Description
The Environmental Health Intern position will be responsible for the seasonal beach monitoring program. The Environmental Health Intern will assist with collecting and analyzing water samples for the duration of the internship, and other duties as assigned. The Environmental Health Intern work is performed under the general supervision of the Environmental Health Sanitarian and the Health Department Director. The position will work approximately 24-30 hours per week early May through Labor Day (with some flexibility).
Examples of Duties
- Gather beach data and maintain a report on beach surveys for monitoring/surveillance.
- Complete beach weekly report and submit to supervisor.
- Complete follow-up inspections of beach sites when indicated.
- Posting beach advisories or closures.
- Provide education and information to the general public on beach monitoring and surveillance.
- Collect water samples for laboratory analysis in compliance with the Department of Natural Resources transient water supply program and Wisconsin Beach Monitoring Program. This includes wading into lakes and taking samples from Lake Superior.
- Prepare and maintain records and reports as required.
- Running laboratory samples (ex. bacteria or nitrate testing) and completing laboratory documentation.
- Report abnormal laboratory findings to the appropriate authorities or staff.
- Participate in tick collection activities, including tick drags and putting ticks in sample bottles for shipping to partner laboratory.
- Assist with routine inspections under direction and guidance from a Registered Sanitarian.
- Attend events and answer questions from the public on beach monitoring project and tickborne illness project.
- Conduct short surveys on public’s experience with local beaches and tick exposure.
- Basic data entry (ex. Wisconsin Beach Health website).
- Attend staff development activities and meetings essential to work functions.
- Public health shadowing opportunities including water supply inspections, lodging, food service, campground and pool inspections.
- Write timely public or environmental health tips to share with coworkers or communities.
- Reviewing and updating public health and environmental health brochures.
- Provides public health information and education via social media and other electronic media (i.e. Facebook, agency website).
- Maintain 100% client confidentiality.
- Other duties/tasks within scope of practice as assigned by Agency Director or EH Lab Manager.
Qualifications
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access and Outlook).
- High school diploma.
- One year of College or comparable higher education, preference in environmental health or related field.
- At least one college-level biology course with a C grade or higher.
- Valid driver's license.
Physical Demands:
Job requires walking over rough terrain, carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds and navigating stairs at different locations everyday. Ability to drive to business locations throughout the county. Ability to sufficiently hear and communicate with the public and business owners using the telephone. Finger dexterity sufficient to type and use office equipment including a keyboard and cellular phone. Ability to work in diverse weather conditions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Ability to maintain accurate records and write clear and concise reports.
2. Demonstrate reliability in assuming and carrying out the responsibilities and obligations of the position.
3. Ability to follow safe laboratory practices, including calibrating and maintaining equipment and using sterile techniques to avoid contaminating samples.
4. Knowledge of modern principles, methods, techniques, and practices of public health sanitation, and local and state public health laws and ordinances.
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, community professionals and the public.
6. Ability to provide a positive image to the public and stakeholders of Bayfield County and Bayfield County Health Department.
7. Ability to provide sensitive care utilizing compassion, respect, and a nonjudgmental attitude while working with a variety of different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
8. Ability to demonstrate effective independent decision making and sound judgment.
9. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
10. Ability to maintain client records in public health databases, search for and compile data, and prepare reports. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
11. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
