Environmental Health Practitioner I

Position Description

Under direction, performs work in environmental health program areas to protect the community by building awareness and eliminating environmental hazards, including the proper implementation and monitoring of environmental programs through standardized enforcement of regulations, and professional consultation.

Primary Responsibilities

Scope of Responsibility:
Responsible for the quality and accuracy of his or her own work. Complies with current ND Environmental Health scope of practice. Work is performed independently under general supervision. Responsible for the care and safe operation of equipment. Incumbents specialize in specific areas and are cross-trained and knowledgeable in all areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
  • Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
  • Interaction with the public, vendors/ community partners or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective;
• Responds to Public Health Emergencies.
  • Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job;
  • Fulfills roles within the Department's Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff;
  • During an actual emergency, is accessible 24/7 with an established family contingency plan in place.
• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
  • Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
  • Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
  • When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
• Plans, prioritizes, and documents work activities.
  • Schedules daily activities according to mandatory minimum requirements, and applies judgment to prioritize unplanned activities;
  • Coordinates with appropriate local health units of the five region health units.
• Conducts mandated evaluation of all food service establishments. Performs investigative and consultative inspections as well as plan reviews for new construction.
  • Performs educational activities relating to disease control and food safety;
  • Designs and institutes Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plans;
    • Evaluates food handling and preparation process from beginning to end;
    • Develops and recommends safe processes;
  • Evaluates and drafts proposals for food service variance applications.
• Evaluates septic systems and approves installations based on onsite evaluations of soil and specifications.
  • Provides information to and consults with homeowners, homebuyers and lending institutions regarding compliance of existing septic systems;
  • Provides continuing education and training for licensed on-site wastewater contractors.
• Provides professional response to hazardous spills and/or releases of chemicals or petroleum products, including media consultation, communication with local, state and federal authorities, and providing cleanup procedure guidance.
  • Oversees obtaining private environmental contractors;
  • Coordinates efforts for the removal and disposal of underground storage tanks and contaminated soil;
  • Engages in other activities that require special certifications – lead testing, biohazard fit testing, methamphetamine inspecting.
• Investigates and resolves environmental health complaints received from local residents or commercial establishments. Provides community education as needed.
• Reviews and approves designs for new pools and performs routine water testing according to ordinance regulation along with providing pool operator education as needed.
• Performs routine testing on public drinking water supplies according to the EPA and other applicable standards and regulations.
• Performs routine health and safety evaluations of motels, hotels, body art establishments, tanning facilities, and pet shops.
• Performs limited air quality testing on a routine basis as well as in response to complaints. Provides consulting and educational activities.
• Develops continuing education curriculum and organizes and conducts workshops and training seminars. Promotes compliance with regulations through education.
• Researches and develops plans for implementation and enforcement of new and expanded regulations. Analyzes problems, suggests solutions and recommends changes in strategy or regulation as necessary. Consults with the appropriate legal counsel regarding development and implementation of ordinances.
• Responds to 24/7 emergency phone and emergency preparedness activities locally and in the five regional counties.
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry or a closely related field and two or more years of previous experience enforcing environmental health codes and/or administering related programs; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid State of North Dakota Environmental Health Practitioner license, successful completion of the National Environmental Exam administered by NEHA within five years of employment, and a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility are also required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental health laws and regulations;
• Knowledge of the life sciences and how they apply to environmental health;
• Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of code inspections;
• Knowledge of general public health principles and objectives;
• Knowledge of safe handling of hazardous substances and methods for protecting the public and the environment;
• Skill in performing inspection procedures and testing techniques;
• Skill in written English sufficient to read manuals, ordinances, instructions, etc. and to write reports;
• Skill in basic mathematics sufficient to carry out testing and assessment duties;
• Skill in computers including Microsoft Office;
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have strong public relations skills;
• Ability to learn complex computer applications specific to the field;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Physical Demands

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Work is performed in both a normal office environment and in a variety of business, residential, commercial and public settings. Work is of considerable variety with frequent walking around various facilities. Driving is required on a daily basis. The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue. There is considerable attention to detail and deadlines. While involved in field activities, there is regular exposure to multiple disagreeable working conditions and potential hazards including construction sites, moving equipment, underground tanks, aggressive pets, all types of weather conditions, hazardous chemicals. The work requires regular use of a computer and phone.

Activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.