Environmental Health Specialist

Maricopa County seeks an Environmental Health Specialist in Phoenix, AZ, responsible for conducting field inspections and compliance reviews to ensure public health sanitation. The role involves inspecting food establishments, aquatic facilities, and public water systems, as well as investigating foodborne illnesses. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and an Arizona driver's license. The position offers a flexible schedule and opportunities for professional growth.
About the position

As an Environmental Health Specialist with Maricopa County, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health by conducting compliance reviews and field inspections. This position is ideal for individuals who prefer an active, field-based role rather than a desk job. You will be responsible for ensuring that various establishments comply with public health sanitation codes, which is vital for the safety and well-being of the community. Your work will involve specialized areas such as retail food establishments, aquatic health and safety, onsite wastewater management, stormwater management, waste transport, and drinking water quality. In this role, you will engage in a variety of tasks including inspecting and investigating environmental health aspects of businesses, factories, food handling facilities, and public facilities. You will also be involved in investigating foodborne illnesses, inspecting swimming pools, and ensuring compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act for public water systems. Your responsibilities will require you to perform routine inspections, respond to complaints, and educate the public about environmental health issues and regulations. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in diverse environments, from outdoor settings to commercial facilities, and to interact with a wide range of individuals. You will be part of a collaborative and supportive team that values professional growth and development, providing opportunities for training and attendance at conferences. Additionally, you will enjoy a flexible work schedule that promotes a healthy work-life balance, along with various benefits that support your well-being and career advancement.

Responsibilities
• Conduct compliance reviews and field inspections to ensure adherence to public health sanitation codes.
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• Inspect and investigate environmental health aspects of businesses, factories, and food handling facilities.
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• Investigate and inspect foodborne illnesses in restaurants and food processing plants.
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• Obtain clinical specimens and interview affected individuals regarding foodborne illnesses.
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• Inspect construction and operation of public and semi-public swimming pools, reviewing and approving construction plans.
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• Review sites for onsite wastewater system design and inspect construction for compliance with approved plans.
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• Ensure public water systems comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act through documentation review and inspections.
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• Inspect solid and liquid waste hauling vehicles and waste storage containers.
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• Perform routine, unscheduled, and complaint investigations.
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• Advise and educate the public about environmental/public health issues and regulations.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in environmental health, microbiology, entomology, chemistry, food science, or a related field with 30 semester hours of natural, physical, or applied science coursework.
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• Registered sanitarian in good standing with the Arizona Department of Health Services within one year of hire date.
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• An Arizona driver's license is required to start working.

Nice-to-haves
• Multilingual pay for candidates fluent in Chinese and Spanish.
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• Experience in public health advocacy or community engagement.

Benefits
• Mileage reimbursement for field-based work.
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• Sanitarian registration renewal reimbursement.
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• Opportunity to work special events such as the state fair and sports events.
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• Growth and development opportunities including conferences and training programs.
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• Exceptional work-life balance with flexible scheduling and teleworking options.
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• Low-cost healthcare for employees and qualifying dependents.
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• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System.
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• Paid vacation, sick, and parental leave.