Environmental Health Scientist

GENERAL PURPOSE Under the supervision of the Environmental Health Supervisor, performs working level duties in the implementation and investigation of environmental health protection and enforcement programs. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES (Any one position does not include all of the duties listed; nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.) Performs data collection using standardized techniques and equipment. Performs inspections and pollution source testing; independently evaluates data and prepares written and oral technical reports. Evaluates pollution control equipment, public facilities, institutions, business, and treatment facilities to ensure compliance with County, State, and Federal regulations; negotiates compliance schedules and determines compliance status. Trains in and conducts on-site inspections of eating establishments, commercial facilities, public buildings, sewage disposal sites, water supplies and service stations to enforce an adequate level of environmental protection and safety. Conducts and evaluates results of laboratory tests of samples for determining bacteria content of culinary water, swimming pools and non-potable water sources. Provides training to the public and other agencies; prepares and conducts local educational programs including environmental health surveys, health fairs, preparation of charts, graphs and reports. Investigates complaints involving possible environmental health violations including unsanitary conditions in food facilities including insects, food poisoning, poor hygiene; recommends solutions and performs follow-up inspections to ensure health code compliance. Computes statistical analysis; compiles statistics from random samples or full population studies. Participates in epidemiological surveys and investigations to discover unhealthy conditions and methods of control and correction of epidemics. Prepares inventories; responsible for care and maintenance of monitoring and data processing equipment. Reviews plans and reports dealing with environmental and public health issues; keeps abreast of current literature and developments. Performs quality assurance; assists in developing rules and regulations. Operates a motor vehicle in a safe manner and in compliance with all Utah laws and regulations. Performs related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a field of study (i.e., agronomy, biology, botany, chemistry, environmental health science, geology, microbiology, physics, physiology, sanitary engineering, or zoology) that meets criteria for licensure as a Registered Environmental Health Scientist by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), plus two (2) years of full-time experience as an Environmental Health Scientist, or an acceptable combination of education and experience. 2. Special Requirements: Must be licensed as a Registered Environmental Health Scientist by the Utah DOPL. Must pass a criminal history background investigation. Furnish personal transportation for on-the-job travel; employees driving a personal or a County vehicle for job related travel must possess a valid driver license and must operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner; new employees with an out-of-state license must obtain a valid Utah Driver License within sixty (60) days of hire date (exceptions for military personnel and their dependents). Employees driving a personal vehicle while on county business must maintain the minimum vehicle liability insurance as specified in the Utah Code. 3. Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of scientific principles related to assigned job field. Working knowledge of: statistical methods and terminology; general environmental health inspection and enforcement techniques as they pertain to the fields of water supply, water pollution control, refuse, sewage disposal, swimming pool operations, plumbing, food sanitation, air pollution, solid waste, disposal, radiological and occupational health, bacteriology, biology, chemistry entomology, and other sciences related to the fields of environmental and public health, epidemiology and communicable disease control as they relate to environmental health, field sampling and laboratory testing procedures. This position may require the driving of a motor vehicle; skill in operating a motor vehicle in a safe manner; ability to insure motor vehicle is operating in a safe manner; knowledge of Utah motor vehicle rules and regulations. Ability to: exercise sound independent judgment, identify problems and recommend solutions, follow through on assigned tasks; read, understand and articulate laws and regulations; efficiently use a computer and all applicable software; communicate effectively (orally and in writing); follow written and oral instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees, other agencies, and the general public.