Environmental Health Spec U317

The Environmental Health Specialist at Louisville Metro Government conducts field inspections related to environmental health, sanitary codes, and public safety. Responsibilities include inspecting recreational areas, investigating health complaints, collecting samples for analysis, and communicating with the public. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. The job is located in Louisville, KY and requires personal transportation.
Summary Objective

The purpose of this position is to conduct field inspections and provide information concerning environmental health issues, sanitary codes, and department procedures.
This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
• Inspects pools and other recreations areas; liquid and solid waste disposal systems and facilities; properties to determine compliance with vector control procedures; food handling and processing establishments, public assembly areas and nursing homes.
• Investigates reports of animal bites, food poisoning, tampering cases, establishments seeking permits, and complaints concerning pollution, housing, insect or rodent infestation and other health and environmental related problems.
• Collects samples for laboratory analysis, and conducts tests on sewage system, lakes and streams.
• Communicates with establishment owners to discuss violations and to explain procedures.
• Represents the department to community groups, organizations, media and the public to provide information and answer questions concerning premise sanitation, rodent control, proper food service techniques, sewage disposal and related issues.
• Conducts hearings to determine appropriate corrective action for violators, issues hearing notices and orders to initiate court action, prepares court cases, testifies in court, submits reports, and completes special projects.
• Serves on incident response teams during public health emergencies, requiring both on-call service and response during community emergencies.
• Implements environmental protection regulations and health standards for business, public and residential areas, inspecting public places and observing changes in the environmental.
• Assists in program planning; evaluating, drafting, and implementing code of ordinances and state regulations, including assisting with training other staff; and composing reports, public health advisories and public health materials for education and dissemination to the public.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Biological Science, Business or Public Administration, Community Health, Education, Engineering, Environmental Health or Studies, Mathematics, Physical Science, Pre-Law or related discipline. Twenty-four (24) semester hours must be in environmental health, biological science, or physical science.

OR
• Certified as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist or Sanitarian in the State of Kentucky (KRS 223.030).

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Must provide one's own source of transportation.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Must be certified as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist or Sanitarian in the State of Kentucky or must obtain within one (1) year of employment.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
• Must obtain a Hazardous Materials Responder certification within one (1) year of being hired, pending training availability.
• Must pass annual physicals and able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus. VECTOR CONTROL PROGRAM
• Must obtain a public health pesticide applicator license within 90 days of being hired.

FOOD SAFETY AND PUBLIC FACILITIES PROGRAMS
• Must pass state-sponsored training for each specific program.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
• Meets regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determine by management, including mandatory overtime and performing related work.
• Performs both field and sedentary work that involves walking or standing long periods and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and will involve sustained keyboard operations.
• Will include regular occasions when work is conducted at locations with limited or difficult access including uneven terrain, prolonged periods of time exposed to the elements, walking, bending, stooping, climbing is required to access varying types of terrain including elevated surfaces.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
• Position may be called upon to serve the community in the event of public health emergencies, man- made and natural, which could expose individual to risk of illness and injury.
• Position will be called upon to serve within the Hazardous Materials program and will be required to wear respirators and potentially enter areas where they may be exposed to hazardous materials.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

Union incentives include: Call Out Pay and On Call Compensation