Environmental Health Specialist - Public Health (Food & Lodging Inspections)

Environmental Health Specialist - Public Health (Food & Lodging Inspections)

"Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career"

Salary Range: $57,346.00 - $75,266.63/year

This is an exempt (salary) position

Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job

This role is on-site 5 days a week.

About Us

At Mecklenburg County, you'll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We're counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County Public Health become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a healthier world for all.

As a member of the Mecklenburg County Public Health team, you will become a subject matter expert in the public health field. The CDC foundation explains that "Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting health lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious disease".

Come be a part of Mecklenburg County's Public Health department's vision to "assure the health and safety of our diverse and changing community today and for future generations."

Position Summary

Performs technical, investigative, and regulatory work to protect and promote the public's health by the enforcement of multiple codes and regulations. This position, under minimal supervision, evaluates regulated food services, institutions, public swimming pools to determine the degree of compliance with state and county laws, rules, and regulations. Determines the public health risk factors based on field and laboratory findings and decides what level of immediate and/or legal remediation is appropriate for the situation.

Essential Functions

• Work cooperatively with operators of systems and establishments to improve operational processes to reduce risk of illness and diagnose problems related to operations impacting public health and safety.
• Conduct field test, sampling and investigations to assess potential biological, physical and/or chemical contamination of food, groundwater and the physical environment to determine sources of and methods for control of hazards.
• Review inspection reports and monitor follow-up corrective and enforcement actions and plan to achieve long-term as well as short-term resolutions to violations that are critical due to lack of compliance with state and local regulations.
• Investigate complaints from the public, medical referrals and community illness reports concerning suspected violations of environmental laws, rules and regulations.
• Coordinate and participate in enforcement actions with external agencies such as Fire and Police.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and other documents concerning complaints and enforcement activities.
• Consult with management, other state and local governmental agencies and industry representatives on food and water safety and environmental concerns.
• Utilize data processing applications involving databases and spreadsheets to compile, inventory, and manage field testing, sampling and investigations data.
• Provide field training for new employees and other public health personnel.
• Serve as an educational resource to the public, property owners, establishment operators and their staff about environmental water and food safety practices designed to prevent the spread of disease.
• Review and approve/disapprove plans for construction, repair, and/or safe abandonment of onsite wastewater systems and wells; construction or remodeling of food service establishments, public swimming pools and institutions.
• Issue or modify operational permits when work is completed and in compliance with local and state requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

Two years of experience or equivalent education and experience in the field of environmental health practice.

Education:

Educational requirements are mandated by NC General Statute 90A 53(3): graduate from a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree program that is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC); or graduate from a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree program that is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) having earned a minimum of 30 semester hours or its equivalent in the physical or biological sciences.

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: Yes

Licenses and Certifications

• Chapter 90A of the NC General Statutes requires that an Environmental Health Specialist be registered with the NC State Board of Environmental Health Specialists Examiners as a "Registered Environmental Health Specialist"
• All requirements for registration, including successfully passing a comprehensive exam must be met within three years from date of registration or the incumbent cannot practice in this field.
• Requirements to be completed above the educational standard include: Successful completion of Centralized Intern Training provided by the NCDHHS (NC Department of Health and Human Services); Completion of 15 contact hours of Board approved continuing education annually; Completion of Environmental Health Law course within five years or initial registration.
• State authorization or licensure in one or more of the following fields: Food, Lodging and Institutions (FLI), Child-Care and School Sanitation (CCSS); Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (CLPP); Public Swimming Pools (PSP)
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver''s License
• Requires County Driving Privileges
• Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

• State laws and regulations, county ordinances, administrative rulings, and judicial decisions that pertain to the area of environmental health and sanitation
• Communicable diseases, transmission methods and prevention
• Proper sampling techniques and operation of necessary equipment

Skills

• Proper application of rules, interpretations, policies, and procedures; using effective field evaluation techniques
• Applying statistical analysis to food, water, and vector-borne illness outbreaks and other related environmental health issues.
• Utilizing effective written and oral communications, providing exceptional customer service
• Recognizing and respecting diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and the ability to effectively communicate with non- or minimal English speaking clients
• Using a computer and related database and software applications

Abilities

• Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner
• Business Acumen: Using scientific, economic, financial, market and industry data to understand and improve business results; using one's understanding of major business functions, industry trends and own organization's position to contribute to effective business strategies and tactics
• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information required
• Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently

Computer Skills

• Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Compensation & Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge, and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare, and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation, and sick days; near-site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

Work Environment

Works in outdoor exposed to weather conditions

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.