Environmental Health Specialist I

The Environmental Health Specialist I position at Missoula County is a full-time role focused on community health and safety through environmental health initiatives. Responsibilities include inspecting licensed establishments, monitoring air quality, collecting water samples, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates must have a relevant bachelor's degree and meet specific training standards. The role requires fieldwork and laboratory tasks, with opportunities for career advancement.
About the position

The Environmental Health Specialist I (EHS1) position at Missoula County is a full-time role dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of the community through various environmental health initiatives. This position involves performing technical and regulatory work in areas such as air quality, land services, licensed establishments, or water quality. The EHS1 will be responsible for protecting and supporting the health of people, environments, and communities by advocating for and ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations. As part of the Environmental Health Department, the EHS1 will engage with the regulated community and the general public to promote education and compliance, conduct inspections, and monitor environmental conditions. New hires in this role are required to become a Sanitarian in Training within one month of hire and must achieve Registered Sanitarian status with the Montana Board of Sanitarians within one year. This position offers opportunities for career advancement, as employees can be promoted to Environmental Health Specialist II upon successful registration. The EHS1 will be involved in a variety of tasks, including inspecting restaurants and public facilities, issuing permits for septic and well systems, monitoring air quality, and collecting water samples. The role also includes responding to public inquiries, preparing reports, and participating in quality improvement projects. The work environment is dynamic, requiring the EHS1 to work both in the field and in a laboratory setting. The position demands a commitment to public health and environmental protection, with a focus on collaboration with other agencies, non-profits, and community members. The EHS1 will also serve as an on-call officer for emergency environmental health incidents, ensuring a rapid response to any public health threats.

Responsibilities
• Advocate for and ensure environmental and public health protection through education, program promotion, inspections, monitoring, investigation, and enforcement.
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• Inspect licensed establishments such as restaurants, day cares, pools, and spas to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
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• Conduct plan reviews and investigate food and waterborne outbreaks.
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• Issue septic and well permits and conduct site evaluations for on-site wastewater systems.
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• Monitor air quality, establish and maintain air monitoring sites, and issue health advisories.
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• Collect water samples, maintain monitoring wells, and evaluate water quality data.
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• Coordinate pollution prevention permitting and inspect facilities for compliance.
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• Respond to public inquiries and requests for information, and prepare public presentations.
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• Maintain accurate and complete records, collect and analyze data, and generate reports.
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• Participate in quality improvement projects and strategic work plans.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in environmental health or in the biological or physical sciences required.
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• Must meet minimum standards for sanitarians in training as per Montana ARM 24.216.502, including at least 30 semester or 45 quarter credit hours in physical and biological sciences, with courses in chemistry, biology, and microbiology.
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• One year of professional experience in environmental health, a physical or biological sciences field related to environmental health, public health, education, or enforcement/government regulation.
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• Valid Montana driver's license required.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in public health education or community outreach programs.
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• Familiarity with environmental laws and regulations in Montana.
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• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols.

Benefits
• Health insurance coverage
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• Dental insurance coverage
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• Paid holidays
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• Paid time off (PTO)
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• Retirement savings plan (401k)
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• Flexible scheduling options
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• Professional development opportunities
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• Tuition reimbursement for further education
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• Employee wellness programs