ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN I (HELP PROGRAM)

The work involves responsibility for performing subprofessional environmental health work of a routine nature making inspections and assisting sanitarians and engineers in carrying out the various elements of prevention and control programs affecting the public's health. Employees in this class are assigned to one or more specialized phases of the environmental health program in the Onondaga County Health Department and spend approximately 80% or more of their time in the field performing many types of inspections. The work involves gathering information for use by public health engineers and sanitarians in determining compliance with New York State Sanitary Code requirements. Depending upon assignments, the work is performed under general or direct supervision of a technical superior who reviews reports and provides advisory assistance when necessary. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Makes routine inspections of sanitary conditions of camps, hotels, motels, lodging and boarding houses, public or individual water supplies and sewage disposal facilities, refuse disposal, indoor and outdoor air quality, lead abatement, public health hazards, public health nuisance complaints and general sanitation. Makes inspections of restaurants and other public eating-places, including food preparation, storage and dishwashing and disinfecting of dishes and utensils. Collects swab samples and water samples. Make inspections of swimming pools and bathing facilities to determine compliance with state sanitary code requirements. Makes inspections of nuisances, mosquito and fly breeding places, rodent harborages, lead abatement, animal disease, residential land development, housing sanitation and related matters. Participate in the various functions of vector control programs, including vector surveillance and control activities. Participates in functions related to lead abatement projects, hazardous material handling and other environmental health matters. Maintains records and prepares reports on inspections. Due to large geographic area of Onondaga County, operates a motor vehicle to travel between inspection sites and transport necessary equipment and supplies. Performs other specific tasks related to above matter as requested. Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned. Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Practical working knowledge and understanding of the basic principles and practices related to proper environmental health activities and inspection of the establishments and matters mentioned above. Good knowledge of acceptable compliance with provisions of the State Sanitary Code related to the above establishments and matters. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public. Skill in inspection techniques.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associates Degree or higher including or supplemented by a minimum of fifteen (15) semester credit hours in natural sciences of which not more than six (6) credit hours may be in the applied sciences; or, 42510 B. Successful completion of sixty (60) semester credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees including a minimum of fifteen (15) semester credit hours in natural sciences of which not more than six (6) credit hours may be in the applied sciences. NOTE: The term natural science means a science such as biology, chemistry, or physics that deals with the objects, phenomena, or laws of nature and the physical world. It includes all physical and biological sciences. The term applied science means science based courses in environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, infection control or food science.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

When required to operate a motor vehicle, possession of a valid New York State Non-CDL or CDL including any special endorsements as required for the type of vehicle being operated. *Minimum qualifications derived from Part 11 of the State Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR). #J-18808-Ljbffr Onondaga County Health Department