Environmental Health Specialist II

The State of Delaware is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist II to join the DHSS in Newark, DE. This role involves conducting health risk assessments, investigating complaints, educating permit holders, and enforcing public health regulations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and experience in environmental health inspections. The position aims to promote community health and safety through various environmental initiatives.
Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

Join our Environmental Health Field Services team in New Castle County and play a key role in protecting the health and safety of our communities. In this dynamic position, you’ll conduct in-depth health risk assessments across diverse areas — from food establishments and public pools to camps, body art facilities, cosmetology, and private drinking water systems. You’ll investigate consumer complaints, educate permit holders on public health standards, and analyze compliance trends to prevent potential risks. Reporting to an Environmental Health Specialist III, you’ll make a real impact by promoting safer practices, enforcing public health regulations, and helping ensure a healthier Delaware.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
• Performs complex health risk assessment in one or more health project areas, using appropriate testing instruments and equipment. Performs routine and emergency sampling and testing of water and food.
• Provides consultation for owners of business or industry concerning applicable environmental regulations and assists in developing plans for abatement and compliance.
• Promotes a variety of environmental health issues to consumers, community organizations, State and Federal agencies and industry. May speak at public meetings.
• Trains co-workers and subordinates in area of specialty. Provides technical assistance as needed.
• Reviews past reports and submitted plans for alteration or construction of eating establishments to ensure completeness of application before it goes through entire plan review process.
• Enforces compliance of facilities requiring corrective action by reinspecting, writing violation letters and initiating legal action.
• Investigates consumer complaints and accidents involving hazardous substances. Initiates enforcement of laws and regulations.
• Writes routine reports. Keeps accurate logs and records.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Environmental Health Specialist II
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
• Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher.
• Six months experience in conducting on-site inspections to identify, assess and control actual or potential environmental health risks.
• Six months experience in enforcing compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Six months experience in narrative report writing.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email DHR_ADAConcerns@delaware.gov for additional applicant services support.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.