Environmental Health Specialist 1

Class Characteristics

Under supervision, to apply sanitary, biological and physical science principles and knowledge to improve and control environmental factors affecting the public's health and welfare; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Environmental Health section within the Public Health Division is responsible for inspecting food, tourist, housing, school, institutional care and day care and other public facilities for compliance with public health laws; evaluating the safety of private and public water supplies and sewage systems; and conducting epidemiological investigations.

The Environmental Health Specialist series is primarily oriented to performing various professional field, research, consultative and enforcement activities to ensure the environmental health and safety of Clackamas County citizens.

The Environmental Health Specialist 1 is the entry level position in the Environmental Health Specialist series. Incumbents assist in conducting surveys, inspections and investigations of public and private facilities to determine compliance with public health laws and administrative rules.

Environmental Health Specialist 1 differs from Environmental Health Specialist 2 in that the first is the training level position, and the second is journey level position.

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Assists in the inspection of food, tourist, housing, school, institutional care and day care facilities, and public swimming and spa pools for compliance with State sanitation laws and regulations; conducts health hazard surveys.
2. Assists in conducting public water system surveys and following up on alerts.
3. Assists in the evaluation of private water supplies and sewage systems; collects samples for laboratory analysis; interprets and documents test results.
4. Assists in the investigation of communicable disease outbreaks implicating food or water or other environmental causes in public facilities or in a community; recommends necessary control measures.
5. Assists in the review of building and mechanical plans and specifications of proposed or existing facilities for compliance with public health laws.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Working knowledge of: Applicable public health statutes and laws, County ordinances and state memos and policies; modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of environmental health and sanitation; procedures and practices of disease control; water, sewage and septic systems and their placement and usage; sanitary standards for public swimming and spa pools, institutional care facilities, schools and water supplies, restaurants, tourist facilities, day care facilities and farm labor camps.

Skill to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; investigate and report on compliance with sanitary and environmental standards, laws, rules and regulations; perform and interpret clinical, physical, and biological tests related to environmental health and sanitation investigations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; promote awareness of and participation toward the correction of public health problems among the general public.

Working Conditions

Duties in the field require standing, walking, twisting, squatting, bending, reaching, balancing, grasping, fine motor control, the ability to lift, carry, push, pull objects, and involve exposure to confined spaces, noises, dust, chemicals, slippery and/or uneven surfaces, and adverse weather conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.

Experience: None required.

Licenses/Certifications:
The following licensure/certifications are required at the time of hire.

• Registration as a "Environmental Health Specialist Trainee" (per ORS 700.020)

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Other Information

The Environmental Health Specialist 1 is part of a promotional career path. Incumbents In the Environmental Health Specialist 1 classification may be promoted to the Environmental Health Specialist 2 classification upon completion of an approved training and development plan. Possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities at the higher level must be documented in an approved promotional appraisal form.

Edited: 12/24

Classification No. 722
Established: 2/91
FLSA: Exempt
EEO: 2