Environmental Health Specialist I

Application closing date: 8/28/2026

Pay

Hiring pay range: $57,491.20 - $70,428.80 per year ($27.64 - $33.86 per hour)
Full pay range: $57,491.20 - $83,366.40 per year ($27.64 - $40.08 per hour)
FLSA: Exempt

About the role

The EHS I is the entry-level position in the Environmental Health Specialist classification series. This role conducts independent work with guidance from senior staff and the Environmental Health (EH) Manager, focusing on a wide range of technical and educational environmental health functions. Key areas include consumer protection (childcare, retail food, and schools), oil and gas development, air quality, water quality, hazardous materials and waste management, land use, onsite wastewater, epidemiology, and emergency preparedness and response. The position primarily operates within an inspectional framework and participates as part of an environmental health team.

Responsibilities

• Serve the public and regulated community through administrative duties, including report writing, monitoring environmental health hotlines, office coverage for unscheduled appointments, and document management.
• Emphasize risk communication and public health education when interacting with the regulated community, particularly retail food establishments, using plain language to ensure clarity of inspection findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with federal, state, and local government agencies, private industry, and community organizations to coordinate environmental health efforts and share information for consumer protection and public health.
• Work closely with internal team members to ensure consistent application of environmental health and department policies, supporting a unified, educational approach when working with the public.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential records and information in accordance with HIPAA, Garfield County Codes, and applicable public health regulations.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities to support community safety and continuity of public health services.
• Conduct inspections to assess sanitary conditions and promote public health compliance for facilities such as:
  • Retail food establishments, grocery stores, and temporary retail food establishments
  • Childcare and school facilities
  • Waste tire facilities
  • On-site wastewater treatment systems
  • Air pollution emission sources
• Serve as a resource to regulated facilities by providing education, interpretation of public health codes, and practical recommendations to improve safety and compliance.
• Utilize technical equipment during routine inspections.
• Apply State of Colorado and Garfield County public health laws and regulations, emphasizing education and guidance to help facility operators meet compliance standards. May assist senior staff with appropriate legal action when necessary.
• Investigate public health concerns and consumer complaints, working with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Participate in communicable disease outbreak investigations and response.
• Perform field sample collection for potential food-borne illness investigations, water quality, wastewater discharges, and air quality.
• Write summary reports and correspondence to communicate findings, guidance, and follow-up actions supporting public health improvements.
• Review temporary food establishment applications and site plans to ensure public health standards are incorporated for proper food safety at unique events.
• Review onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) design reports, drawings, and site plans to ensure public health standards are met. Issue OWTS permits and conduct inspections.
• Assist with environmental health education programs to present technical and scientific information effectively to the public.
• Respond to questions from the public and regulated entities with professionalism and empathy, offering guidance to improve understanding and encourage voluntary compliance.
• Assist in developing or delivering outreach materials and messaging to promote public health protection and improve community health literacy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Public Service: Commitment to providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County.
• Customer Service: Commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal and external), including being helpful, professional, courteous, and understanding of customers’ needs.
• Stewardship & Innovation: Good stewardship of public resources and a focus on innovation and efficiency improvements.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people toward shared goals while considering others' needs.
• Business Technology: Ability to utilize required technology and demonstrate willingness to learn modern technologies to support exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiency.
• Communication: Proficient in written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position.
• Integrity: Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct (fairness, honesty, and respect) while performing essential job functions.
• Take initiative, adapt to changing situations, and pay attention to detail.
• Use critical thinking skills and work independently.
• Follow established Garfield County Public Health guidelines and regulations.
• Seek guidance, collaborate with senior staff, and support team-based decision-making.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Disability and Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Employee Gyms

To view the complete benefits information, please visit Garfield County Benefits Brochure.