Environmental Health Specialist - Food & Lodging
Salary
$54,739.00 - $88,151.00 Annually
Location
Nashville, NC
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2026-00064
Department
Health Department
Division
Health Departments
Opening Date
07/13/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
General Statement of Duties
surveillance, consultation, inspection, and enforcement of state, local, and federal environmental health laws and regulations. Employees may work as generalists with responsibility in a variety of environmental health programs, or as specialists with the majority of time spent in a single program area with some additional responsibility in other programs. Work may include coordinating the work and training of technicians, and assisting in the training of new Environmental Health Program Specialists. Employees typically consult with Environmental Health Program Specialists, Environmental Health Program Coordinator, or supervisors on more complex issues.
I. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:
Variety and Scope- Employees are involved in educating the general public on environmental matters, inspecting, providing advice on the correction of environmental problems, and enforcing state, local, and federal laws relating to the environment in several distinct environmental programs.
Intricacy- Problems encountered, while varying from program to program, are similar in nature. However, the characteristics of individual problems differ requiring analysis of varying data, the determination of several courses of action, and the weighing of the effects of alternatives.
Subject Matter Complexity- Work requires a complete knowledge of state, local, and federal environmental health laws and regulations, as well as procedures utilized in enforcing these laws and regulations. Work requires a general knowledge of a variety of material and physical sciences as a basis for enforcement, education, and consultation roles.
Guidelines- Standards, guidelines, and rules are available and applicable in most areas of program activity.
Essential Duties and Tasks
Nature of Instruction- Employees function relatively independent of supervision and plan short-term work schedules. Instructions are usually general in nature except in unusual circumstances involving the most complex and/or controversial issues and where the probability of legal action exists.
Nature of Review- Work receives limited technical review which is usually accomplished after the work is completed. Administrative review is provided on a regular basis to ensure that administrative policies, procedures, and practices are being followed.
Scope of Decisions- Decisions have a direct effect on the health of individuals or groups of people. Decisions have financial impact on business, property owners, and contractors.
Consequences of Decisions- Improper actions and decisions could result in the development of unhealthy environmental conditions which could cause poisoning or the spread of communicable diseases. Decisions made during inspections could cause financial loss to businessmen through disruption of their operations. Decisions regarding waste disposal could cause financial loss to homeowners or developers through the delay or curtailment of construction.
III. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Scope of Contracts- Employees have frequent contacts with local and state officials, contractors, developers, attorneys, the general public, property owners, owners, and managers of a variety of businesses and institutions, and local interest groups.
Nature and Purpose- Employees explain, interpret, justify, and obtain compliance with various laws and rules. Education, persuasion, and defending controversial and/or unpopular decisions are activities typically present.
IV. OTHER WORK DEMANDS:
Work Conditions- Working conditions are typical of those encountered in most indoor/outdoor activities with the additional consideration of exposure to inclement weather, difficult terrain, or filth. Employees may have contact with antagonistic and/or uncooperative members of the general public, and decisions rendered in some cases result in considerable emotional stress.
Hazards- Employees may be exposed to moving machinery, hot grease, or communicable diseases which may result in some loss time.
Knowledges, Skills and Abilities
Working knowledge of environmental health laws, rules, and procedures, as well as a complete understanding of the concepts of public heath law. Practical knowledge of microbiology, biology, chemistry, food science, epidemiology, soil science, entomology, and basic engineering technology as applied to environmental health practices. General knowledge of community resources. Working knowledge of the responsibilities of other agencies involved in environmental health work. Working knowledge of the interrelationship between socio-economic factors and environmental health concerns. Working knowledge of the design of on-site waste water treatment systems, food sanitation, food borne diseases, communicable diseases, vector control, protection of water supplies, solid waste management, and institutional sanitation. Working knowledge of inspection methods and investigation techniques as applied in environmental health. Ability to analyze and comprehend a wide variety of technical and administrative regulations, records, and reports. Ability to exercise sound judgement and deal tactfully with a wide range of public contracts while enforcing public health laws and regulations. Ability to motivate and educate business and property owners and the consuming public in matters related to protecting and promoting public health. Ability to present formal environmental health training programs. Ability to develop and express ideas and opinions concisely, comprehensively, and clearly in oral and written from. Ability to independently plan and schedule work activities. Ability to apply environmental health knowledge and techniques in the investigation of environmental health problems.
Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from a four-year college or university with 30 semester of course work in the physical or biological sciences and two years of exposure in environmental health; or a four-year or Master's degree in environmental health from a program which is accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Environmental Health Curricula of the National Environmental Health Association and one year of experience in environmental health.
Necessary Special Qualification- Approval for registration as a Sanitarian or registration as a Sanitarian by the North Carolina Board of Sanitarian Examiners prior to employment.
Administering the Trainee Appointment- Appointees must be eligible for registration and apply for registration as a Sanitarian Intern within 60 days of employment. Employees may remain registered as a Sanitarian Intern until registration as a Sanitarian or up to three years, whichever comes first.
Special Note: This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to identify essential functions per ADA. Examples of work are primarily essential functions of the majority of the positions in this class but may not be applicable to all positions
INSURANCE PROGRAMS
Nash County offers cafeteria-style benefits including:
and more!
FINANCIAL PROGRAMS
Retirement
Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System is a requirement for all regular full-time and regular part-time employees. Employees contribute 6% of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have 5 years of service, you are 100% vested in the NCLGERS.
NC401(k)
The NC401(k) supplemental retirement program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees. The County establishes this 401(k) account for each eligible employee and makes a 5% contribution based on monthly earnings. Employees may elect to make voluntary contributions through payroll deduction.
457 Deferred Compensation
The 457 Deferred Compensation program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees through payroll deduction. Deferred compensation is a voluntary investment plan to supplement retirement income and to defer taxable income.
Special Separation Allowance
The Separation Allowance is available to law enforcement officers between the ages of 55 and 62 years that are eligible and retire under the provisions of the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System.
125 Flexible Benefit Plan
Flexible Spending Account options are available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees who wish to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and daycare expenses. The Flex Convenience Card program gives you instant access to your account funds.
Direct Deposit
Direct Deposit is a condition of employment for all employees. Deposit of your paycheck will be made to checking or savings accounts in a bank of your choice.
LEAVE PROGRAMS
Vacation Leave
For regular full-time County employees, vacation leave accrues based on length of service in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated vacation leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit.
Sick Leave
For regular full-time County employees, sick leave accrues each pay-cycle. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated sick leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit. Your unused sick leave balance can be applied as creditable service toward a service retirement under the guidelines of the NCLGERS.
Holidays
The policy of the County is to follow the holiday schedule as published by the State of North Carolina each year.
The following holidays are observed:
Military Leave
Annual Training - Reserves and National Guard -Ten paid workdays per fiscal year.
Active Duty - Reserves and National Guard - Ten paid workdays upon activation.
Civil Leave
Paid leave is provided to full-time or regular part-time County employees called for jury duty or as a witness of the court for the federal or state government, or a subdivision thereof.
Family Medical Leave Act
Federal law provides job protection and continuation of existing paid health insurance during 12 weeks of leave, paid or unpaid, to an eligible employee for qualifying events. These events can include birth or adoption, and serious illness of an immediate family member, or of the employee.
OTHER PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program is open to all employees and their dependents. It is a confidential service provided at no cost to the employees of the County. EAP provides certified counselors who administer assessment and brief therapy to employees who want help with a variety of personal and work-related issues such as stress, parenting concerns, grief, alcohol/drug use, family problems, financial concerns, and work-related problems.
Wellness Center and Telemedicine
We believe that staying healthy is inclusive of exercising regularly and taking care of your physical body. Nash County has a Wellness Center, which consists of various exercise equipment and videos, open to all full and part-time employees.
All full-time employees also have access to telemedicine through Teladoc. Teladoc treats conditions like allergies, sore throats, asthma, and more. Doctors are available by phone or video 24/7 from wherever you are. They are available to diagnose symptoms and send a prescription if needed.
NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
The benefits offered by Nash County are subject to change. In the event there is a conflict between the above contents and Nash County policies and/or a State or Federal statute, the policy/statute shall control. Plan documents will govern benefits plans should there be a conflict with this information. They are not held out to any employee as part of any contractual agreement. Benefits, policies, and procedures are subject to change or termination at any time.
Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Actual provisions of each plan will be provided on the certificate of coverage as part of the Summary Plan description.
Nash County is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Provider
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).
Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDAs Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint filing cust.html and any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
fax: (202) 690-7442; or
email: program.intake@usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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Required Question
Employer Nash County
Address 120 W. Washington Street
Nashville, North Carolina, 27856
Phone 252-459-9853
Website http://www.nashcountync.gov