Environmental Health Officer I (Austin Public Health)

Overview Environmental Health Officer I Purpose: Under the jurisdiction of the Austin/Travis County Health Authority, using basic professional skills and environmental health knowledge, administer environmental health program by conducting inspections and investigations in the enforcement of public health protection laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. May perform environmental health program activities, conduct inspections in specialty areas, and provide public education. Responsibilities Enforces state, county and local health and safety codes and ordinances with the authority to close businesses and facilities for administrative and health hazard violations. Provides rotating 24/7/365 City/County wide emergency response to public health and environmental emergencies. Issues citations, notices of violation, and service requests, and is authorized to impose re-inspection fees/penalties. Files criminal cases when applicable with the appropriate court of law and provides expert witness testimony in subsequent litigation. Conducts inspections and investigations in a variety of environmental settings for the purposes of protecting the public health and safety. Excludes or restricts employee work conditions based on Texas Administrative Code regulations. Investigates citizen complaints of any location, business or residence if probable cause exists of a public health hazard and develops plan for best practices and compliance. Detains food or equipment and requires the destruction of product which may be contaminated or pose a health hazard. Collects and analyzes samples and data and provides recommendations. Develops, generates and submits surveys and incident reports. Maintains database/documentation. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of the principles, interpretation, and administration of applicable policies, codes, and municipal, state, and federal regulations and guidelines. Knowledge of methods required in reading and interpreting maps and plans. Knowledge of computer programs such as databases and word processing. Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures and regulations applicable to work being performed. Knowledge of applicable health codes, ordinances and regulations. Skill in analyzing research to determine applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, and statutes. Skill in resolving problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment. Skill in communicating, orally and in writing, any violation and the requirements for its improvement and/or rehabilitation to architects, contractors, developers, other City staff, and the public to achieve voluntary compliance. Skill in making accurate measurements and computations, and in maintaining records. Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees, contractors and the public. Skill in recognizing deviations from drawings and specifications. Ability to use effective time management to meet Federal, State, City, Department, and Division mandated deadlines. Ability to use digital camera and personal, laptop, and/or notebook computer. Minimum Qualifications Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least thirty (30) semester hours of natural or basic science. Licenses and Certifications Required Valid Texas Class C Driver License. State of Texas Professional Sanitarian-in-Training Registration. Successful completion of the State of Texas Professional Sanitarian Registration exam within six (6) months of employment. Credentialed as an Environmental Health Specialist/ Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) with the ability to obtain a Texas Registered Sanitarian license within six (6) months of acceptance of position. Preferred Qualifications Bilingual preferred but not required Environmental Health or retail food business experience Regulatory or Enforcement experience Strong Customer Skills Registered Sanitarian or Environmental Health Specialist, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment. Notes to Candidate Position Overview: The Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services Division provides critical public health regulatory operations including food inspections, special permitting, environmental vector control, and community education efforts. In addition to the minimum and preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will demonstrate ethical values and integrity in decision-making, work independently under supervision, be a self-starter, have an eye for detail, and possess strong customer service and conflict de-escalation skills. These positions involve indoor and outdoor activities with physical tasks such as sitting, standing, bending, twisting, climbing and walking; exposure to extreme weather, noise, fumes/odors; occasional kneeling and squatting; frequent customer contact. Salary and Benefits Salary Range: $24.40 - $28.42 Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, paid sick leave, vacation and personal time, and retirement plan. Important Posting Information This job posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the Job Posting Close Date listed. This posting is open for a minimum of 7 days and may close any time thereafter. Application Submission A complete City of Austin employment application is required to apply. Please provide dates (month and year) for each job history entry. A resume may be required but cannot substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. An assessment(s) may be administered as part of the interview process. Immunization, Travel, and Workplace Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy. This position may require travel to multiple work locations. The City of Austin is a tobacco-free workplace and prohibits use of tobacco products or e-cigarettes on all City worksites and in City vehicles. EEO Statement The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. The City is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Austin