Washington County Public Health Division within the Department of Health and Human Services is looking for an Environmental Health Specialist I to join our Environmental Health Program!
The current opening is for a Limited Duration Environmental Health Specialist II with a tentative end date of 6/30/2025. However, since this position allows for flexible staffing, this position may be under-filled at the Environmental Health Specialist I level.
If you meet the qualifications of the Environmental Health Specialist II, a journey-level position, please apply to the Job# 24/25-519-HHS-1. If you are interested in being considered for both positions, you must submit separate applications to each posting.
About the position:
The Environmental Health Specialist I (EHS I) assists EHS II staff with inspections, investigations, enforcement, and educational activities to protect the public health. Additionally, they conduct sanitation inspections of licensed and unlicensed facilities, subsurface sewage disposal evaluations, and epidemiological investigations of complaints and violations relating to public health and environmental protection.
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience conducting inspections of food service establishments, on-site wastewater treatment systems, daycare facilities, swimming pools and spas, and lodging facilities. The candidate will value equity, have integrity, and be respectful of the role, expertise, and lived experiences of colleagues, and the diversity of each staff member who contributes to the Environmental Health Program's work. The candidate will also demonstrate awareness of multiple group identities, and bring consistent self-awareness, empathy, and social skills when working internally and externally. Additionally, they will have strong verbal communication and writing skills and a passion for customer service, providing outreach and education to the community they serve. Moreover, they will possess a minimum of basic knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook) and inspection software.
Possession of the following criteria is highly desired:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Standardized by Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards
- FDA Food Specialist or experience with any jurisdiction participating in FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO) by Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (formerly National Swimming Pool Foundation)
- ServSafe Certified per National Restaurant Association
- On-site Wastewater certification per Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (OR DEQ)
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.
About the program:
The mission of Washington County Environmental Health is to protect and promote the health of the public by providing inspection and disease prevention services in the areas of food safety, drinking water, public pools and spas, tourist facilities, on-site wastewater management, mosquito control (West Nile Virus prevention), and smoke-free workplace enforcement and emerging environmental health issues impacted by climate change.
We strive to enhance the quality of life in our County and community by educating, performing routine inspections and investigations, taking enforcement action when warranted, and interacting with state, federal, and local agencies when appropriate.
To learn more about our program, visit: Environmental Health
Why Washington County?
Are you interested in challenging, meaningful, and rewarding work? Join Washington County in our commitment to advancing racial equity. Our Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resolution. Adopted in February 2020, this resolution commits to the equitable delivery of Washington County's services, resources, and opportunities for growth and development to every county resident.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
The Environmental Health Specialist I is the entry-level class within the Environmental Health Specialist series. Positions at this level typically perform similar duties as the Environmental Health Specialist II, but are not expected to perform with the same independence and judgment on matters related to established methods and procedures. This class is typically used as a training class in that incumbents may have limited related work experience.
After passing the State of Oregon Environmental Health Specialist registration examination and meeting all other registration requirements, positions in this classification may advance through flexible staffing to the Environmental Health Specialist II classification.
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review more information on both classifications, please use this link: Environmental Health Specialist I
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation; OR
- Has at least 15 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses from an accredited college or university; AND has at least five (5) years of experience in environmental sanitation or related activities, as determined by the Oregon Health Licensing Office, under the supervision of a registered environmental health specialist or a person with the possession of equal qualifications, as determined by the board.
ADDITIONAL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be registered as an Environmental Health Trainee by the Oregon Health Licensing Office at time of appointment. Registration as an Environmental Health trainee shall not exceed two (2) years of full-time employment in the environmental sanitation profession, or equivalent hours if employment in environmental sanitation is less than full-time or 40 hours per week. Registered Environmental Health trainees who fail to successfully pass the registration examination within the time limitation for full-time employment or equivalent hours may be allowed to renew a trainee registration if:
- Current employment duties relate to the field of environmental sanitation and are being conducted under the supervision of a registered Environmental Health Specialist or other qualified person; and
- An application and payment of the examination fees have been filed with the division for the next scheduled registration examination.
- Refer to the Oregon Revised Statutes 700 to check eligibility: (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors700.html).
- Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record. To review the Driver's License and Record Policy for Washington County, please use this link: Driver's License & Records Policy.
Preferred Qualification: