Environmental Health Technician

Purpose of Position

Under the direction of the Environmental Health Supervisor, the Environmental Health Technician performs technical, field, laboratory, and program support activities related to environmental health and public health protection. The primary areas of responsibility include the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Transient Non-Community (TNC) water program, water laboratory activities, and the county radon program.

This position is designed as an entry-level environmental health position. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Specialized environmental health knowledge and skills will be developed through on-the-job training, department procedures, applicable state requirements, and direct supervision. Previous environmental health, laboratory, water quality, or related experience is preferred but not required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Sciences

• Performs routine environmental health activities related to protection of public health and prevention of environmental exposures.
• Conducts assigned activities related to the DNR Transient Non-Community (TNC) public water program in accordance with applicable state and local requirements.
• Collects, receives, prepares, and/or processes water samples for laboratory analysis following established procedures.
• Performs routine water laboratory testing and maintains accurate records of testing activities and results.
• Assists with the county radon program, including distribution and processing of radon test kits, education, and program documentation.
• Learns and applies applicable public health, environmental health, laboratory, water quality, and radon regulations and procedures.
• Recognizes potential environmental health concerns and communicates findings to the supervisor or appropriate staff.

Community Dimensions of Practice

• Provides routine assistance and information to property owners, businesses, public water system operators, and community members regarding environmental health programs.
• Assists community members with questions related to water testing, radon testing, and TNC program requirements.
• Promotes awareness of environmental health risks and available testing and prevention resources.
• Works cooperatively with property owners, businesses, municipalities, laboratories, state agencies, and other community partners.

Analysis and Assessment

• Conducts routine field observations, inspections, sampling, and data collection as assigned.
• Reviews water sample information and laboratory results for completeness and accuracy.
• Maintains accurate records related to TNC systems, water testing, radon testing, and other assigned environmental health activities.
• Identifies unusual or potentially concerning results and brings them to the attention of the supervisor.
• Assists with tracking follow-up activities, required notifications, and corrective actions.
• Uses established procedures and guidance to determine appropriate next steps for routine environmental health situations.

Leadership and Systems Thinking

• Works independently on routine assignments after appropriate training while recognizing when supervisor guidance is needed.
• Organizes and prioritizes assigned field, laboratory, and administrative activities.4
• Maintains equipment, supplies, records, and work areas necessary to support assigned programs.
• Develops working knowledge of how environmental health programs, state requirements, laboratory services, and public health activities interact to protect community health.
• Participates as a team member in department environmental health activities and assists other staff as needed.

Policy Development and Program Planning

• Implements established department policies, procedures, and state requirements related to assigned environmental health programs.
• Assists with maintaining program records and documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with applicable requirements.
• Provides feedback to the supervisor regarding program procedures, workload, equipment, supplies, or other operational needs.
• Assists with routine program planning and preparation of materials, supplies, and schedules for assigned activities.

Communication and Cultural Competency

• Communicates clearly and professionally with members of the public, businesses, water system operators, property owners, laboratories, state agencies, and department staff.
• Provides routine education and technical information regarding water testing, radon testing, TNC requirements, and other assigned environmental health activities.
• Explains environmental health requirements in a manner that is understandable and respectful.
• Documents contacts, findings, test results, and follow-up activities accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism when handling public and program information.

Financial Planning and Management

• Monitors and maintains assigned program supplies, including water testing and radon program materials.
• Assists with inventory control and identifies supply needs to the supervisor.
• Uses department resources, equipment, supplies, and funds responsibly.
• May assist with routine fee collection, payment processing, or documentation associated with assigned environmental health programs.

Other

• Performs routine office, field, laboratory, and administrative duties necessary to support assigned environmental health programs.
• Maintains required training and develops proficiency in assigned environmental health activities through on-the-job training.
• Operates department vehicles, laboratory equipment, sampling equipment, computers, and other equipment as required.
• Maintains a safe and organized work environment and follows established safety procedures, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• Participates in department emergency response activities as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Environmental Health Technician Supervisor or Health Officer.