Job #: 2425-00015. Salary Range: $50,876.80 – $71,593.60 Annually. Application closing date: August 31, 2024.

Be a part of our Health & Human Services team! As an Environmental Health Specialist 1 or 2, you will be part of a dedicated team working to Promote and Protect the Health of ALL People in Tillamook County. We are seeking a compassionate and organized individual who enjoys a fast-paced environment and thrives on making a positive difference in patients’ lives.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1

This 2-level classification series performs sanitarian duties in inspection, investigation and documentation of identifiable environmental health threats and enforcement of Appropriate Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules, city, and county ordinances to maintain preventative compliance with regulatory measures; license facilities assigned by contract, agreement, or ordinance; provide consultation or education programs regarding environmental health and safety.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THIS LEVEL

This is the entry-level in the Environmental Health Specialist job series. The work involves responsibility for performing Environmental Health duties at a trainee level under the supervision of a professional registered Environmental Health Specialist as defined by ORS 700.035. Incumbents may qualify for the opportunity to advance to the higher level in the series after satisfying the necessary requirements to meet the qualifications in the higher level in the series.

ORS 700.035 (2) A person may not be registered as an environmental health specialist trainee for more than two years’ full-time employment in the environmental sanitation profession, or the equivalent hours if employment in environmental sanitation is less than full-time or 40 hours per week. (3) The office, in consultation with the board, shall establish by rule requirements for registration as an environmental health specialist trainee when an individual’s date of employment precedes attainment of registration. (4) An environmental health specialist trainee shall be supervised by a registered environmental health specialist or a person possessing equal qualifications as determined by the board. [1967 c.476 §5; 1983 c.189 §2; 1995 c.572 §9; 2003 c.547 §94; 2005 c.648 §106; 2013 c. 314 §60; 2013 c.568 §127; 2017 c.101 §26a; 2019 c.456§111]

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2

This is the journey-level in the Environmental Health Specialist job series. Incumbents apply considerable knowledge of the techniques and procedures required to independently inspect environmental health projects and identify and resolve compliance issues; has full responsibility for the completion of assigned projects.  This classification may direct and train the lower-level classification.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THIS LEVEL

Under the supervision of a registered environmental health specialist, this position is distinguished by greater independence in performing environmental health duties at a professional level. Additional duties may include inspection, investigation, and documentation of identifiable environmental health threats and enforcement of appropriate Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules, city, and county ordinances to maintain preventative compliance with regulatory measures; license facilities assigned by contract, agreement, or ordinance; provide consultation or education programs regarding environmental health and safety.

Examples of Essential Duties

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
(Duties assigned to this level include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not perform all listed tasks.)

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1

• Performs basic technical functions for an Environmental Health Program to investigate and verify compliance with environmental quality regulations and standards; resolves problems within scope of authority and training, duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Inspects and monitors individual and commercial properties, public facilities (to include restaurants, mobile carts, hotels/motels, public pools/spas, daycares, correctional facilities, etc.) and work sites, and investigates environmental quality complaints regarding water resources, food safety, public health, completes technical reports and recommends enforcement actions required for compliance to state, County and federal regulations, policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Learns to research and troubleshoot problems and complaints to identify appropriate solutions and implement remedies as directed; reviews reports, compiles data, and recommends actions based on data derived from measurements and observations of food, water, and other environmental sources.

• Inspect and evaluate licensed and non-licensed public places to assure compliance to ORS, OAR, city, and county ordinances. Advise owners of any deficiencies; determine corrective measures and implement compliance schedule.  Document findings and complete necessary record keeping required. License appropriate facilities; establish and maintain license records.

• Inventory, survey, inspect and evaluate community and non-community water system. This may require collection of samples, identifying deficiencies. Work with the operator to implement compliance with state regulation schedules. Document findings and complete necessary record keeping.
• Receive and investigate public complaints regarding environmental health hazards, evaluate problem; implement corrective procedures or refer to appropriate agency; and monitor corrective process.
• Investigate reported cases of foodborne illness, waterborne illness, and other non- communicable and communicable disease. Correctly collect samples and submit for laboratory examination samples including animals for testing.  Provide information pertaining to diseases and vectors to the public. Work with other governmental agencies in conducting epidemiological or environmental investigations.
• Reviews and processes operating permits, license renewals construction approvals, and certificates of inspection; advises supervisor when problems arise in obtaining compliance to regulatory standards.
• Assist with community outreach events, information fairs, and educational and training events to advise the community of environmental control regulations, sanitation standards, and regional issues.
• Enforces safety rules and regulations, reports safety hazards, equipment problems, repair needs, security issues, and emergency situations.
• Prepare records, reports and documents as required by departmental policy, various contracts and federal and state laws and regulations. Interprets technical requirements and restrictions to customers.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2

• Performs a variety of technical functions for an Environmental Health Program to manage and verify compliance with environmental quality regulations and standards; resolves problems within scope of authority and training; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Independently Inspects and monitors individual and commercial properties, public  facilities (to include restaurants, mobile carts, hotels/motels, public pools/spas, daycares, correctional facilities, etc.) and work sites, and  investigates environmental quality complaints regarding water resources, food safety, public health, completes  technical  reports and recommends enforcement actions required for compliance to state, County and federal regulations, policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Reviews and processes operating permits, license renewals, construction approvals,and certificates of inspection; advises supervisor when problems arise in obtaining compliance to regulatory standards.
• Inventory, survey, inspect and evaluate community and non-community water systems. This may require collection of samples and identifying deficiencies. Work with the operator to implement compliance with state regulation schedules. Document findings and complete required records.
• Learns to research and troubleshoot problems and complaints to identify appropriate solutions and implement remedies as directed; reviews reports, compiles data, and recommends actions based on data derived from measurements and observations of food, water, and other environmental sources.
• Receive and investigate public complaints regarding environmental health hazards. Evaluate complaints, implement corrective procedures, or refer to appropriate agency and monitor corrective process.
• Investigate reported cases of foodborne illness, waterborne illness, and other non- communicable disease. Correctly collect samples and submit them for laboratory examination. Provide information on diseases and vectors to public. Work with other governmental agencies in conducting epidemiological or environmental investigations. Contact with the public in home or office environments may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior, contagious diseases, or contact with domestic and wild animals. Investigate reported cases of foodborne illness, waterborne illness, and other non- communicable disease. Correctly collect samples and submit them for laboratory examination. Provide information pertaining to disease and vectors to the public. Work with other governmental agencies in conducting epidemiological or environmental investigations.
• Assists with community outreach events, information fairs, and educational and training events to advise the community of environmental control regulations, sanitation standards, and regional issues.
• Completes technical reports and enforces compliance to state, County and federal regulations, policies, procedures, and safety standards. Enforces safety rules and regulations, reports safety hazards, equipment problems, repair needs, security issues, and emergency situations.
• Represent environmental Health to community groups, other agencies, and media, under supervision of manager.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of inspection records and technical documentation; explains and interprets technical requirements and restrictions to customers.
• Cross-trains in additional Environmental Program skills and functions.
• Performs other duties as business needs necessitate.

Typical Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1

Knowledge:

• Methods, procedures and, techniques for evaluating technical compliance for Oregon drinking water.
• Reasonable knowledge of food handling procedures.
• County, state, and federal laws, regulations and ordinances governing environmental health and safety programs, including Oregon Health Authority, Food, Pool, and Lodging, and Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Methods and techniques of inspecting a variety of plans, buildings, and technical documents. Records management and customer service principles, protocols, and standards.

• Familiarity with records management software and inspection system software.

Skills:

• Writing clear and concise correspondence, records, reports, and statistical data; interviewing techniques; use of related sampling and laboratory equipment.
• Communicating effectively verbally and inwriting.
• Investigate complaints, inspect environmental hazards, and research technical environmental quality issues.
• Understanding and applying health and safety standards, state, and Federal regulations, County standards, policies, and procedures.
• Checking details, estimates, plans, and specifications of projects.
• Compiling and reviewing technical data; and developing technical reports.
• Explaining health and safety inspection regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Providing effective customer service, resolving conflicts, and dealing tactfully with clients while remaining calm and using good judgment during confrontational or high-pressure situations.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, citizens, developers, advocates, and regional agencies.

Abilities:

• Demonstrate courteous behavior when interacting with visitors and County staff.
• Promote County goals and priorities and comply with all policies and procedures.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2

Knowledge:

• County policies and procedures.
• County, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances governing environmental health and safety programs, including Oregon Health Authority, Food, Pool, and Lodging, and Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Revisions.  Methods and techniques of inspecting a variety of plans, buildings, and technical documents.
• Records management and customer service principles, protocols, and standards.
• Familiarity with records management software and inspection system software.

Skills:

• Investigate complaints, inspect environmental hazards, and research technical environmental quality issues.
• Understanding and applying health and safety standards, state, and Federal regulations, County standards, policies, and procedures.
• Checking details, estimates, plans, and specifications of projects.
• Compiling and reviewing technical data; and developing technical reports.
• Explaining health and safety inspection regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Providing effective customer service, resolving conflicts, and dealing tactfully with clients while remaining calm and using good judgment during confrontational or high-pressure situations.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, citizens, developers, advocates, and regional agencies.
• Writing clear and concise correspondence, records, reports, and statistical data; interviewing techniques; use of related sampling and laboratory equipment.
• Contact with the public in home or office environments may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior, contagious diseases, or contact with domestic and wild animals.

Abilities:

• Demonstrate courteous behavior when interacting with visitors and County staff.
• Promote County goals and priorities and comply with all policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental science, or related field; AND one (1) year of experience in business computers and customer service. OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job.
• Registration with the Oregon Environmental Health Registration Board as an Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) trainee as outlined in ORS 700.035 at the time of appointment. Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist is required within 2 years of hire.
• Must possess and maintain an Oregon Driver’s License.
• Spanish-speaking preferred.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental science, or related field; AND have two years of progressively responsible work experience in environmental health programs; OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Oregon driver’s license and a current Oregon Environmental Health Specialist license as outlined in ORS700.035. 
• Spanish-speaking preferred.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1

Work is performed under the supervision of a professional, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, who gives assignments and reviews work for effectiveness, correctness, completeness, and conformance with policies and regulations. Technical guidelines and procedures are generally well-defined, but incumbents must exercise judgement and discretion to deal with inquiries to determine if problems must be referred to a more fully qualified Environmental Health Specialist, in completing routine assignments. Interpretation of general administrative or operational policies and procedures is sometimes necessary. Significant deviations require prior approval. Employee estimates time and materials and manages time efficiently. Work is checked at completion of projects.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2

Work is performed under the general direction of the environmental health program manager who establishes general policy and program objectives. Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of experience and training. The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation. Employee estimates and manages time efficiently. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions made comply with department policy and procedures.

GUIDELINES:

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1

Work is performed within established departmental policy and procedures; federal, state, county and local statutes, rules, regulations, and ordinances; environmental health reference materials, equipment manuals, contracts. Employee makes decisions independently in accordance with established rules and regulations and uses considerable initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2

Work is performed within established departmental policy and procedures; federal, state, county and local statutes, rules, regulations, and ordinances; environmental health reference materials, equipment manuals, contracts. Employee makes decisions independently in accordance with established rules and regulations and uses considerable initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities; contributes to modification of policy and procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1

Work is performed in an office environment and in the field that involves everyday risks and discomforts and sometime adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions. Field assignments may require protective equipment to protect against potential environmental hazards or involve working in uncomfortable conditions for extended periods of time. Physical demands of bending, climbing, crawling, gripping with hands and fingers, hearing voice conversations, kneeling, lifting up to 40 pounds, pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, stooping and walking. A considerable amount of driving is required. Contact with the public in home or office environments may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior, contagious diseases, or contact with domestic and wild animals.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2

Work is performed in an office environment and primarily in the field that involves everyday risks and discomforts and sometime adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions. Field assignments may require protective equipment to protect against potential environmental hazards or involve working in uncomfortable conditions for extended periods of time. Physical demands of walking in rough terrain, bending. climbing, crawling, gripping with hands and fingers, hearing voice conversations, kneeling, lifting up to 40 pounds, pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, stooping, and walking. A considerable amount of driving is required. Contact with the public in home or office environments may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior, contagious diseases, or contact with domestic and wild animals.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Following the closing date of this Recruitment, you will hear from us by email. If you are selected as a candidate for an interview, we will contact you to arrange a date and time. We want to ensure that we hire the best possible staff for our County Team because we believe that people are our most valuable asset!

Website https://www.tillamookcounty.gov/