Environmental Health Specialist I - Food Safety Program

The Environmental Health Specialist I position at Benton Franklin Health District focuses on food safety and environmental health. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, drafting reports, responding to public health emergencies, and educating the public on health regulations. Applicants need a Bachelor's degree in a related field and must be eligible for registration with the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians. The role requires regular driving and is based in Kennewick, WA.
Environmental Health Specialist

(Food Safety Program)

The Position

GENERAL SUMMARY: Primary duties may include all activities related to food protection, environmental health education, vector control, living environment, epidemiology, chemical and physical hazards, land use, on-site sewage program, water supply, solid waste, swimming pools, animal bites, general sanitation and interpreting local and state regulations. Other duties may include a range of activities in the environmental health field as required and related to the classification of an Environmental Health Specialist.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Perform health and safety inspections and investigations in food establishments and schools; complete follow up enforcement action where required.
• Draft inspection reports, letters, and other records.
• Respond to public health emergency drills/exercises or actual events as required.
• Understand, apply, and explain regulations and enforcement procedures to industry members and general public.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and enter results into a computer database.
• Review construction and operating plans to ensure compliance with regulations for food establishments and K-12 schools.
• Actively participate in the review of pertinent rules and regulations.
• Work with the public in a courteous manner in situations which can be confrontational or hostile.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Maintain confidentiality as required, and handle sensitive information appropriately
• Potentially work unusual or prolonged work schedules in the event of public health emergency.
• Potentially collect and/or help ship biological or laboratory specimens.
• Provide routine food worker card education in a classroom setting.
• Provide education to a variety of individuals or groups on health-related issues, regulations, policies, and standards.
• Understand the use of various test sampling, monitoring, measuring and laboratory supplies and equipment and specialized protective gear as needed.
• Search for advanced knowledge of environmental health principles and practices.
• Prioritize and schedule work to ensure completion of inspection requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of communicable diseases, their means of transmission and methods of control, principles of foodborne disease transmission and control, principles of vector control, principles of sewage treatment and disposal, principles of general sanitation and environmental law. Ability to interpret regulations, explain disease control and inspection methods to laymen; write clear narrative reports; and deal with the public in a courteous and mature manner.

The Requirements & Selection Process

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree involving a major study in biology, microbiology, bacteriology and public health, or environmental health. Successful applicants should be eligible for registration with the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians.

Additional Requirements: Performance of job duties requires driving on a regular basis, a valid Washington State driver's license, the use of the incumbent's personal motor vehicle when a District fleet vehicle is not available for use, and proof of appropriate auto insurance.

SELECTION PROCESS: The most qualified applicants, based in part upon evaluation of the completed application and related information will be invited for an interview. Applications should be submitted to the Human Resources Manager, Brandy McNeill 7102 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336 or apply directly on our website https://www.bfhd.wa.gov.