ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
Distinguishing Features of the Class: The work involves responsibility for the investigation and inspection of the non-engineering aspects of environmental health control. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Health Director. The incumbent does related work as required. Supervision is not a responsibility of this class. The incumbent may be assigned as a lead worker on certain assignment providing guidance, direction and training to Public Health Technicians. Does related work as required.
Typical Work Activities:
- Performs sanitary surveys including both private water supplies and private sewage disposal facilities to identify sources of contamination and recommend corrective action;
- Performs inspections of permitted establishments such as restaurants, food service vendors, children’s camps and any other related service in a community;
- Performs animal bite investigations, interviews persons involved and advises on procedures to follow and issues notice of violation where applicable;
- Conducts soil percolation tests and other technical tests;
- Collects water, food and other samples for laboratory examination;
- Prepares reports on inspections and investigations;
- Designs and reviews private water and private sewage disposal systems for temporary and or permanent residences;
- Investigates complaints regarding septic/sewage systems and water supply systems and other public health nuisance complaints at the request of health officers and boards of health;
- Interprets laboratory reports, and bacteriological analysis;
- Conducts training sessions an environmental health regulation and procedures for public officials and private contractors;
- May testify at enforcement proceedings;
- Assists in emergency preparedness activities through the Public Health Department.
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:
- Good knowledge of environmental health practices; sanitation laws, regulations and modern inspection methods;
- Good knowledge of State and local sanitary codes, laws and regulations, Environmental Conservation Law and applicable provisions of the Agriculture and Markets Law;
- Good knowledge of the principals and practices of conducting environmental sanitary surveys and investigations;
- Good professional and administrative judgment;
- Working knowledge of natural science and mathematics;
- Ability to prepare and deliver presentations in clear, concise and articulate manner;
- Ability to analyze and organize data including electronic data and prepare records and reports;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
- Ability to work independently;
- Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
(a) Possession of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with thirty (30) credit hours in the natural sciences, of which not more than twelve (12) credit hours may be in the applied sciences, and have satisfactorily completed a public health training course approved by the State Health Department within two years of appointment; OR
(b) May be a public health technician who possesses five years of experience as a public health technician deemed satisfactory by the local commissioner of health or public health director and have satisfactorily completed a public health training course approved by the State Health Department.
Special Requirements: Possession of an appropriate New York State Motor Vehicle Drivers License at the time of appointment.
Note: An original transcript is needed for all degrees.
The term natural science shall mean a science such as biology, chemistry or physics that deals with the objects, phenomena, or laws of nature and the physical world. It shall include all physical and biological sciences.
The term applied science shall mean science based courses in environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, and infection control or food science.