ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST II - HILO, HAWAII ISLAND (OHHI)

Duties Summary

• The Environmental Health Specialist performs professional work involving the protection and promotion of public health and the environment by ensuring compliance with Federal and State laws, rules and regulations related to the elimination and/or prevention of environmental health, environmental impact, and occupational health hazards.
• A position in this class receives on-the-job training in pertinent Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and investigation and inspection methods and techniques.
• Participates with higher level specialists in field activities such as investigations, inspections and collection of samples to develop and expand understanding of pertinent rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Legal Authorization To Work: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
• Prerequisite Knowledge And Abilities: Required Knowledge of basic principles and concepts of a chemical, biological or physical science; mathematics (e.g., college level algebra); problem solving methods and techniques; research methods and techniques; and report writing. Ability to apply principles and concepts of a chemical, biological or physical science; understand and apply pertinent environmental/occupational health, laws, rules and regulations, and investigational and inspectional methods and techniques; collect, analyze and evaluate data; solve problems and make recommendations; perform mathematical calculations to verify data and prepare standard reports; and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a major in chemistry, physics, biology, zoology, environmental science or other closely related field of science. The coursework must have included at least three (3) semester credit hours in college algebra or higher.
• Driver's License: Some positions require possession of a valid driver's license at the time of appointment.
• Lift and Carry: Some positions require the ability to lift and carry objects of varying weights, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Substitutions Allowed

Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements, will apply.

Other Information

• The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.
• The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans.
• Testing Information: The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience.

Job Benefits With The State Of Hawai'i

• Paid Holidays: You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year. Paid Vacation: You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match – 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.
• Paid Sick Leave: You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation – 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.
• Health Insurance: The State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan.
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
• Transportation Benefits: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
• Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.

Promotions & Transfers

For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.

Training & Continuing Education

The State supports developmental activities.