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Job Summary

Are you passionate about safeguarding public health, the environment, and sustainable wastewater management? Join our team as a Lead Environmental Health Specialist and make a lasting impact through the On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems Program. In this pivotal role, you'll conduct inspections and investigations of public and private establishments to ensure compliance with health and safety codes while advancing community well-being.

As a lead specialist, you'll mentor Environmental Health Specialists, guide fieldwork, and support problem resolution. Your role will include policy development, public education on critical health topics, and representing Public Health on various committees. With a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and public engagement, you'll help create a healthier and safer environment for all.

If you have a sharp eye for detail, strong communication skills, and a dedication to public health excellence, we encourage you to apply. Lead the way in environmental safety and wastewater treatment—APPLY TODAY!

Hiring Range: $70,725.00 - $75,850.00 Annually

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm, subject to change. Under FLSA guidelines, this position is non-exempt.

Provides environmental health inspections and investigations of public and private establishments and other environmental health-related situations to ensure compliance with Local and State health and safety codes. Serves as a public and environmental health educator; provides information and performs specialized environmental health work. Possesses detailed knowledge in all environmental health programs and serves as lead worker and trainer to Environmental Health Specialists.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Carries out lead worker responsibilities, including training Environmental Health Specialists in job skills, assisting leadership in coordinating field work activities, and making recommendations concerning program planning activities and quality improvement. Provides guidance and mentorship and resolves complex problems and issues. Provides input and support to the leadership regarding applicable performance evaluations; informs supervisor of performance management issues when needed.
Assists in the development of policies and procedures and makes recommendations regarding program improvements.
Enforces and gains compliance of public health laws and regulations by performing inspections, surveys, and investigations.
Provides environmental evaluations, performs data entry of inspection results, and monitors environmental interfaces of animal to human diseases; reports findings and conditions to Division Manager.
Educates owners, operators, students, and the public on environmental health issues and regulations. Conducts presentations with schools, civic groups, and various audiences. Represents Public Health on various committees and groups, including initiating and/or leading internal and external taskforces/committees efforts.
Prepares written and verbal reports. Enters findings, including daily activities, into electronic database.
Conducts and coordinates plan reviews and pre-operational inspections for regulated facilities.
Investigates routine and non-routine complaints. Provides follow-up action.
Obtains compliance with public health laws and regulations through administrative enforcement procedures.
Works with Division Manager to expedite enforcement action. Participates in special team assignments, such as foodborne illness investigations. Provides support for all projects, grant opportunities, and other matters pertaining to the program.
Engages in specialized programs, projects, and research in environmental health science.
Participates in committees related to program activities and responsibilities.
Participates in departmental emergency planning and response activities.
Promotes public health within the community.
Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service in order to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification requires functioning as a lead worker performing essentially the same job duties as those directed and includes overseeing work quality, training, instruction, and scheduling work. May include providing input on hiring/disciplinary action and work objectives/ effectiveness, performance evaluations, and realigning work as needed.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Periodic direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of principles, techniques, practices, and procedures as related to environmental health, especially child care, sanitation, and water recreation safety.
Knowledge of environmental health rules, regulations, and statutes.
Knowledge and understanding of El Paso County and agency policies and procedures.
Skill in working with Federal, State, and/or Local authorities.
Skill in demonstrating a cooperative, professional attitude to cultivate relationships both within and outside the organization.
Skill in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner.
Ability to evaluate program effectiveness and uphold accountability of staff. Ability to lead and train others; ability to objectively assess the performance of others.
Ability to communicate, motivate, and organize projects among a broad spectrum of personnel, frequently under deadline pressure. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change. Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
Ability to identify problems and work creativity to resolve them, considering the impact of actions.
Ability to write clearly and concisely and maintain accurate records and reports to meet management objectives.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Skilled in training and presentation.
Ability to perform under pressure and when confronted with persons acting under stress. Ability to travel using own transportation on a daily basis.
Ability to identify results of efforts and potential problems and to develop and recommend corrective actions.
Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
Proficient in using a computer and various software packages, including Microsoft Office, and performing accurate data entry.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent education.
Three years of governmental environmental health experience, including conducting inspections and investigations.
- Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.

Preferred Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Demonstrated leadership experience.

Licenses/Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Work Conditions

Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain. Travel is required; work may be assigned in various locations. Position is subject to call-out 24 hours per day 7 days per week. May be required to climb ladders and climb into and out of trenches and other excavations. Work environment may contain potential exposure to hazardous conditions including but not limited to electrical, chemical, and biological. Public Health employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation within sixty days of hire date.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.

VISION

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.

PURPOSE

We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.

El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.

El Paso County

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Lead Environmental Health Specialist