Environmental Health Specialist I or II
POSITION SUMMARY:
Conduct public health regulatory activities related to onsite septic installations, water systems, and water recreation facilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Evaluates land use proposals such as subdivisions, short plats, and conditional use permits for environmental health requirements; and reviews and comments on SEPA documents.
Reviews applications and issues permits and/or plan approvals for onsite sewer systems (OSS), repair/replacement OSS, reuses of OSS, new or expanding Group B water systems and private water systems, new well sites for public water systems. Compares application to regs, standards, guidelines and departmental policies and procedures to determine compliance. Reviews and makes recommendations on requests for variances from the regulations; issues Class A waivers for on-site sewer systems. Performs OSS Site Evaluations.
Performs regulatory inspections on OSS, water systems and WRFs; performs Sanitary Surveys of Public Water Systems; reports code or permit violations and poor practices to the owner/operator in person and by correspondence, and to the District by maintaining public records of the conditions observed and the actions taken; and consults with the owner/operator to devise ways of improving conditions and practices to avoid further problems.
Responds to complaints regarding water, wastewater, WRFs, and other public health nuisances.
Takes enforcement actions by means of compliance letters, re-inspections, probation inspections, Notices of Violation, assessment of fines, testimony at enforcement hearings and legal proceedings, permit revocation, stop work or refrain from use orders, and by preparing materials for court actions.
Coordinates activities with appropriate government agencies and personnel such as local building and planning departments, prosecuting attorneys, commissioner, and state departments of Health and Ecology.
May be called upon to provide community education, septic system installer and other licensee or contractor education; verify that educational opportunities are available to outlying areas; investigate potential causes of illness from environmental factors affecting the public; respond to immediate health hazards by assisting in the development of press releases and providing technical assistance.
Serves as lead staff for WRF program including training and supervision of summer interns.
Shares responsibility for conducting afterhour’s inspections of temporary food service vendors.
Other duties as assigned by the On-Site program Manager or the Administrator
SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of water, wastewater, and WRF science and technology.
- Knowledge of environmental health land-use planning practices.
- Knowledge of applicable environmental health laws and regulations.
- Ability to independently manage work assignments to insure timely work-products.
- Ability to accurately communicate regulatory requirements to the general public and industry professionals.
- Ability to follow District policies and procedures to insure consistent regulatory outcome.
- Ability to use standard PC applications and other technology as applicable.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health or other related field
- Current R.S/R.E.H.S. license
- Current WA St. Driver’s license
- Possession of Onsite Septic Certificate of Competency from WA Department of Licensing within 2yrs of hire
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
5 years previous EHS experience with onsite program work
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND 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:
- Visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess distance, color and depth; required to regularly communicate with others and exchange accurate information.
- Able to operate a computer and other office productivity equipment; able to remain stationary at a computer for extended periods of time and move around their assigned workspace.
- Frequently move up to 25 pounds and occasionally move up to 50 pounds. They must be able to work within different temperature changes, indoors to outdoors all year round; moving between buildings, undeveloped terrain, steep slopes and entering and exiting test-holes dug by backhoe
- Drive a company vehicle in all seasons, 100-200 miles per day
- Occasionally work evenings and weekends
- PPE for this position includes, facial mask
Chelan-Douglas Health District is an Equal Opportunity Employer