Washington County Public Health Division within the Department of Health and Human Services is looking for an Environmental Health Specialist II to join our Environmental Health Branch!
This position is limited duration with a tentative end date of 6/30/2025. Any extension of the duration will be confirmed at the end of June, 2025.
The current opening is for an Environmental Health Specialist II. However, since this position allows for flexible staffing, this position may be under-filled at the Environmental Health Specialist I level.
If you don't quite hold the qualifications of the Environmental Health Specialist II but still interested in the opportunity, please apply to the Environmental Health Specialist I, an entry-level position (Job# 24/25-518-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 II (EHS II) performs sanitation inspections of licensed and contracted facilities for compliance with State and County sanitation laws and regulations. Such facilities include restaurants, schools, care facilities, swimming pools and spas, recreation and travel accommodations, vending machines, mobile food units, and other food service facilities. Also, the EHS II performs inspections and assessments related to drinking water and on-site wastewater systems. Additionally, the EHS II assists in disease outbreak investigations, investigates complaints on regulated and unregulated facilities, and provides written reports explaining findings during inspections and investigations.
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, day care 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
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review more information on this classification, please use this link: Environmental Health Specialist II
The Environmental Health Specialist II is the journey level position in the Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) series. The Environmental Health Specialist II is distinguished from the Environmental Health Specialist I in that incumbents of the II level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, hold registration as an Environmental Health Specialist, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
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 or physical science, one of the natural sciences, engineering, and/or another closely related field approved by the Oregon Health Licensing Office; AND a minimum of two (2) years of acceptable experience under the supervision of a registered Environmental Health Specialist; OR
• Possession of a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in public health or community health; AND One (1) year of experience in public health and environmental protection under the supervision of a registered Environmental Health Specialist.
ADDITIONAL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS
• Must be registered as an Environmental Health Specialist by the Oregon Health Licensing Office or be eligible to be certified as a registered Environmental Health Specialist by the Oregon Health Licensing Office at the time of appointment. 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:
• Bilingual/multi-lingual
Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.