.

Perform case management in the childhood lead poisoning prevention program including coordination of property investigations and issuance of abatement and clearance reports.

Provide departmental and community education and training programs regarding environmental health issues via educational sessions, newsletter articles and distribution of informational brochures.

Coordinate interactions with area universities for community based learning opportunities, environmental health research, and finding publication. Develop opportunities for collaboration and workforce development opportunities for students.

Actively conduct NEHA approved Community Health Environmental Assessment in conjunction with the Community Health Assessment and Planning Process. Develop plans and reports based on findings and incorporate data into the CHIP process.

Develop and implement expansion of service and quality improvement plans within the environmental health unit on an ongoing basis. Support all other public health programs and initiatives by providing an environmental health view point. Evaluate program performance, manage and interpret environmental data, and coordinate community issues concerning environmental health programs.

Ensure fiscal responsibility while managing budgets for multiple grants and contracts.

Respond to Public Health emergencies, as needed, including outside regular office hours.

Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, or related degree in physical, chemical or biological sciences with a minimum of one year of related experience (internships considered toward experience). Must have a minimum of 80 hours of laboratory experience, educational experience may qualify. Proven experience in ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals as well as ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care Principles is essential.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Wisconsin driver license.

Proof of minimum liability auto insurance coverage.

Access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations daily.

National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) - Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200 and 700 - within three (3) months of hire.

National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) - Incident Command System (ICS) 300certification required within six (6) months of hire.

Interactions & Communication

Provides specialized information and/or recommendations to others regarding an area of expertise.

Decision Making

This position has authority to make decisions that are consistent with policies and precedents; supervision and managerial direction is available as requested. Responsible for all lab decisions. These decisions directly impact performance at the department wide level and information is provided with additional research and observations which contributes to the decision making process.

Thinking & Problem Solving

In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges and problems occurring in this position must be addressed within broader, department-wide procedures and practices.

Tools and Equipment Used

Telephone Copy Machine

Personal Computer/Printer FAX Machine

Calculator Propane torch

Thermometer Camera

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment requires the ability to work in adverse weather conditions and challenging environmental locations. The noise level in the work environment varies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision.

TO INCLUDE:

Formal Walworth County Electronic Application

Education & Experience Review

Verification of Driver License

Oral Department Interview

Reference Check

Background Check

Post Offer Physical Exam

Drug Screen

Other job related tests may be required.

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