The Public Health Intern will work with Environmental Health staff in a variety of environmental health program areas. Some of the responsibilities of this position may include: collection of drinking water samples from public facilities following Department of Natural Resources procedure for Transient Non-Community wells; monitoring surface water quality including collection of water samples and observation of harmful algal blooms from lakes, rivers and streams in Rock County on a weekly basis; assisting with mosquito and/or tick surveillance programs; monitoring swimming pool water quality; transportation of lab specimens to the the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene; and other duties as necessary to assist Environmental Health Specialists. Opportunities for job shadowing in other Environmental Health and Public Health areas will be available to provide the intern with a broad experience. Services are performed under the general supervision of the Environmental Health Director and the Environmental Health Supervisor.
30%-Collection of Drinking Water Samples from Transient Non-Community well systems. -collect water samples following WDNR protocol-accurately complete sampling forms-prepare samples for internal analysis and/or shipment to laboratory.
20%-Monitor Licensed Beaches and Recreational Waters for Water Quality.-observe and record field water quality parameters-collect water samples per Rock County protocol-prepare samples for lab analysis and record data.
20%-Assist with mosquito and tick surveillance program-collect mosquito specimens and mosquito larvae samples-conduct tick drags and tick surveillance monitoring-record data in the field on into spreadsheets
10%-Monitoring swimming pool water quality-Field analyze swimming pools and whirlpools for proper disinfection levels.
10%-Job Shadowing (optional)-Accompany/shadow Environmental Health Specialists on licensed facility inspections, lead assessments, laboratory analysis, and other duties.
10%-Other duties as assigned.
• High degree of interest in learning about Public Health
• Computer skills, proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Self motivated with excellent organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and the public
• Ability to problem solve and to deal with a variety of issues
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Ability to work well as a team member
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency, staff and the public
.• Ability to convey a professional image in the context of the job duties
.• Ability to utilize appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial and ethnic, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities
.• Ability to align with the mission and philosophy of the public health department
.• Excellent time management, problem solving, writing and organizational skills
.• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year college education, enrolled as full time student
• Current valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the community to various work and community sites. A county vehicle will be available for most field days, but use of a personal vehicle may sometimes be necessary.
•Ability to pass criminal background check.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical elements:
Ability to sit, stands, bends, and stoops for long periods of time
Ability to exert up to 60 pounds of force occasionally.
Ability to work in a stressful environment.
Ability to respond to emergency/crisis situations
Ability to travel throughout the community to various work sites and other community locations in all kinds of weather and varied working conditions.
Equipment usage:
Ability to operate Computers and other office equipment
Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner, in traffic and in all weather situations.
Working conditions:
Exposure to noise and frequent interruptions
Exposure to all weather elements (i.e. rain, heat, snow, sleet, humidity)
