Description
The Board of Health Madison and Dane County, Madison WI, has a full-time (1.0 FTE) vacancy for an Environmental Health Scientist I position.
The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within the next six (6) months.
Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
This is the entry level classification in the Environmental Health Scientist I – III series. The position supports all public health laboratory programs including, but not limited to responding to and monitoring environmental hazards, vectors, water quality, disease prevention and risk communication, and emerging contaminants. The goal of this position is to support the laboratory analysis work that is conducted in the environmental health laboratory and to provide colleagues and the community with tools and information to make informed decisions for the overall health and well-being of Dane County residents. All staff in this class specification will serve as “designated agent” for the laboratory as referenced in ATCP 77.12.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Assist with sample receiving and transport. Participate in the sampling, analysis, surveillance, and monitoring of water, soils, wastes, and air. Receive, verify and enter sample information into the laboratory information system. Execute laboratory testing according to standard operating procedures. Participate in the preparation and cleanup of materials and equipment. Provide routine laboratory maintenance of facilities and equipment. Organize and store all chemicals substances, solutions and compressed gases according to safety instructions. Handle hazardous waste disposal as needed. Collaborate with lead workers to create or troubleshoot analysis and evaluate material/equipment needs. Assist with administrative tasks and laboratory support by serving as backup to the Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Technician, and Lead Worker. Participate in the investigation of environmental contamination and responses to environmental incidents. Respond to complaints and/or inquiries. Conduct special studies. Perform other duties as assigned. Monitor and maintain laboratory communication with customers via phone, email, and online. Assist, coordinate, and attend community meetings and events. Provide information to customers on reliable, scientifically supported strategies to reduce health risks. Serve as a consultant to a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Work with customers to assess testing need. Conduct data entry and minor maintenance of data systems. Collaborate with data analysis experts to analyze and interpret data collected. Record all data and results in specified forms (paper and electronic) with accuracy. Compile and analyze reports, statistics, and provide recommendations. Collaborate to produce effective reports for internal and public distribution.
Education, Experience & Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:
Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental health, environmental science, industrial hygiene, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field. Six (6) months experience using analytical or environmental chemistry, and/or microbiology and/or molecular biology methods is required.
Special Requirements:Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. As a condition of employment, employees are required to be current, and remain current, with certain immunizations and vaccinations. A list will be provided at the time of the job offer. This position also requires availability during varied hours including nights and weekends for meetings and completing assigned work responsibilities. Also refer to the ‘Physical and Environmental Work Requirements’ section below.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
For Bilingual Positions:
- Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
- Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.
*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
The work environment is made up of indoor and outdoor locations. Field work requires the ability to lift or carry up to 30 lbs. depending on the program, dexterity and acuity inherent in the collection of field samples, including ability to work under freezing and/or extreme heat conditions. Work may be in areas on unstable ground, platforms, and ladders. Good visual acuity and hearing with or without corrective devices. Ability to physically access field locations. Inspection and/or investigation duties requires ability to stand, walk, balance, stoop, kneel, climb and bend. Ability to use a telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices. Laboratory work is performed primarily indoors and requires intermittently sitting at a desk, twisting to reach chemicals, equipment and materials. Standing long periods of time to use laboratory machines, supplies, and equipment. Grasping and fine finger manipulations. Regular exposure to laboratory chemicals, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, and wetness. Office work involves sitting/standing at a computer workstation/desk operating computer software or reviewing paper plans, and studying or preparing reports.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Working knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of related scientific disciplines generally applicable to the activities and functions of an environmental health laboratory. Working knowledge of laboratory principles, methods, terminology and equipment. Ability to perform programmatic responsibilities while showing high professionalism, discretion and good judgment. Ability to implement administrative policies and procedures. Skill and dexterity necessary to perform laboratory tests. Ability to maintain lab equipment and records. Ability to read and interpret laboratory standards. Ability to successfully accomplish technical field and laboratory responsibilities. Ability to learn and understand the toxicology and environmental fate of substances. Ability to effectively collaborate with other staff within the work unit on special projects. Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues, concerned individuals, community groups, and coordinate with partner organizations such as other state and local agencies, elected officials, and community organizations.