Onsite Septic Specialist I

Coos County, Oregon, is seeking candidates for a full-time Onsite Septic Specialist to lead the onsite septic system program. Escape the daily grind—Coos County offers a small community with rural charm and a vacation vibe, featuring spectacular coastal living, hiking, fishing, surfing, hunting, off-roading, and more. The Onsite Septic Specialist will work from the Coos County Community Development office located in the City of Coquille. This position serves as the primary lead in applying Oregon’s onsite septic system regulations while collaborating with permit agents and building code inspectors on residential and commercial property use applications. The ideal candidate will qualify as a Onsite Septic Specialist II, possessing three years of independent experience in onsite treatment and Alternative Treatment Technology. Coos County may consider candidates who qualify for a Onsite Septic Specialist I position as well. Additionally, an Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) may apply, provided they have completed the soil classes equivalent to those required for a Waste Water Specialist (WWS). The licensing requirements for a WWS or EHS are administered by the Oregon Health Licensing Office. For more information, see the link provided: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Pages/Board-Environmental-Health-Registration.aspx.

**Benefits include: ** - PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) - Health insurance for employees and their families - Long-term disability - Paid holidays - Paid vacation - Paid sick leave

Job Overview
This position evaluates, inspects and permits onsite residential and small septic systems in Coos County; Provides technical assistance and information related to septic systems and the onsite program to permittees and the general public; Responds to community concerns regarding questionable waste water disposal and pursuing code enforcement action if needed.

Duties

• Evaluate properties to determine viability of onsite septic system choices.
• Issue or deny on-site construction (or repair) permits as allowed by rule. Provide information to permittees and general public on required paperwork, rules, regulations, etc.
• Perform inspections during construction phase of onsite systems to allow for occupancy of a home or commercial facility.
• Perform on-going inspections for sewage treatment as required by permit.
• Evaluate status of existing onsite systems for purposes of (1) authorization notice requests or (2) requests to secure a loan or refinancing.
• Maintain documentation of process for field decisions.
• Maintain records in a systematic organized manner including data entry.
• Provide reasonable follow-up to allegations of illegal sewage discharge where a safe onsite system should be in place.
• Pursue means to obtain compliance where an onsite system is illegally discharging sewage such as to the surface of the ground or any water way, including but not limited to seeking enforcement action.
• Provide analysis and recommendations for some proposed land use developments.
• Inspect sewage pumper trucks with associated paperwork.
• Completion of paperwork (hard copy and electronically) in a professional manner and timely way.
• Coordination and communication of efforts among in-house staff, other agencies and applicants or property owners in a professional way.

Working Conditions:

Normal work schedule is Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm or a 4 x 10 schedule may be possible. Evenings and weekend work, as well as occasional overnight stays may occur. There will be frequent travel by car for field visits (such as wastewater treatment facilities, land application sites, and sites of non-compliance) as well as for travel for training conferences, public hearings and meetings, and workshops.

Application of Flex Time is expected when there is required work outside of the normal schedule.

Must be able to carry cumbersome gear up to 40 pounds per trip up to 200 yards at a time over uneven terrain that may also be steep, wet and/or slick.

Outside work may be in inclement weather conditions including combinations of wet, icy, cold or hot.

There is potential for exposure to raw sewage, chemicals (in liquid, solid or gas form) pollutants, contaminated soil and water, fumes, airborne contaminants and pathogenic organisms.

Requirements

• Between a conditional offer of employment and first day of employment, possess an Oregon Environmental Health Specialist Trainee license or an Oregon Wastewater Specialist Trainee license in accordance with ORS Chapter 700. A person may not be registered as a trainee for more than two years. Failure to maintain a trainee license will result in termination from this position.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• To successfully perform this job, a trainee quickly learns to perform each essential function in a satisfactory manner and is competent in what and when to communicate with co-workers and supervisor(s). Functions listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In a manner progressively demonstrating increasing competency, the trainee quickly learns duties in:

• Determining classification, characteristics and behavior of soils and the transport of water and wastewater through soil strata.
• Applying knowledge of onsite wastewater treatment system technology and requirements for permitting; experience inspecting and evaluating onsite septic systems.
• Investigating environmental complaints.
• Reviewing design plans for new construction, alterations, and repairs of wastewater treatment systems.
• Regulating sewage treatment systems including issuing permits and authorizations for new construction, alterations, or repairs of onsite septic systems.
• Exhibiting excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information tailored to the needs of diverse audiences; skill in writing and presenting clear and concise reports that include qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions to diverse audiences.
• Applying knowledge of public health principles and practices and prevent the adverse environmental effects on public health.
• Performing administrative tasks related to maintaining documentation of observations in work performed, effectively scheduling activities and field work among numerous interested parties.
• Prioritizing and maintaining objectives in a dynamic environment including in the event of an emergency.
• Responding effectively to an antagonistic person or persons.
• Maintaining professional, positive interaction with the general public on the phone and in person, within appropriate boundaries.
• Using tact and judgment in dealing with staff, the public, and with executives and officials from other entities.
• Maintaining good attendance.
• Accepting supervision and adhere to County and Department policies.
• Complying with professional ethics, rules of conduct and confidentiality privacy laws.
• Establishing and maintaining effective and harmonious working relationships with other employees, county staff, and outside entities.
• Portraying a good attitude and represent the Department and the County in a positive manner in the community
• Maintains an acceptable driving record.

Education and/or experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from a university or college with at least 45 quarter hours of science related to environmental sanitation, which must include approved soil science courses; OR
• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.

List of equipment, tools, machines used in performance of duties:

Multiple line telephone; personal computer with Microsoft Office Suite, duty specific software and email capacity, photocopy machine, scanner & fax machine; smart phone.

Soil auger, soil classification matrix, inclinometer, level, laser level, tape measure, compass, [interpretation of] site plans and maps.

Truck or vehicle including operation in off-road terrain.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,775.00 - $5,586.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you possess a bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter hours in or related to environmental sanitation, including approved soil sciences?
• Do you have an active license as a Waste Water Specialist with the State of Oregon, or would you be willing to license as a Waste Water Specialist Trainee in accordance with ORS Chapter 700?

Ability to Commute:

• Coquille, OR 97423 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Coquille, OR 97423: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $4,775 - $5,586