Temporary Environmental Health Assistant - Health Department

Environmental Health Scientist Temporary Position

Provides support to identify problems and solutions to minimize or eliminate hazards that may harm the environment and the population. Monitors environmental health and safety conditions. Conducts field activities and office work in health and safety programs. This will be working with our onsite waste water septic system program on a map that we are coordinating with the surveyors office to map all septic systems in Salt Lake County. We anticipate this will take 3-4 months to complete. It is a temporary position at 29 hours a week.

Minimum qualifications include six (6) months of related work experience in public and/or environmental health, or 12 credit hours of related coursework from an accredited college or university in environmental health or a related area of study as required for Environmental Health Scientist licensure, or a combination of related education and experience. May be required to obtain program related certifications upon hire. A valid Driver's License accepted by the State of Utah is required at the time of hire. A valid Driver's License issued by the State of Utah must be obtained within six (6) months of hire to operate a County vehicle. This position may require certifications and trainings depending on the program assignment.

Essential functions include assisting with audits, conducting field work and surveys, educating on health regulations and compliance. Provides assistance to licensed professionals to issue notices and initiate compliance and enforcement. Develops and maintains cooperative liaison with municipalities, counties, state and federal agencies, County personnel, and other groups/agencies. Provides technical assistance related to environmental health issues. Assesses program needs, formulates proposals for solutions, and analyzes effects. Provides support for investigation of disease outbreaks, gathers information and evidence on the nature, scope and cause. Provides support for studies and research into causes and solutions to environmental health problems, methods and techniques, and strategies for abatement and control. Provides support for public education programs; trains and educates citizens. Prepares and gives reports, collects and analyzes samples and specimens for field tests. Maintains and operates specialized equipment and ensures the equipment is in good repair and properly calibrated and stored. Prepares and responds to emergencies for earthquakes, floods, chemical releases and spills, and biological and other incidents.

Knowledge of public and environmental health principles, sampling and laboratory procedures, data collection, data entry and retrieval, effective public relations and health education methods and techniques. Skills and abilities to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, effectively apply general principles to specific conditions, work effectively with people from a variety of social, ethnic, economic, educational, and professional backgrounds, defend and follow oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures, work and act independently as directed, operate a personal computer, sampling and testing equipment, and other program related equipment, respond adequately to problems and utilize problem solving techniques, establish and maintain effective working relationships with public, government, private groups, and individuals, deal professionally and tactfully with angry individuals and diffuse hostile situations.

Working conditions and physical requirements include considerable walking over rough terrain, bending and kneeling, exposure to adverse weather conditions, and difficult to access places. May be required to carry bulky equipment necessary for performance of various tasks. May involve work around hazardous chemicals and unsanitary conditions. Must be able to work in environments that require lifting up to 50 pounds, dragging, cleaning, and other physical exertion for the removal of solid and hazardous waste from illegal encampment sites. Must be able to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and able to perform tasks around unsanitary conditions.

This position works 29 hours per week during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. An "At Will", FLSA non-exempt employee who is not eligible for County benefits and who must work an average of 29 hours or less per week or an average of 129 hours or less per month. Must work an average of 29 hours or less per week or an average of 129 hours or less per month. Are not eligible for County benefits except as otherwise provided for by policy. Are not considered merit employees. Are "at will" employees who may be terminated for any reason, without notice, and without a pre-termination hearing.