Title: Environmental Health Tech Specialist
State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I
Hiring Range: $55,000 - $66,000
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Virginia Department of Health
Location: THREE RIVERS-ESSEX
Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: State Employee Only - A
Job Duties
Join the Virginia Department of Health efforts in becoming the healthiest state in the nation. The Three Rivers Health District is a 10-county district of health departments covering the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck areas of the Commonwealth. Consider joining a team that strives to foster healthy and resilient communities. This is your opportunity to connect and serve the public in Environmental Health Services.
This position serves as the subject matter expert in Food safety and is the program expert in the specific environmental program, provides initial and ongoing training to EH food staff to ensure standardization and consistency in inspections and enforcement. Training will be provided by eLearning, instructor lead, and/or job shadowing.
The incumbent serves as an environmental health technical leader, mentor & subject matter expert as an advanced practitioner for the agency in the Food Safety program. They will perform complex environmental health functions, provide consultation and training to EH staff, assists in conducting training and may provide formal input into performance evaluations of EH staff. Must complete training within 24 months and obtain the following certification: VDH Certified Food Safety District Standardization Officer (DSO).
This position will be required to travel within the district for business purposes throughout the 10-county district, based on business need and position requirements. A valid State Driver's license is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency. Required travel within the district with an agency vehicle when available or a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement eligible) may be required.
This is a RESTRICTED POSITION which is solely funded by the Infrastructure Grant. The availability of funding is through June 2027. Renewal and continuation of funding is contingent on the continued availability of grant funds.
Minimum Qualifications
- Considerable knowledge of environmental health principles and practices related to the assigned program(s)
- Knowledge of microbiology and epidemiology as related to communicable disease
- Skill in evaluating the operation of assigned program area(s) and applying laws, regulations, and policies
- Skilled in proper use of instruments and equipment required for testing related to the assigned program area(s)
- Ability to interpret, apply, and enforce laws, regulations and policies governing environmental health
- Ability to explain and interpret detailed and complex rules and regulations
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Ability to train and mentor program staff
- Must be able to complete training within 24 months and obtain one of the following certifications:
VDH Certified Milk Sanitation Officer
VDH Certified Food Safety District Standardization Officer (DSO)
VDH Certified Onsite Sewage System Technical Specialist
- Valid Driver's license
Additional Considerations
- Experience related to the area of environmental health specialization
- Prior experience training and mentoring staff preferred
- Knowledge and experience in the use of the Environmental Health Database (EHD) is preferred.
- National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) certification as a REHS and/or CP-FS is preferred.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered.
Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include
relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check
and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion
List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or
completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted
without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and
protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation;
gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and
pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can
be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening
Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date
for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!
Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this
application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to
respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.
Contact Information
Name: Amanda Greene
Phone: 804-758-2381
Email: amanda.greene@vdh.virignia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.