LICENSED SOIL SCIENTIST

Licensed Soil Scientist Public Health FLSA: N JOB SUMMARY This position provides the experience and expertise to the division needed to evaluate those properties for commercial and residential use that require the skills of an experienced soil scientist. MAJOR DUTIES Enforcement of state rules and statutes related to onsite wastewater systems delegated to the local health department jurisdiction. This includes site evaluations, inspections of installation of systems, existing system approvals and writing of permits. Keeping accurate and detailed inspection records as mandated by the state. Enforcement of the local well ordinance, including siting wells, inspection and permitting of the construction of the wells. Keeping accurate and detailed inspection records as mandated by the state. Provide informal second opinions on difficult soils. Mentor new staff on soil evaluations. Investigate environmental related complaints. Conduct education and training. Performs technical reviews of soils and their characteristics to determine suitability for onsite and offsite sewage treatment and disposal systems; quality assurance and policy development based on the findings. Works independently within the Environmental Health Section of Health Services. Completes written technical recommendations and submits to responsible parties for review; recommendations are based on physical characteristics of sites such as space limitation, long term acceptance rates, soil types, and soil morphology. Assists the Environmental Health Staff in formulating decisions based on North Carolina sewage rules and regulations, including formal and informal appeals and second opinions. Provides technical education for environmental health staff and general public through planned presentations, group discussions, and one on one contact in support of procedure and policy changes to the board of health. Maintains continuing education, keeping abreast of technical advancements and required training for North Carolina sanitation examiners. Consults with environmental health specialists and the general public regarding failing wastewater systems; examines and recommends the best possible alternative and corrective procedures for the wastewater system. Describes complex technical information to the general public and establishes client relationships that result in positive atmosphere and projection of a helping attitude. Receives and reviews various records and reports including informal reviews, formal reviews and onsite wastewater plans. Prepares and/or processes permits, technical recommendations, reports for legal procedures, field exercises, and various other records, reports, memos and correspondence. Refs to policy and procedure manuals, codes, regulations, North Carolina sewage laws and rules, Munsell color books, aerial photographs, field books for describing and sampling soil, directives and interpretation provided by NC DEQ staff, equipment manuals, blueprints, etc. Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment such as a computer, printer, fax machine, copier, calculator, pumps, control panels, float trees, telephone. Uses soil augers, engineer laser levels, measuring devices, etc. Must learn and maintain proficiency in Microsoft Office, ARC GIS, Laserfiche. Inspects well construction standards and onsite wastewater system installations. Inspects and approves or disapproves private water supplies (wells). Inspects and approves or disapproves new and repair wastewater systems installations. Assists in inspection of management entity systems. Other duties – Employee is subject to be called upon at any time to help the agency response to a public health emergency, which may include but is not limited to outbreak investigations, staffing mass dispensing or immunization clinics, staffing shelters during disasters or being a member of Division, Department, or County wide committee. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION Knowledge of Environmental Health Laws, Rules, and Regulations. Knowledge of soil characteristics and mapping nomenclature. Ability to share findings with clients without using technical jargon. Ability to maintain complete and accurate reports. Knowledge of and proficiency in operating computer programs including Microsoft Office. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The Environmental Health Manager assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results. GUIDELINES Guidelines include rules and regulations governing state‑manned environmental health programs and department and county policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK Employees must be knowledgeable of the mapping and classification of soils, the physical characteristics of soils and their ability to assimilate waste products, and local and state regulations concerning the disposal of waste products in the ground. Decisions affect individual lot landowners as well as owners of large parcels of land. Consequence of Decisions. Decisions could result in a landowner not being able to construct on or sell their land and failing sewage treatment systems which would cause expense to system owners and environmental degradation on a local level. Ability to propose alternate solutions in problem situations that accomplish sanitation objectives and are reasonable from a construction viewpoint. Ability to handle with tact, consistency and sound judgement the variety of situations encountered in consultative services and enforcement. CONTACTS Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, environmental health staff, private soil scientist, other wastewater professionals, NC DEQ staff, other County employees, contractors and other outside service providers, and the general public. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT A considerable amount of time is spent digging holes, for the purpose of evaluating soils. This requires physical strength. Extensive walking, standing, bending, and lifting required in work. Often worksites are undeveloped lots that are wooded or cutover with uneven terrain. The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, utilizes the sense of smell, and distinguishes between shades of color. The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY This position has no supervisory responsibilities. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in soil science, agronomy, or a related curriculum and two years of experience in the field of soil sciences; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires NC Soil Scientist License. Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in agronomy, soil science, or a closely related curriculum will be considered a trainee appointment. Requires Registration with NC REHS Board - Must be eligible to meet the requirements for registration or license as an Environmental Health Specialist as outlined in Article 4, Chapter 90A of the NC General Statutes. Appointee must be eligible for registration and apply for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist Intern within 60 days of employment. Employee may remain registered as an Environmental Health Specialist Intern until registration as an Environmental Health Specialist or up to two years, whichever comes first. Authorization in On‑Site wastewater from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services within one (1) year of employment. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. #J-18808-Ljbffr