Environmental Health Specialist

Job TitleEnvironmental Health SpecialistJob DescriptionWhat's your purpose?Have you considered investing in your community? Pinal County is a beautiful place that needs passionate people who want to help others and make a difference in their lives.Public service is a rewarding career choice; not only does it offer a strong sense of purpose, but it also benefits you financially. We may not be the most competitive in salary, but we provide great value to our employees, including highly sought-after retirement plans, paid sabbaticals every five years, and very affordable benefit costs. In the long run, Pinal County is an excellent choice to fulfill your passion and support your retirement!Working at Pinal County is an investment in YOU. Apply today and find out why Pinal County is more than just a job. Read more about the position and see if it is a good match for you. We are growing so be sure to check out all of our other opportunities as well!Job SummaryUnder general supervision, performs enforcement of environmental regulations and environmental health inspections of the community to protect the environment through education and enforcement of rules and regulations; performs inspections of various retail and institutional food establishments, temporary food booths, swimming pools, and public places to ensure compliance with state and county codes and regulations; resolves compliance and complaint issues and maintains appropriate records of inspection and enforcement activities.Typical Classification Essential DutiesConducts inspections of food service establishments and other public places including restaurants, bars, grocery stores, food banks, institutional kitchens, school kitchens and school grounds, daycare facilities, and construction; conducts pre-opening inspections of establishments and mobile food units; determines compliance with Smokefree AZ laws, samples food and water for microbial analysis; prepares inspection reports by referencing all codes cited; and discusses and reviews all observations and findings with appropriate person in charge.Conducts inspections of public and semi-public pools, spas, etc. for compliance with Arizona and County regulations, checking for compliance with Smokefree AZ laws; and provides education to owners and operators.Accepts permit applications from the public; answers any specific questions about the requirements involving permit submittals; enters data into computer; works with other departments to help the customer through the process of permit submittal.Responds to citizen complaints and performs inspections to ensure compliance with state and county codes and regulations; conducts complaint investigations of public health nuisances, food establishments, pools, public places for Smokefree AZ compliance, illegal dumping, vector or other complaints, as assigned.Responds to phone and in person inquiries; explains environmental regulations to owners or operators; and may re-inspect the polluting sources to determine conformity with environmental control plans and specifications; and educates the public regarding issues.Recommends enforcement action for non-compliance. Maintains records of enforcement activities.Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records and restricted County information.Performs related duties as required or assigned.Minimum Requirements to Perform WorkAssociate's degree in Environmental Health or Environmental Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Watershed Management, or related field.Two (2) years of experience monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing environmental health issues and complaints.Valid Driver's License with Arizona Driver's License within 30 days of hire.Valid registration as Arizona Sanitarian within one (1) year of hire.Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum requirements.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of principles and practices of Public and Environmental Health.Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as they apply to area of assignment.Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuationKnowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.Skill in utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.Ability to keep logs, records, and writing technical reports.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other department staff, management, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.Physical DemandsThe work is light and requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. The work also requires the ability to finger, grasp, reach, lift, perform repetitive motion, operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment, hear, speak, and demonstrate mental and visual acuity.Work EnvironmentWork is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the ability to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.Notice to ApplicantsWe appreciate your interest in our employment opportunities. At Pinal County, we value professionalism and respect for others. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process, we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration, which may impact your future Pinal County applications.Offers of employment are valid only if provided in writing and approved by Pinal County Human Resources.All qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States are welcome to apply. However, visa sponsorship is not available.Pinal County does not participate in STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT).Pinal County requires pre-employment screening, which includes a Motor Vehicle Record check, a comprehensive background check (encompassing employment, education, and criminal history), and drug testing for safety-sensitive roles. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates from employment. Employment offers are contingent on successful pre-employment screening. If driving is a requirement of the position, you must have a valid Arizona State Driver's License in accordance with Arizona State Law.Work in this classification requires an individual to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this description.