Environmental Health Specialist III - Food Safety Program (Lead) *Internal Health Department only*

Full Job Description

*Only active employees of the Health Department will be considered for this role and who are currently an Environmental Health Specialist II or III.*This position is open until noon on Monday March 16th and is a bargaining unit represented position.A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.

Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application.

Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.Teleworking:The Health Department typically has a hybrid model for most roles; however, it is outlined by the supervisor for the given role based on performance and business needs.

When working remotely, employees are expected to maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.

Description:

Under direction of assigned Environmental Health (EH) Section Supervisor (or other EH management staff), incumbent is an experienced environmental health specialist who performs a wide range of activities in the Environmental Health Division.

Individuals assigned to this position are expected to apply a thorough understanding of food, water and waste-borne communicable diseases, potential public health risks associated with solid and hazardous waste and their means of transmission and control to work situations that are varied as well as routine.

The position will provide technical support and consultation to the assigned section staff.

The Lead Sanitarian is expected to participate in program planning, development of policies, procedures and regulations, program implementation and evaluation as well as providing technical support to field staff and performing fieldwork as assigned.

May require some weekend work and adjustments to normal working hours as required to conduct inspections.

Work is performed under limited supervision requiring independent judgment, discretion, and initiative. The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available.

The incumbent and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed.

The incumbent is responsible for the work: he/she plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on his/her own initiative in terms of established objectives.

The incumbent keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications.

Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, and/or effectiveness of results.

Requirements

• Perform all duties associated with an EHS II.
• Serve as a direct and principal source of technical assistance and guidance to assigned section staff.
• Organize section staff, occasionally assign work and conduct special projects.
• Maintain a professional relationship with other public agencies and private individuals engaged in business with the District.
• Analyze data and reports and make recommendations to the Section Supervisor concerning public notification, public health advisories and Health District policies, procedures and regulations.
• Provide instruction and training for section staff including quality, quantity and consistency of work.
• Keep section staff updated as to current regulations, practices and policies.
• Provide technical support and leadership to professional and technical staff; provide trouble shooting, technical report writing, record keeping and project analysis.
• Serve as the lead on program area disease, injury and or environmental threat investigations.
• Coordinate section workload and activities.
• Organize public information and education programs.
• Represent SHD on interagency committees, workgroups, and at public meetings.
• Attend meetings of relevant outside agencies and groups as needed and present testimony at public hearings and/or legal proceedings.
• Grant and contract preparation and reporting.
• Implement and evaluate Health District responsibilities outlined in program area grants and contracts.
• Interprets and applies District policies and guidelines. 
• Provides oversight on quality improvement projects for the Section.
• Reviews staff work for accuracy, appropriateness, and timeliness.
• Provides feedback to staff regarding their fieldwork observations and assessments.
• Assists with training staff on use of new technology and inspection tools.
• Offers technical and troubleshooting assistance to staff on use of technology (EC/ECR/ECO) and other inspection tools.
• Ensures section staff is updated on current regulations, practices, and policies.
• Preparation of reports and other statistical data as requested.
• Maintains active field workload or other program responsibilities as determined by Section Supervisor.
• Performs extensive review, evaluation, and oversight of all program areas.
• Organizes, prepares agendas, and conducts staff meetings.
• Organizes general public information and educational programs relative to program areas.

Associated Duties: 

• Performs other related duties as requested by EH supervisor or other EH management staff.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Required:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health or a related field. 

Experience: 2 years of experience working in an Environmental Health program. 

Or: In place of the above requirement, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses, Certifications and Other:

• Valid Registered Sanitarian certification through the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians or the National Environmental Health Association; maintaining status as a registered sanitarian is required as a condition of this classification.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire and a driving record which meets the requirements of Snohomish Health District’s insurance carrier
• Background check pursuant to RCW 43.43.830