Environmental Health Specialist
Position Summary
This vacancy in the community environmental health program will work collaboratively to ensure compliance with various public health ordinances and state rules. The major focus of this position will be inspecting food and lodging establishments, public pools and manufactured home parks licensed by Ramsey County. This position will also investigate reports of public health nuisances. The ideal candidate will have knowledge or experience in food, pool, lodging regulation and compliance. To perform a full range of duties relating to environmental health, including ensuring compliance with applicable laws, community education, and the planning, implementation, and enforcement of environmental health programs; and to perform related duties as assigned.
Examples of Work Performed
- Regularly inspect solid waste management facilities or the sites of hazardous waste generators or facilities for compliance with Ramsey County ordinances, state rules and law, and Federal regulations and law; review management plans, take samples, analyze results, and document findings; gather evidence, such as photographs and samples, to document violations; if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action, and initiate enforcement action; perform reviews of facility plans and specifications prior to and during construction and/or remodeling; issue new permits/licenses or renew existing ones, if appropriate.
- Conduct inspections of food establishments, lodging facilities, swimming pools, manufactured home parks, children's camps, and public and private water supplies to ensure compliance with public health and environmental laws and regulations. Document compliance and if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action and initiate enforcement action.
- Investigate public health nuisance complaints.
- Conduct plan reviews for new and remodeled establishments deciding when establishments may go into business.
- Investigate complaints, document conditions, and write written orders from the public concerning hazardous waste violations, solid waste violations, lead, mercury, radon, public health nuisances or clandestine drug labs, and take appropriate action.
- Maintain and update Ramsey County dump site inventory; provide technical data concerning dumpsites as requested by consultants and the public for environmental reviews.
- Monitor solid waste haulers' compliance with the County Environmental Charge (CEC); review data submittals; prepare reports on CEC; coordinate work with the Finance and Washington County, and initiate enforcement actions if needed.
- Conduct home inspections for hazards such as lead, mercury, radon, asthma triggers and perform risk assessments related to childhood lead poisoning.
- Provide technical assistance to public and private entities inspected and discuss with them any changes that are necessary to be in compliance with county ordinances and state and federal law; plan, design and conduct training sessions and educational seminars for public and private entities on requirements, regulations, and methods of compliance.
- Assist in developing and maintaining Ramsey County's environmental health programs and related policies by gathering information, conducting research and analysis, reviewing technical reports, conferring with other environmental health professionals, industry officials, and regulatory agencies, and by analyzing legal requirements.
- Assist in coordinating Ramsey County's yard waste management and household hazardous waste management programs by scheduling yard waste monitors, monitoring vendor performance, managing program data and reports, overseeing the maintenance of sites and ensuring the yard waste and household hazardous waste sites are in compliance with solid waste and zoning laws and regulations.
- Conduct public education programs on environmental health issues for community groups and schools; respond to inquiries from the public relating to environmental health laws or issues.
- Investigate foodborne and waterborne illness complaints and outbreaks. Work with epidemiologists to investigate and halt the spread of disease in the community.
- Share information with other public health agencies and regulatory agencies and work together with them on joint projects, such as the coordination of community training activities.
Minimum Qualifications
For positions in the Food, Beverage and Lodging Inspections and Hazardous and Solid Waste Inspections:
Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental health, environmental sciences, physical, chemical or biological sciences, or a related environmental health natural sciences or natural resources field, including at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical, chemical or biological sciences.
Experience: None.
Certifications/Licensure: A valid drivers' license. Employee must have the following state certification, within 18 months of appointment: Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as required by the Delegation Agreements between Ramsey County and the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health.
Examination Process Information
Please upload transcripts for education that includes at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in physical, chemical, or biological sciences. The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated: Training and Experience Rating = 100%. The Training & Experience Rating will be based on the supplemental questionnaire that you need to complete as part of your application. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training & experience rating. Please be sure to be complete in your answers and do not mark "see resume" or "see work history". Failure to clearly and completely outline your training & experience could adversely affect your rank on the eligible list for this classification.
Eligible List
The names of all applicants who pass the examination/screening process and file a properly completed application shall be placed on the eligible list for employment as an Environmental Health Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 90 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been certified and their status.
Veterans' Preference
This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veterans' Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks
All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment. In addition, you may be subject to one or more of the following: In addition you will be subject to a pre-employment health screening.
Benefits
- Medical, dental and vision insurance – The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium. Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity. MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered. VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered.
- Pre-tax Benefit Program – Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option; Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts; County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan.
- Paid time off – Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees); 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays; Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below; Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours); Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay.
- Retirement benefits – Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments. New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10.