Environmental Health Specialist I/II
An Overview
The Environmental Health Specialist I and II positions play a vital role in supporting the Alexandria Health Department’s (AHD) mission to protect and promote public health. These roles contribute to key environmental health services, including food safety, aquatic health, communicable disease investigations, and response to environmental complaints. Specialists collaborate with regulated facilities and community members to prevent foodborne illness, ensure safe environments, and uphold public health standards. Both levels offer meaningful professional growth within a division committed to excellence, continuous improvement, and workforce development.
The Environmental Health Specialist I (EHS I) is an entry- to journey-level position ideal for individuals seeking to develop a strong foundation in environmental health. Candidates must complete VDH Food Safety Program training and obtain VDH Standardized in Food credentials within 30 months of hire. The EHS I conducts routine inspections, assists with communicable disease investigations, responds to environmental complaints, and provides education to facility operators and the public. AHD’s participation in the FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards and involvement in NCAEHA supports robust professional growth, supplemented by dedicated training time toward credentials such as REHS and CP-FS.
The Environmental Health Specialist II (EHS II) is an advanced-level position requiring current VDH Standardized in Food credentials. The EHS II independently performs complex inspections and investigations in food safety, aquatic health, environmental complaints, and communicable disease response. This role provides expert consultation, education, and enforcement to help safeguard community health and ensure regulatory compliance. Through AHD’s commitment to the FDA Retail Food Program Standards and engagement with NCAEHA, the EHS II benefits from ongoing opportunities for professional development and dedicated training time to maintain and expand credentials such as REHS and CP-FS.
The Opportunity - For EHS I & EHS II· Works with facilities and the public to reduce the risk of foodborne illness through inspection, investigation, education, and enforcement of applicable codes, policies, procedures, and sanitation standards;
· Conducts inspections of restaurants, food establishments, pools, spas, and hotel facilities;
· Investigates public health complaints, including potential disease exposures, and supports special projects aligned with program goals;
· Provides education and guidance to the public and permitted establishments on environmental health practices and regulatory requirements;
· Reviews plans and provides consultation on proposed projects to ensure compliance with applicable regulations;
· Serves as a liaison between the Alexandria Health Department and City partners on plan reviews and related initiatives;
· Performs other related duties as assigned.
Additional Examples of Work (EHS II)
· Independently works with facilities and the public to reduce the risk of foodborne illness through advanced inspection, investigation, education, and enforcement activities;
· Conducts comprehensive and complex inspections of restaurants, food establishments, pools, spas, and hotel facilities;
· Leads complex public health complaint investigations, including those involving potential disease exposures, and supports program priorities and special projects;
· Provides technical guidance and expert-level education to facility operators and community partners on environmental health requirements and best practices;
· Reviews plans and offers expert consultation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to support complex or high-risk proposals;
· Represents the Environmental Health Division in coordination with City departments and external partners on plan reviews and environmental health initiatives;
· Performs other related duties as assigned.
What You Should BringThe ideal candidate will bring a strong commitment to public health, along with the knowledge, professionalism, and adaptability needed to succeed in a dynamic regulatory environment. You should have a solid foundation in biology and food safety principles and be able to learn and apply complex federal, state, and local regulations. Knowledge of the 2017 or 2022 FDA Food Code and experience in a food safety or environmental health program are highly valued, as are certifications such as REHS, CP-FS, CPO, or VDH Standardized Food (required for EHS II and preferred for EHS I). Strong communication and customer service skills, sound judgment in the field, and the ability to work effectively with the public are essential. A dependable, solutions-oriented approach, flexibility to support emergency response efforts, and reliable transportation for travel throughout the City will help ensure success in this role.
About the Department Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is one of 35 health districts in Virginia. As part of the Virginia Department of Health, AHD serves the residents, businesses, and visitors of Alexandria and works closely with the City of Alexandria and community partners to achieve its mission and vision. Alexandria, comprised of 15.75 square miles and a population of approximately 150,000, is the most densely populated city in Virginia and is rich in diversity and community engagement. AHD’s mission is “Protecting and Promoting Health and Well-Being in Our Communities” and our vision is “Healthy People, Healthier Communities.” We view “health” in the broadest sense, and this drives our path towards continuous health improvement with a focus on equity of the social determinants of health. The Environmental Health Division prides itself on its commitment to ensuring public health and safety, working together as a team, and our dedication to continuing education as well as cross training our staff in all areas of environmental health. We always strive to provide excellent customer service to the citizens that we assist, and the people that we work with. Furthermore, we believe that education is the key to ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. These values of the Environmental Health Division at AHD make it ideal for those wishing to obtain training and experience in the environmental and public health fields.About the Department Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is one of 35 health districts in Virginia. As part of the Virginia Department of Health, AHD serves the residents, businesses, and visitors of Alexandria and works closely with the City of Alexandria and community partners to achieve its mission and vision. Alexandria, comprised of 15.75 square miles and a population of approximately 150,000, is the most densely populated city in Virginia and is rich in diversity and community engagement. AHD’s mission is “Protecting and Promoting Health and Well-Being in Our Communities” and our vision is “Healthy People, Healthier Communities.” We view “health” in the broadest sense, and this drives our path towards continuous health improvement with a focus on equity of the social determinants of health. The Environmental Health Division prides itself on its commitment to ensuring public health and safety, working together as a team, and our dedication to continuing education as well as cross training our staff in all areas of environmental health. We always strive to provide excellent customer service to the citizens that we assist, and the people that we work with. Furthermore, we believe that education is the key to ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. These values of the Environmental Health Division at AHD make it ideal for those wishing to obtain training and experience in the environmental and public health fields.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Four-Year College Degree in relevant science-based majors such as Environmental Health, Biology, Public Health or equivalent experience and training. Food safety staff must possess the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Standardized Food Environmental Health Specialist credential. Vector biologist must be licensed as a Pesticide Applicator. Must be able and willing to provide reliable transportation for work purposes. Required to maintain a valid driver's license and adhere to Virginia Department of Health's driver safety policy.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred candidates will have knowledge of the 2017 or 2022 FDA Food Code and experience working in a food safety or environmental health program. Additional preferred credentials include Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), and possession of a VDH Standardized Food credential, which is required for applicants seeking consideration at the Environmental Health Specialist II level and preferred for those applying at the Environmental Health Specialist I level. Proficiency in additional languages—such as Spanish, Amharic, Mandarin, or other languages commonly spoken in the community—is also strongly preferred to support effective communication in a diverse public health environment.
Candidates should possess a foundational understanding of biology and food safety principles, supported by a degree in Environmental Health or a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant environmental health experience. Applicants for the Environmental Health Specialist II level must also be VDH Standardized in Food Safety and demonstrate progressively responsible environmental health experience. All candidates must have strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English. Successful applicants must be able to interact professionally with the public, exercise sound judgment within a regulatory environment, and effectively resolve conflicts. A valid driver’s license in the state of residence and the ability to provide reliable personal transportation are required.
Notes
This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to driving record check, previous education and employment verification, and criminal background check. Work is conducted in various environments, including outdoors. This position is required to work on weekend days and evenings on a regular basis.
Must be standardized in the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Food Safety Program to be considered for the Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) II position. Qualified candidates without VDH Food Safety Standardization may be considered for the Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) I position. Environmental Health Specialist I Must be able to complete training in the VDH Food program and be able to obtain credentials within 30 months.EHS I will be eligible for additional compensation upon completion of standardization and becoming EHS II. Must maintain required credentials. Required to maintain a valid driver’s license and adhere to VDH’s driver safety policy.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.
