Environmental Health Services Division Director

El Paso County (CO) seeks an Environmental Health Services Division Director to lead the development and implementation of environmental health programs. Responsibilities include strategic planning, program oversight, compliance with health regulations, staff management, and community education. The role requires staying informed on public health trends and ensuring effective service delivery. The position is based in Colorado Springs, CO, with a salary range of $96,300 - $107,000 annually.
Typical Hiring Range: $96,300 - $107,000 annually
• Salary to be commensurate with qualifications*

The Environmental Health Services Division Director leads and manages the ongoing development and implementation of environmental health programs and services with integrity, professionalism, positivity, dedication, and compassion. Stays current with emerging public health issues, environmental impacts, and evidence-based, best practices to address issues. Remains well informed of local, state, and national regulations to properly educate, enforce, and protect the health of the community. Identifies and implements proactive approaches to maintain and improve community health.
• Develops, implements, and maintains a variety of environmental health programs to meet the current and projected needs of El Paso County and the Public Health Department.
• Serves as a member of the Leadership Team for the Department. Assumes joint responsibility for overall direction and strategic planning of environmental health services. Advises the Public Health Director in matters concerning program objectives, program concerns, emerging issues, environmental and public health trends, and environmental services needs and gaps within the community.
• Develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates strategic planning initiatives and the necessary resources to accomplish those plans in accordance with the Department's mission, vision, and values.
• Directs program operations within the Environmental Health Division. Responsible for the implementation and oversight of policies, procedures, objectives, and evaluation criteria for each program area; monitors and evaluates ongoing programs to assess program effectiveness, quality of service, and cost justification.
• Ensures compliance with and enforcement of the environmental health laws, rules, and regulations of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the El Paso County Board of Health, and El Paso County Public Health. Provides direction to staff and makes recommendations to leadership regarding interpretation of laws, regulations, and policies and procedures for legal enforcement. Ensures proper implementation of the methods, techniques, and procedures utilized in investigation, analysis, evaluation, and enforcement of environmental standards.
• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates professional, technical, and administrative personnel within the Division. Participates in hiring and disciplinary process. Identifies current and future staff development needs and training opportunities. Models professionalism to department staff.
• Responsible for proactive and timely responses to emerging issues and public health topics by establishing clear priorities and mobilizing necessary staff and resources.
• Collaborates with the Office of Communication staff to inform and educate the community via media outlets, online platforms, and traditional tactics.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation of reports and statistical information for assessment and planning of needed services; presents to the County Board of Health, Board of Commissioners, city and town councils, CDPHE, and other outside agencies.
• Establishes and manages the Division's operating budget ensuring compliance with policies and procedures of the Department; reviews monthly revenue and expense reports and mentors program managers in areas of grant and budgeting management.
• Reviews and proposes changes of environmental health fees to the Board of Health annually.
• Reviews or develops and oversees Division grants, contracts, and memoranda of understanding to ensure performance objectives are met.
• Monitors proposed state and federal legislation and regulations and provides input to County legislative liaison, Board of Health, and professional associations.
• Develops and maintains solid working relationships with CDPHE; consults with and updates CDPHE as appropriate.
• Develops strong community partnerships to address environmental health issues. Coordinates activities and collaborates with other County departments and divisions, state agencies, and community service groups; represents the Department on community and state advisory and planning boards and participates in various Department and community committees or special projects, particularly as they relate to environmental health.
• Participates in departmental emergency planning and response activities.
• Promotes public health within the community.
• Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service in order to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Bachelor's degree in public health, environmental health, or related field required. Advanced degree in public health or related field preferred.
• Minimum eight (8) years progressively responsible experience in environmental and/or public health required; three (3) years of the required experience must be at a managerial level with supervisory responsibilities.
• Five (5) years environmental health experience preferred; experience conducting regulatory inspections highly desired.
• Demonstrated experience in the administration and implementation of programs, including developing strategic plans, work plans, budgets and project management.
• Ability to organize projects, communicate and delegate tasks, and engage and motivate among a broad spectrum of stakeholders, frequently under deadline pressure.
• Ability to identify emerging issues and potential impacts, then gather and distill information/data for presentation to decision makers that allows for an informed decision to be made.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, develop, and sustain cooperative, professional relationships with a variety of local, state, and regional organizations including governmental and regulatory agencies, industry and community-based organizations.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner. Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns. High level of analytical ability required to identify, develop, and select alternative solutions to complex issues.
• Skilled in employee management including supervision, training, team building, and conflict management.
• Demonstrated financial management skills; knowledge of practices and procedures for planning and formulating departmental budget and monitoring related expenses.
• Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to perform under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with a high level of detail. Skilled in writing and maintaining accurate records, reports, and plans to meet management objectives.
• Skilled in various software packages and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the education and experience requirements above.
• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License.
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) preferred.
Work is primarily performed in an office environment; travel using own transportation may be required on a daily basis. Will be required to work evenings and weekends as business needs dictate. Must be able and willing to respond to sensitive situations twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, and carry a cell phone. Public Health employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation within sixty (60) days of hire date.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT: http://www.elpasoco.com For inquiries please call: 719-520-7401.

Each applicant is considered only for the current vacancy indicated on your application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to monitor any future openings and to submit a separate application for each position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Any new employee and rehires must provide documentation of authorization to work as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (PL99-603).

EL PASO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER