Environmental Health Practitioner
Washington County Health Department
Job Description
Environmental Health Practitioner
Position summary:
This position is considered an “in-training” position and requires that the applicant complete and pass the Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner (LEHP) examination within 3 years of hire.
With regular consultation with the Public Health Administrator, Supervising Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner (LEHP), and/or IDPH program directors, performs professional work in Washington County’s environmental health programs. This level of employment requires technical application and practices in both the field and office as outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” below.
Under the direct supervision of the Supervising LEHP and Health Department Administrator, the Environmental Health Practitioner shall perform the following
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Review, Inspects, and Plans facilities in accordance with local, state, and federal statutes and regulations.
- Understand and explain state laws, local ordinances, rules and regulations; offers guidance on environmental practices and principles; advise regarding improvements and corrections necessary to assure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations
- Collect data, documentary evidence, etc for use in prosecution of cases of non-compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulation.
- Completes activity reports and records of inspections, investigations, and correspondence.
- Timely submission of program-required reports and documents through data systems.
- Maintains records internally in timely, accurate, organized manor.
- Collects, under prescribed methods, required environmental samples.
- Makes recommendations relative to the protection and disinfection of private and non-community water supplies.
- Investigates complaints involving possible sanitary violations and offers advice on solutions. Makes follow-up inspections accordingly.
- Participates in epidemiological surveys including, but not limited to, foodborne illness outbreaks, seeking unhealthful conditions.
- Investigates insect and rodent conditions; participates in making recommendations for control programs involving abatement procedures.
- Receives training as required by department grants.
- Follow confidentiality and privacy requirements at all times.
- Adheres to personnel policies and procedures of the department and the county.
- Collaborates with Administrator and Office Manager on fiscal components of grants, including budget items and purchases for environmental services.
- Collaborate with Supervising LEHP and Administrator in preparing policies, procedures, and ordinances relating to environmental services and programs.
- Collaborate with Washington County Solid Waste committee on environmental issues and concerns.
- Communicates with other staff members regarding environmental health issues and procedures as necessary.
- Participates in the Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant as assigned.
- Operate within scope of practice as indicated by level of training and competence.
- Other duties as assigned
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Ability to perform technical inspections and make corrective recommendations following such inspections.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with public and private groups and individuals.
- Ability to express ideas and directions clearly and concisely, both orally and written.
- Ability to tolerate standing for long periods of time, sometimes in extreme weather conditions to perform inspections and investigations.
- Ability to navigate computer software systems, after training, to successfully comply with grant reporting requirements. Must be able to use Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Ability to manage and prioritize several projects on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Education and Experience Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 semester hours in physical and/or biological sciences
Other Qualifications:
- Must possess and maintain a valid Illinois drivers license.
- Must have reliable personal vehicle at their disposal.
- Must submit proof of adequate and valid auto insurance coverage.