Environmental Public Health Technician -Onsite

Under the direction of the EPH Supervisor, conducts field evaluations and generates reports for environmental health programs. Performs routine duties related to the enforcing of the County Sanitary Code, Ottawa County Environmental Health Regulations, and state laws regarding environmental health. Issues requirements for compliance for incidents found in non-compliance with state and local laws, ordinances and regulations. Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments. Gathers evidence and serves as a witness to affiliated cases in court or the department.

This is a full-time benefited position working out of the James St. Campus in Holland, MI. Typical work hours are 8:00AM-5:00PM Monday through Friday. Frequent travel throughout the County may be required. 

The essential functions of this position may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Under the direction of the EPH Supervisor, conducts, evaluates, and determines compliance of residential on-site sewage and private water well systems through OCDPH real estate transfer evaluations, completes final inspections of on-site sewage disposal and private water well systems, inspects swimming pools, campgrounds, child care facilities, septage haulers, and other programs as directed. Orders the correction of deficiencies and performs follow-up evaluations and closures under the guidance of the EPH Supervisor.
• Assists the general public in the field, office, or by phone, with their complaints and questions regarding sanitation and environmental matters. Gives advice on the prevention and resolution of problem matters and responds to complaints regarding potential environmental concerns.
• Evaluates existing wells and on-site sewage treatment systems prior to sale. Issues requirements for corrective actions or repairs.
• Investigates complaints involving environmental health hazards or nuisances and assists in initiating actions to abate or prevent such conditions.
• Makes site visits to facilities that store, handle, use, transport, or dispose of hazardous or potentially polluting materials. Under the direction of an EPH Specialist, issues requirements for compliance with appropriate hazardous materials, regulations or guidance documents.
• Assists EPH Specialists in consultation with individuals, citizen groups, and agencies regarding prevention of health hazards.
• Inspects public swimming pools and bathing beaches during operation, measures certain chemicals, biological, or physical properties of water to ensure the health and safety of swimmers. Requires closure and/or reopening when conditions warrant.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Possession of an Associate's Degree or two to three years of technical schooling in environmental, earth sciences, or related areas. Six months to one year experience with soils testing, hazardous materials, food service, water quality, solid waste, and/or other environmental fields preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:
Must have a valid motor vehicle license. Individuals in this classification provide services to clients in a variety of locations throughout the County and are responsible for providing their own transportation.

Required Knowledge and Skills:  

• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize the workload.
• Good analytical abilities.
• Ability to interact positively with co-workers, professional partners, and community representatives from widely diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Good interpersonal communication and public relations skills.
• Good working knowledge of the principles, practices, and protocols for conducting inspections and investigations, as well as gathering and preserving evidence in the course thereof.
• Computer literacy, including good user knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet and database management applications software, GIS and Internet search engines.
• Working knowledge of water sampling procedures and testing techniques.
• Working knowledge of the purpose and functionality of an on-site sewage disposal system.
• Working knowledge of the surface water quality monitoring methods.
• Working knowledge of waterborne illnesses and prevention thereof.
• Working knowledge of factors affecting beach water quality.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must possess sufficient strength and mobility with or without assistive devices to perform on-site work including, but not limited to soil borings, crawlspace entry/exit, moving over, under, or around trees or other woody debris, probing locations of septic tanks and drain fields, walking through deep snow to access location of septic tanks, drain fields, and well heads, or other activities that arise during the course of an on-site evaluation.
• Must have sufficient visual acuity with or without corrective lenses to visually investigate and inspect items.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to inclement weather.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, particulates and other airborne contaminants.
• May be exposed to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and moving mechanical hazards.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and kneel to inspect food service establishments, sewage treatment systems, water well construction sites, and other locations.
• Must have ability to drive personal automobile and travel throughout the county to conduct inspections.

Working Conditions: 
Work is in the office and in the field at sites throughout Ottawa County, including individual owner-occupied dwellings, rental units, site condominiums, campgrounds, restaurants, beachfront areas, and other sites. Inspection of on-site sanitary sewage disposal systems entails potential exposure to human wastes, bloodborne pathogens, and other disease vectors. Investigation of complaints concerning public health hazards and public health nuisances involves risk of exposure to vermin, insects and other potentially disease-carrying pests.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

Salary : $22 - $28