PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST I/TRAINEE

About the Role

This position is responsible for enforcing the provisions of New York State’s Public Health Law (PHL), as well as other State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations as they pertain to community environmental health standards of sanitation and safety. The Specialist I level is distinguished by responsibility for functioning in a lead capacity and handling more difficult cases and projects. General supervision is received from a higher-level Representative or administrative staff member, and supervision may be exercised over trainee staff.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the inspection and management of environmental health programs such as childhood lead poisoning, public water supplies, realty subdivisions, food service establishments, temporary residences, mobile home parks, campgrounds, swimming pools, bathing beaches, migrant farmworker housing, children’s camps, tobacco enforcement, Legionella control, and nuisance complaints.
• Conducts environmental health studies for compliance with standards of operation and sanitary procedures.
• Responds to emergencies and emerging public health issues.
• Communicates health assessments to the public and other government agencies and recommends measures to protect public health.
• Advises and consults with subordinates regarding enforcement of the Public Health Law and Sanitary Code provisions.
• Works with local building inspectors, law enforcement personnel, fire department personnel, and other officials in the identification and elimination of unsanitary housing conditions.
• Directs Public Health Specialist Trainees and other personnel as required.
• Prepares complaints and investigations to file when legal action is necessary and testifies at scheduled enforcement proceedings.
• Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail, and database software in performing work assignments.
• Performs other incidental tasks as needed.

Typical work activities are illustrative and not exhaustive; other related duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Trainee: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree which included thirty (30) credit hours in the natural sciences, of which not more than twelve (12) credit hours may be in the applied sciences; OR five (5) years of experience as a public health technician deemed satisfactory by the local commissioner of health.

Specialist I: Possession of a Master’s Degree supplemented by thirty (30) qualifying semester credit hours in the natural sciences, and one (1) year of experience conducting inspections to determine compliance with federal, state, and local environmental health laws, regulations, or established public health standards, and/or experience monitoring public health environmental hazards and developing methods to control or eliminate such hazards or spread of disease; OR possession of a Bachelor’s Degree which included thirty (30) credit hours in the natural sciences, and two (2) years of experience conducting inspections to determine compliance with federal, state, and local environmental health laws, regulations, or established public health standards, and/or experience monitoring and developing methods to control or eliminate public health hazards and spread of disease.

The term natural science includes sciences such as biology, chemistry, or physics that deal with the objects, phenomena, or laws of nature and the physical world, encompassing all physical and biological sciences.

Special Requirement

Candidate must possess and maintain a clear and valid New York State Driver’s License appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated to meet the transportation needs of the job.

Additional Note

Appointees must satisfactorily complete a public health training course approved by the State Health Department within two years of appointment.

Pay

$65,145–$74,865 (Trainee) / $76,363–$86,070 (Specialist I).