Definition

This is a full-time opportunity with many benefits! As a Missoula County employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. The base rate of pay for this position is $27.38 per hour.

The Environmental Health Department is seeking an ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I to join their team. The Environmental Health Specialist I (EHS1) performs technical and regulatory work in one of the following: air quality, land services, licensed establishments, or water quality to protect and support the health of people, environments, and communities. Employees hired as Environmental Health Specialist I, must become a Sanitarian in Training within one month of hire and a Registered Sanitarian with the Montana Board of Sanitarians within one year of hire. Employees are eligible for promotion to Environmental Health Specialist II after completion of registration as a Sanitarian.

Details: Priority screening will begin on Thursday, April 18, 2024. It is in your best interest to apply by this date. Applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established or the positions have been filled.
To Apply:

Please complete all sections of the online application, even if a resume is submitted/requested.
Please include with your completed application the following attachments: College Transcripts (unofficial are accepted), a letter of interest that includes motivation to work in Environmental and Public Health field, a resume that includes volunteer and professional experience and professional association activities related to environmental health. Answer to the supplemental question (responses need to be between 300 - 800 words).
Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

Representative Examples of Work

Advocates for and ensures environmental and public health protection through education, program promotion, inspections, monitoring, investigation and enforcement. Works with the regulated community and general public to ensure compliance with environmental laws and rules. EHS 1s will be assigned to one of the following: Licensed Establishment EHS 1: Inspects restaurants, day cares, pools and spas, public lodging and other establishments and public facilities to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. Performs plan review. Investigates food and water borne outbreaks. Teaches food safety classes. Land Services EHS 1: Issues septic and well permits. Conducts site evaluations for on-site wastewater systems; conducts groundwater monitoring. Reviews applications for subdivisions and certificates of survey and conducts on-site inspections of proposed developments. Investigates and resolves solid waste complaints. Air Quality EHS 1: Establishes, operates and maintains air monitoring sites; performs quality assurance. Monitors air pollution and issues alerts and health advisories. Inspects and recommends air pollution control to industry and small businesses; manages outdoor burning; participates in transportation planning; ensures compliance with federal air quality standards. Water Quality EHS 1: Collects water samples; maintains monitoring wells. Evaluates water quality data. Coordinates pollution prevention permitting and inspects facilities for compliance. Reviews and comments on cleanup plans for sites managed by other agencies. Participates in household hazardous waste collection. Coordinates restoration and water quality improvement projects. Collaborates with other agencies, non-profits, businesses and community members. Responds to public inquires and requests for information. Attends meetings as department representative. Prepares and delivers public presentations. Maintains accurate and complete records. Collects, analyzes, and presents data, generates reports, and conducts research. Participates in quality improvement projects and strategic work plans. Works within the incident command structure during emergencies. Serves as on-call officer for emergency environmental health, air and water quality incidents. Works in a certified water testing laboratory using standard procedures. Analyzes water samples; Contacts owners of contaminated water supplies.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in environmental health or in the biological or physical sciences required.
Applicants must meet minimum standards for sanitarians in training In accordance with Montana ARM 24.216.502 which requires a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter credit hours in physical and biological sciences including at least one successfully completed course in chemistry, biology, and microbiology (microbiology can be taken after hire).
Requires one year of professional experience in one or any combination of the following fields:
- Environmental health
- A physical or biological sciences field related to environmental health
- Public health
- Education
- Enforcement or government regulation

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires valid Montana driver’s license. New employees will be asked to volunteer vaccination status for required vaccines upon hire and will be offered assistance during hiring to receive necessary immunizations. Employees who have not received the vaccines required for their positions or who are unwilling to voluntarily provide vaccination status for required vaccines will receive a reasonable accommodation where such accommodation does not require an undue hardship or endanger the health or safety of any person.

Physical/Environmental Demands

Requires some physical exertion, bending, climbing; above average agility and dexterity. Requires lifting 10 pounds frequently; moving 50-100 pounds occasionally. Work involves moderate risks which require special safety precautions and outdoor exposure to extreme weather conditions. Work involves exposure to laboratory chemicals, pathogens and toxic or hazardous materials. Requires travel to remote sites and scheduled weekend work.

Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!
Missoula County covers over 2,618 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.
Missoula County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Clark Fork River running through town to lush ranches and a growing economy of small business. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, fisherman, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Missoula County's boundless opportunities.

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Environmental Health Specialist I