Environmental Health Specialist 1 (Public Health)
Job ID: 107579
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:Regular
CLACKAMAS COUNTY CORE VALUES
Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. In that spirit, we pledge to hold ourselves to these standards at all times in our interactions with customers and one another:
• Service
• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Respect
• Individual accountability
• Trust
By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves and our projects. We're always looking to improve. That's the Clackamas County SPIRIT.
https://www.clackamas.us/countyadmin/spirit
Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.
CLOSE DATE
This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
PAY AND BENEFITS
Annual Pay Range: $59,925.25 - $75,798.22
Hourly Pay Range: $28.810215 - $36.441450
Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.
Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.
We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering, health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.
Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.
Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.
Generous paid time off package, including:
• 12 hours of vacation accrued per month
• Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals in compliance with https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/a51ff5d3-d243-49ba-aa11-15324f4c0bf8! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrued per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year
Other Benefits:
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
• Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.)
• OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Robust EAP and wellness programs, including gym discounts and wellness education classes
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)
This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.
https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/1e311321-f9ff-4daa-8753-bbdfb4e8d1b4
http://www.clackamas.us/des/benefits.html
JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Clackamas County's Public Health Division is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist. Under the guidance of a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, this position is responsible for applying principles of biological and physical sciences and enforcing state health codes to enhance public health and welfare. The Environmental Health Specialist 1 (or Trainee) is the entry-level position in the Environmental Health Specialist series. Incumbents will be trained to complete the basic duties of the 2 level, performing duties progressively as assigned with increasing independence. Incumbents may qualify for the opportunity to advance to the higher level in the series after satisfying the necessary requirements to meet the qualifications in the higher level in the series.
We are seeking an enthusiastic individual passionate about educating and motivating others during inspection and enforcement responsibilities. Successful candidates will be detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to self-manage their workload in an assigned area while demonstrating professionalism, flexibility, and teamwork. They will possess education or experience in environmental health, including food safety, public pools and spas, tourist facilities, childcare, drinking water regulations, and disease outbreak investigations. Additionally, candidates should be skilled in interpreting policies and procedures, developing working relationships, and communicating technical information clearly. A strong understanding of communicable diseases and the role of public health is essential. Candidates will also value equity, demonstrate integrity, and respect the expertise and experiences of colleagues, as well as the diversity of staff and the public we serve.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
• Possession of a valid Registered Environmental Health Trainee (REHT) certification issued by the Oregon Health Licensing Office, or eligibility to obtain such registration by meeting the education and experience requirements outlined in ORS 700, including a bachelor's degree with coursework in environmental health, biology, or a related science field.
• Previous work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in team settings to achieve objectives.
• Expertise in producing accurate and detailed technical reports for regulatory and compliance purposes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effectively engaging with the public, including customer service and conflict resolution.
• Proficient in technology and basic software usage, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
• Licensed as a “Registered Environmental Health Specialist” or eligible for reciprocity with Oregon Health Licensing Office (per ORS 700).
• Experience conducting environmental health site inspections and ensuring compliance with regulations, including drinking water, food facility, pool, and lodging programs.
• Experience in teaching, training, or public speaking, with strong communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Experience interpreting and applying codes and laws.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
• Must pass post-offer, pre-employment drug test. https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/69fd8013-4594-4afd-bee9-f1e0aeab42ea
• Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
• Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. http://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/828106a0-265a-47cc-a3a6-0a2c8b028673
*For Veterans qualified for Veteran's Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.
TYPICAL TASKS
Facility Inspections and Compliance
Assist in inspecting a variety of facilities, including food establishments, tourist accommodations, schools, institutional care and child care facilities, and public swimming and spa pools. Ensure compliance with state sanitation laws and health regulations by documenting findings, issuing corrective recommendations, and conducting follow-up inspections. Prepare and maintain reports, recommendations, and records for all inspections. Educate operators of food service establishments, housing, and tourist facilities on proper public health practices. Conduct food handler trainings and testing.
Public Water System Surveys
Assist in conducting comprehensive surveys of public water systems, identifying potential hazards, and responding to alerts. Collaborate with water authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards and resolve any public health concerns.
Communicable Disease Outbreak Investigations
Assist in investigating communicable disease outbreaks linked to food, water, or other environmental sources within public facilities or communities. Responsibilities include conducting investigations, collecting samples for laboratory analysis, interpreting results, and recommending necessary control measures to reduce public health risks.
Non-Communicable Environmental Health Investigations
Assist in evaluating and investigating non-communicable environmental concerns such as chemical exposures, air quality issues, and hazardous materials. Provide recommendations on control measures or coordinate referrals to appropriate agencies for further investigation or remediation.
Review of Building and Mechanical Plans
Assist in reviewing and evaluating building plans, mechanical systems, and architectural specifications for new or existing facilities. Ensure that all plans comply with public health laws and safety regulations before construction or renovation.
Committee Participation and Collaboration
May serve on various environmental health-related committees or task forces. Provide expert input on public health policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance community safety and environmental health standards.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position is included in the County's alternate workweek program, working 40 hours. Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.
• Eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with the option to work a 4-day, 10-hour schedule (typically Monday-Thursday) or a 5-day, 8-hour schedule (Monday-Friday).
• Occasional evening and weekend work required, primarily for food vendor inspections at community events, farmer's markets, and in response to public health emergencies or investigations. Must have weekend availability, especially during the summer when demand is higher.
This position is eligible for hybrid on-site/telework subject to the https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/9065b5fb-2237-47ce-9534-e7c8c40fc2bc and based on the Department's business needs. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager during time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.
EXPLORE CLACKAMAS COUNTY
Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.
http://www.clackamas.us/
http://www.clackamas.us/onboarding/
https://www.mthoodterritory.com/
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The health of a community is a key indicator about its quality of life. At Clackamas County Public Health, we are committed to improving the quality of life in Clackamas County by offering services and engaging in activities that protect and promote the health of its residents.
Public Health's Mission
Promote and assist individuals, families & communities to be healthy, safe and thrive. By working with our communities, Public Health assures conditions that:
Prevent injury & disease
Promote health
Protect food, water & air
Prepare for emergencies
Public Health is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.
http://www.clackamas.us/publichealth/
Public Health is a Division of the http://www.clackamas.us/h3s/
Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) consists of six divisions, dedicated to ensuring health families and strong communities in Clackamas County.
Mission Statement: We lead and learn with equity in serving individuals, families, and communities by providing access to high quality healthcare, housing, and services that strengthen social and economic resilience.
Vision Statement: Individuals, families, and communities are resilient and thriving.
H3S is committed to improving programs and ensuring better outcomes for the people served, and focuses on the following goals:
• EMPOWERED AND THRIVING STAFF - H3S staff are empowered, engaged and have a sense of belonging while being valued and supported to thrive.
• EQUITY DRIVEN SERVICES - H3S promotes and provides accessible, equitable and culturally responsive services.
• ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE & CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT - H3S operates consistently, efficiently and effectively as a cohesive department, using our individual and collective skills and expertise.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
Help With Your Application:
https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/6b3147a3-bf84-4f52-8238-64a37e936b4f
https://www.clackamas.us/jobs#helpwiththeapplication
If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or mailto:jobs@co.clackamas.or.us?subject=Application%20Materials%20Question. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).
HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
https://www.clackamas.us/des/jobs.html
https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/a67ee11c-861c-4126-aa5a-4dec6174f6eb
VISA SPONSORSHIP
Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.
RECRUITING QUESTIONS?
Jenn Johnson, Recruiter
mailto:JJohnson2@clackamas.us
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/5760075
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