Environmental Health Specialist I or II

Announcement# 2025-010

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Salary Range: EHS I $5,813 - $7,195, per month. EHS II $7,033 - $8,705, per month.

The ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I or II is full-time, 40 hours, Civil Service and represented by a Union.

Columbia County is looking for a dynamic team player who is enthusiastic about working within our Columbia County communities to improve health and wellness programs to promote healthy lifestyles for our citizens.

Columbia County Public Health is committed to improving quality of life and protecting the health and well-being of all residents by addressing social, economic and environmental conditions. We want to ensure that all people in Columbia County have the opportunity for a healthy life.

DUTIES: Perform environmental compliance work in conducting plan reviews, surveys, inspections, and investigations related to the administration of various county environmental regulations including but not limited to public drinking water systems, and food, pool, and lodging facilities.

EHS II: Perform advanced, more complex compliance work.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including at least 45 quarter hours or the equivalent semester hours in science courses related to environmental sanitation.

OR

Possession of at least 15 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation from an accredited college or university AND at least five years of experience in environmental sanitation or related activities, under the supervision of a registered environmental health specialist or a person possessing equal qualifications.

EHS I: Training and experience for journey level, professional classifications are typically equivalent to a bachelor's degree and one to four years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 5-8 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

EHS II: Training and experience for advanced level, professional classifications are typically equivalent to a bachelor's degree and three to six years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 7-10 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Bilingual, Spanish-speaking preferred. Team player willing to work collaboratively toward shared goals and be open to diverse ideas and perspectives. Receive constructive feedback in a positive manner.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must obtain certification as an Environmental Health Specialist in the State of Oregon within thirty days of hire. Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under the county's liability insurance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the theory and practices of environmental science and environmental health. Knowledge of state and county codes relating to each program.

Skill in permitting software programs and Microsoft Office products. Skill in report composition, effective communication practices, interpretation and enforcement of statutes, rules, codes, ordinances, and conditions of approval.

Ability to:

• Organize, prioritize, and produce an accurate work product and meet deadlines. Maintain complete and accurate records.
• Express ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing. Use sound judgment.
• Adapt to change or new situations and openly acknowledge and work through conflict. Accept responsibility and be able to work well with ambiguity.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Act in such a manner as to maintain the confidentiality of the records and issues and other matters that may be encountered.
• Develop and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, county officials, and the general public.
• Effectively conduct inspections related to the program.
• Comprehend and interpret statutes, codes, rules, ordinances, correspondence, complaints, reports, and conditions of approval. Uniformly apply laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Join our team - Columbia County online application must be completed - Apply today!

www.ColumbiaCountyOR.gov