Clatsop County Dept. of Public Health – Astoria, OR

Req #309. Salary Range: $4,434.72 – $5,942.95 Monthly. Application closes: April 26th, 2024

Clatsop County occupies the northwest corner of Oregon bounded to the north by the Columbia River and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Named for the Clatsop Indians, Clatsop County is rich in history, scenery and opportunity.

our mission…                                     

Neighbor to neighbor, serving Clatsop County with integrity, honesty and respect.    

ABOUT CLATSOP COUNTY                      

Today Clatsop County is one of nine Home Rule counties in Oregon. Five non-partisan elected Commissioners set policy and appoint a full-time County Manager, who is responsible for daily operations. County services are provided through these divisions: County Administration (County Manager), Assessment and Taxation, Budget and Finance, County Clerk, Juvenile, Public Health, Public Works, Community Development, the District Attorney, and Sheriff’s Offices. The county also administers a road district, a rural law enforcement district, and a local sewer district.

About the position                                       

Clatsop County is hiring one full-time Environmental Health Specialist II. However, we encourage candidates who meet the required qualifications for the Environmental Health Specialist I to apply, as we may consider underfilling the position until the selected candidate meets the required qualifications for an Environmental Health Specialist II. Underfill training will not exceed two years.

Environmental Health Specialist II

Under the direction of the Environmental Health Supervisor, the EHS II is responsible for oversight and performing independent inspections of licensed food service, tourist accommodation, and public pool and spa facilities; upon request, provide inspections of school, daycare, and correctional facilities; provide oversight of public drinking water systems; provide environmental health support, as needed, to other parts of the department; assist in planning, promoting and implementing programs to improve public health in the county in compliance with public health laws and administrative rules.

Environmental Health Specialist I

Under close supervision, the EHS I perform a variety of technical functions for the County, including inspection and investigation of basic environmental issues and complaints regarding food safety, travel accommodations, water resources, wastewater treatment and disposal, air quality, public health, public facilities, and solid waste disposal to protect the health and safety of County residents. Work is performed at the Trainee level under the supervision of a Registered Environmental Health Specialist.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS                  

Environmental Health Specialist II

  • Must have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental or physical science, natural science, engineering, and/or another closely related field approved by the Oregon Health Licensing Office.
  • Must have a minimum of two (2) years of acceptable experience under the supervision of a Registered Environmental Health Specialist
  • Certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist with the State of Oregon, as defined by ORS 700.030 is required at time of appointment. 
  • Annual maintenance of certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist through continuing education courses as required by the State of Oregon.  
  • Must possess and maintain driving privileges in the State of Oregon.

Environmental Health Specialist I

  • A Bachelor’s degree with 45 hours of life science coursework in environmental health, biology, or microbiology. 
  • Eligible for registration as an Oregon Environmental Health Specialist or Environmental Health Specialist Trainee within two months of hiring.  When hired as a trainee, must complete trainee program within the Oregon Health Licensing Board timeframe to obtain a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification and maintain REHS certification annually.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS                     

Environmental Health Specialist II

  • Currently certified or able to obtain certification as a certified pool operator (CPO).
  • Currently certified or able to obtain 24-hr hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) certification.
  • Eligible to be standardized as a food safety inspector by the Oregon Health Authority – Food Safety Program.
  • Experience in Oregon’s onsite wastewater program and/or completion of the minimum educational qualifications for the State of Oregon classification as a Wastewater Specialist. 

Environmental Health Specialist I

  • Current registration with the State of Oregon as an Environmental Health Specialist or Wastewater Specialist with no less than 10 quarter hours or equivalent semester hours in Introductory Soil Science, Soil Morphology, and Physical Geology, or Geomorphology. 

To Apply                                                          

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  Clatsop County is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

This is a full-time position and will close April 26, 2024.

For more information, applicants should review the detailed job description for information on essential functions and requirements.

Environmental Health Specialist I

https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/media/22846

Environmental Health Specialist II

https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/media/22776

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION                  

Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered.  The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.

Prior to hiring, candidates may be required to pass a criminal background exam, and pre-employment drug screen and must show proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans’ preference. For further information, please visit the following website:  Veterans Resources. You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.

Clatsop County is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees in all matters of employment (such as hiring, promotion, transfer, training, layoff, compensation, fringe benefits and termination) regardless of ethnicity/race, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

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