Environmental Health Specialist II

Mohave County Public Health Environmental Health Division is looking to fill the position of an Environmental Health Specialist II.
About the Environmental Health Division

The Environmental Health Division functions within the County Public Health Department, providing licensing and inspection services to over 2,000 businesses throughout Mohave County to monitor and help prevent conditions that could lead to illness or disease. In addition, the division responds to public nuisance complaints and conducts vector activities for the surveillance of vector-borne illnesses. 

About the position

This position is responsible for protecting public health by inspecting, evaluating, and enforcing compliance with state laws and County ordinances across a wide range of licensed establishments, including food service facilities, lodging operations, recreational areas, pools and spas, schools, and waste-handling services. The role reviews construction plans for compliance, investigates public health complaints, and identifies conditions that may pose health risks through field surveys and sample collection. It provides guidance to owners and contractors on regulatory requirements, determines corrective actions, and monitors compliance. The position also works collaboratively with other County departments and governmental agencies, prepares detailed inspection and investigation reports, and maintains accurate records of all activities, including documentation required for review by a Registered Sanitarian.  This position is expected to work in all Environmental Health program areas as needed through practical and strategic application of technical and professional skills.

• The job functions of this position provide a balance of office and field work and require the ability to work in conditions which can present possible exposure to inhospitable temperatures and weather conditions, noxious odors, excessive noise, and hazardous or other disagreeable environmental elements. 

• Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; may be required to work earlier or later than standard operational hours, including alternating weekends and some holidays for temporary events. This position is subject to call back. 

• May require travel to other service areas including occasional overnight travel to the areas of Beaver Dam, Littlefield, and Colorado City for inspections or training events.

• Occasional overnight travel may also be required to attend educational conferences or professional training workshops.

• Frequent interaction with the public, business owners, and community partners. Occasional but routine public speaking and presentations are expected for the delivery of educational and informational components of environmental health programs. 

Environmental Health Specialist II

The advanced level in the Environmental Health Specialist job series, which typically performs the more complex inspection and public service work of environmental health regulation. Appointment to this position requires current registration as a Sanitarian and two (2) years’ experience performing environmental health inspections and fieldwork. 

Environmental Health Specialist I

The intermediate level in the Environmental Health Specialist job series, which typically performs the more moderate inspection and public service work of environmental health regulation. Appointment to this position requires the completion of either: a) three (3) years’ experience as an Environmental Health Technician (Sanitarian Aide) or b) the completion of 30 semester hours at an accredited college, including 22 semester hours in physical or natural science courses.

Environmental Health Technician

The entry and trainee level in the Environmental Health Specialist job series. This level typically performs the more routine, less complex inspections and public service work of environmental health regulation. This position is used to provide on-the-job training and is designed to assist in meeting the eligibility requirements to qualify for registration as a Sanitarian. Appointment to this position requires at least three (3) years of work experience in a field directly related to environmental health or regulatory compliance.

Compensation

Environmental Health Specialist II - Range 17, Step 1-8 ($25.65 - $31.55), DOQ
Environmental Health Specialist I - Range 15, Step 1-8 ($23.26 - $28.61), DOQ
Environmental Health Technician - Range 12, Step 1-8 ($20.09 - $24.71), DOQ

• Must pass pre-employment background screening.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license for operation of motor vehicles on Arizona roads at the start of employment and maintain said license while employed in this position.

Proud to Offer: 

Paid Time Off (PTO):

• 11 Paid Holidays.
• End of Year PTO Buyback (optional).

Retirement Benefits:

• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
  • Contribution rate of 11.98% with 100% Employer Match starting on first day.
• Deferred Compensations Programs (optional)

Comprehensive Wellness Program:

• Low-cost, high-value health care plans for you and your family that include Medical, Dental, Vision.
• 24/7 Virtual Care including Onsite Health Screening Events
• Marketplace Discounts
• Onsite Gyms or Gym Membership Stipend
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Basic Life, Supplemental Life/AD&D Insurances with additional voluntary benefits include Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Plans. 
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA-includes Dependent Care).

• Inspects, evaluates and renders decisions of compliance or violation on various types of licensed establishments and related public establishments for adherence to environmental health rules and regulations as set by State of Arizona. Licensed and public establishments include, but are not limited to, motels, trailer parks, public bathing facilities, swimming pools, food retail stores, food service establishments, and pet stores.
• Reviews construction plans and specifications of various types of licensed establishments, public establishments or properties for compliance to environmental health rules and regulations as set by the State of Arizona.
• Conducts field and office training and instruction sessions to food service establishments to educate owners and managers on proper environmental health practices and procedures. Consults and instructs owners and managers of licensed public establishments or other individuals of the environmental health practices and procedures and the requirements for building, maintaining or correcting a violation of a public or licensed establishment or within any other scope of the environmental health area.
• Investigates, responds and resolves citizen's complaints involving potential or possible public health problems.
• Coordinates inspection activities with other County departments and governmental agencies.
• Collects field samples for analysis. Conducts investigations of health and disease concerns that reach epidemic proportions and conducts general environmental health surveys. Investigates and surveys areas of potential insect and rodent infestation. Analyzes information gathered, interprets analysis and submits recommendations based on findings.
• Secures compliance with pertinent regulations by promotion, education and enforcement of environmental health rules and regulations.
• Prepares reports, maintains records and issues environmental health related violation or closure notices. 
• May be required to develop and deliver a variety of presentations designed to educate the public on the requirements outlined in Proposition 201 – Smoke-Free Arizona Act.
• Communicates and acts in a professional manner with the public, co-workers, and work contacts.

• Create and maintain a supportive work environment with other departments and community programs, Public Health divisions, and Public Health leadership on accreditation domain while maintaining a culture of quality improvement.
• Apply basic principles, practices, techniques, teaching, and communication methods related to the age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational level and socioeconomic status of community members.
• Communicate and act in a cultural competent and professional manner maintaining cooperative relationships with community members, co-workers, and work contacts.

Environmental Health Specialist II

• High School Diploma/GED (General Education Degree)

• Five (5) years of employment as an Environmental Health Technician in a recognized public agency or in a private industry position directly related to environmental health or completion of Thirty (30) semester hours of credit in natural sciences at an accredited college or university and One (1) year experience in performing environmental health inspections in the areas of food service and business establishments, swimming pools, lodging accommodations and trailer parks or Five (5) years of full-time Military Duty in the field of environmental health.
• Current registration with the State of Arizona as a Sanitarian or valid registration as a Sanitarian with another state. (if registered in another state, must successfully pass the State of Arizona Sanitarian Registration examination or obtain reciprocity within six months of employment) AND an additional Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience performing environmental health inspections in the areas of food service and business establishments, wastewater and septic systems, swimming pools, lodging accommodations and trailer parks after registration as a Sanitarian. 
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications. 

 

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Sciences, such as Biology, Chemistry, Ecology or other related field.

Environmental Health Specialist I

• High School diploma/GED (General Education Degree) 
• Must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Completion of five (5) years of employment as an Environmental Health Technician (Sanitarian Aide) in a recognized public agency or in a private industry position directly related to environmental health.
• Completion of five (5) years of full-time military duty in the field of environmental health.
• Completion of thirty (30) semester hours of credit in the natural sciences at an accredited college or university and one (1) year experience in performing environmental health inspections in the areas of food service and business establishments, wastewater and septic systems, swimming pools, lodging accommodations and trailer parks 
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications. 

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Basic Sciences, such as Biology, Chemistry, or other related field.

Environmental Health Technician

• High School Diploma/GED (General Education Degree).
• College level courses in the Basic Sciences (such as, Biology, Chemistry).
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications. 

Knowledge of:

• Relevant federal, state and county codes, laws, rules and regulations pertaining to environmental health and sanitation.
• Biological and physical science applicable to environmental health and safety.
• Principles, practices and techniques of environmental health inspections, education, compliance, and enforcement.
• Methods and techniques of investigating, inspecting, and obtaining compliance where corrections are necessary.
• Environmental research and statistical methods.
• Sampling techniques and related apparatus used to monitor and/or collect samples of substances for analyses.

• General principles and application of microbiology as it relates to food-safety and disease transmission.
• General principles and application of chemistry as it relates to hazardous materials.
• General principles and application of public health knowledge as relates to sewage disposal systems
• Department policies, rules and procedures

• Principles of personal safety and protection.
• Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures, and Department Regulations.

Skilled In:

• Computer applications that relate to the job including but not exclusive to Microsoft Windows, Word, Office, Excel, Internet and E-Mail applications, and other modern office procedures.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; technical and expository writing.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations as they relate to the administration of public health.
• Interpret technical information encountered in the performance of responsibilities.
• Secure facts, document information, evaluate data, and draw valid conclusions.
• Identify unsanitary, unsafe, or hazardous conditions of property and premises.
• Analyze situations accurately and take or recommend effective action.
• Apply safe handling and storage techniques of pesticides, chemicals and formulated or naturally occurring hazardous materials or items. 
• Diplomatically and tactfully resolve nonconforming conditions and code and ordinance violations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associate personnel, the general public, county and state departments and agencies and deal tactfully and diplomatically in adverse situations.

• Maintain records and prepare written reports.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Obtain public cooperation in the establishment and maintenance of reasonable public and environmental health standards for public health and safety.
• Perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without a reasonable accommodation. 
• Comply with Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures, and Department Regulations.