The Board of Health for Madison and Dane County has a full-time (1.0 FTE) vacancy for an Environmental Health Specialist in Madison, WI.

The Eligibility List created will be used to fill future vacancies over the next six (6) months. All are encouraged to apply.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

Working independently within the Environmental Health division, responsible for environmental health field and laboratory work related to assigned programs and activities for Public Health - Madison & Dane County (PHMDC). Assist with planning and implementation of response to emerging contaminants, such as PFAS. Performs field investigations and sampling, conducts laboratory testing and analysis, responds to complaints, and executes monitoring and surveillance activities. Effectively communicates with concerned individuals, community groups, partner organizations, and other state and local agencies. Assists in the promotion and the accepted principles of environmental health, enforcement of city and county health laws and regulations, and performs related work as required. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists in the promotion of all environmental health programs. This includes, but is not limited to, evaluating field data and preparing reports; participating in the sampling, testing, monitoring, and laboratory analysis of food, water, wastes and air for regulatory and environmental health concerns; participating in the investigation of environmental contamination and responses to environmental incidents/contaminant releases; performing regulatory investigations and recommending enforcement actions; conducting special studies related to environmental protection programs as assigned; maintaining  field/laboratory facilities and equipment; responding to complaints and/or inquiries; serving as a consultant to a variety of internal and external stakeholders interested in emerging environmental health issues; performing vector and pest inspection and control as related to public health programs; and performing related work as assigned. 

Education, Training and Experience: 

Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental health, industrial hygiene, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field. Experience using analytical or environmental chemistry, and/or microbiology and/or molecular biology methods is desired. Experience communicating complicated information about environmental contamination and risk is desired.

Certifications/Licenses: 

Certifications may be required based on the assigned program. 

Special Requirements: 

Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. As a condition of employment, employees are required to be current, and remain current, with certain immunizations and vaccinations. A list will be provided at the time of the job offer.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.). 
2. Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job. 

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Field work requires the ability to lift or carry up to 30 lbs. depending on the program, dexterity and acuity inherent in the collection of field samples, including ability to work under freezing and/or extreme heat conditions. Work may be in areas on unstable ground, platforms, and ladders. Good visual acuity and hearing with or without corrective devices. Ability to physically access field locations. The work environment is made up of indoor and outdoor locations. Inspection work will require the staff member to stand, walk, balance, stoop, kneel, climb, and bend while performing inspection duties. Use a telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices. Laboratory work is performed primarily indoors and requires intermittently sitting at a desk, twisting to reach chemicals, equipment, and materials. Use Grasping and fine finger manipulations. Regular exposure to laboratory chemicals, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, and wetness. Office work involves sitting/standing at a computer workstation/desk operating computer software or reviewing paper plans. Intermittently sitting at a desk while studying or preparing reports. Twisting to reach equipment or materials. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of environmental contaminants and the technology and equipment associated with their monitoring and measurement. Knowledge of the health effects of environmental contaminants. Ability to secure pertinent information through inspections and investigations and the use of equipment/chemical tests/test kits necessary to collect samples. Working knowledge of principles and practices of environmental management and pollution control. Ability to implement administrative policies and procedures. Ability to identify potential environmental problems and recommend appropriate actions and laboratory tests. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems. Ability to develop and implement sampling and safety procedures relative to the handling of hazardous materials. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to develop and recommend relevant environmental monitoring processes, procedures, and policies. Ability to establish and maintain environmental monitoring qualitative standards. Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.