Environmental Health Specialist

The Environmental Health Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating environmental health programs and services that protect and promote community health. This position includes education, inspections, investigations, prevention efforts, and community outreach related to environmental health concerns across the communities served. Additional responsibilities include program planning, budgeting, training, quality assurance, and program and service evaluation; compiling and submitting required progress, expenditure, and data reports to program funding sources and appropriate government agencies; and researching, preparing, and submitting grants and other alternative funding proposals.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 

• Models the organization’s mission, values, and activities, and aligns work with the goals and objectives of the organization’s strategic plan. 

• Attends/participates in any meetings as requested or required and represents WCDHD professionally with any internal or external partners. 

• Maintains an overall understanding of the operations, programs and services of WCDHD; the 10 Essential Public Health Services and Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) domains, standards, and measures. 

• Incorporates health literacy best practices and tools into organizational activities and communications. 

• Demonstrates sound judgment, and effective decision-making; behaves ethically and honestly; treats all individuals with fairness, respect, and professionalism; fosters trust in professional relationships; uses resources effectively; and accepts responsibility for decisions and actions. 

• Ability to review, analyze, and interpret policies, guidance, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. 

• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional written materials, including reports, policies, grants, and business correspondence. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with public and private organizations, practices, partnerships, and programs within the community 

• Conduct regulatory inspections to assess compliance with public health standards, accurately document findings, and collaborate with state and local partners to ensure timely communication and follow-up on identified concerns. 
• Investigate and document environmental complaints, coordinate with appropriate agencies for assistance or referral, and provide recommendations or follow-up in accordance with organizational procedures. 
• Inform, educate, and empower residents on a wide range of environmental health topics, providing prevention guidance and resources on issues that may impact community health and quality of life. 

• Develop, promote, implement, and evaluate environmental health programs, educational initiatives, and community activities related to air quality, water quality, lead hazards, and other community environmental health priorities while increasing participation and engagement. 

• Operate, maintain, and properly utilize specialized environmental sampling, monitoring, and testing equipment used in environmental health programs. 

• Evaluate and participate in trainings, seminars, and educational opportunities related to environmental health issues, regulatory compliance, and public outreach. 

• Develop and maintain educational materials, resources, and information systems that provide current information on environmental health risks and prevention strategies to the public, industry, and partner agencies. 

• Educate the public regarding environmental concerns and provide guidance related to sanitation standards involving food safety, water supply, garbage disposal, sewage disposal, housing maintenance, and other environmental health matters. 

• Search for funding opportunities and assist with the development, submission, and implementation of grants, budgets, and contracts supporting environmental health priorities 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.