Environmental Health Specialist II
Hillsboro, OR 
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Posted 13 days ago
Job Description
THE POSITION


Washington County Public Health Division within the Department of Health and Human Services is looking for an Environmental Health Specialist II to join our Environmental Health Branch!

This position is limited duration with a tentative end date of 6/30/2024. The extension of duration is included in the 24/25 Fiscal Year budget proposal, pending Board's approval. The extension of the duration will be confirmed at the end of June.

The current opening is for an Environmental Health Specialist II. However, since this position allows for flexible staffing, this position may be under-filled at the Environmental Health Specialist I level.
If you don't quite hold the qualifications of the Environmental Health Specialist II but still interested in the opportunity, please apply to the Environmental Health Specialist I, an entry-level position (Job# 23/24-518-HHS-2). If you are interested in being considered for both positions, you must submit separate applications to each posting.

About the position:
The Environmental Health Specialist II (EHS II) performs sanitation inspections of licensed and contracted facilities for compliance with State and County sanitation laws and regulations. Such facilities include restaurants, schools, care facilities, swimming pools and spas, recreation and travel accommodations, vending machines, mobile food units, and other food service facilities. Also, the EHS II performs inspections and assessments related to drinking water and on-site wastewater systems. Additionally, the EHS II assists in disease outbreak investigations, investigates complaints on regulated and unregulated facilities, and provides written reports explaining findings during inspections and investigations.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule including 1-2 days/ week remote work.

Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience conducting inspections of food service establishments, on-site wastewater treatment systems, day care facilities, swimming pools and spas, and lodging facilities. The candidate will value equity, have integrity, and be respectful of the role, expertise, and lived experiences of colleagues, and the diversity of each staff member who contributes to the Environmental Health Program's work. The candidate will also demonstrate awareness of multiple group identities, and bring consistent self-awareness, empathy, and social skills when working internally and externally. Additionally, they will have strong verbal communication and writing skills and a passion for customer service, providing outreach and education to the community they serve. Moreover, they will possess a minimum of basic knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook) and inspection software.

Possession of the following criteria is highly desired:
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Standardized by Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards
  • FDA Food Specialist or experience with any jurisdiction participating in FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards
  • Certified Pool Operator (CPO) by Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (formerly National Swimming Pool Foundation)
  • ServSafe Certified per National Restaurant Association
  • On-site Wastewater certification per Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (OR DEQ)

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.

About the program:
The mission of Washington County Environmental Health is to protect and promote the health of the public by providing inspection and disease prevention services in the areas of food safety, drinking water, public pools and spas, tourist facilities, on-site wastewater management, mosquito control (West Nile Virus prevention), and smoke-free workplace enforcement and emerging environmental health issues impacted by climate change.

We strive to enhance the quality of life in our County and community by educating, performing routine inspections and investigations, taking enforcement action when warranted, and interacting with state, federal, and local agencies when appropriate.

To learn more about our program, visit:

Why Washington County?

Are you interested in challenging, meaningful, and rewarding work? Join Washington County in our commitment to advancing racial equity. Our Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop an . Adopted in February 2020, this resolution commits to the equitable delivery of Washington County's services, resources, and opportunities for growth and development to every county resident.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program under "Benefits" tab above!

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review more information on this classification, please use this link:

The Environmental Health Specialist II is the journey level position in the Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) series. The Environmental Health Specialist II is distinguished from the Environmental Health Specialist I in that incumbents of the II level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, hold registration as an Environmental Health Specialist, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental or physical science, one of the natural sciences, engineering, and/or another closely related field approved by the Oregon Health Licensing Office; AND a minimum of two (2) years of acceptable experience under the supervision of a registered Environmental Health Specialist; OR
  • Possession of a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in public health or community health; AND One (1) year of experience in public health and environmental protection under the supervision of a registered Environmental Health Specialist.

ADDITIONAL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be registered as an Environmental Health Specialist by the Oregon Health Licensing Office or be eligible to be certified as a registered Environmental Health Specialist by the Oregon Health Licensing Office at the time of appointment. Refer to the Oregon Revised Statutes 700 to check eligibility: ()
  • Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record. To review the Driver's License and Record Policy for Washington County, please use this link: .

Preferred Qualification:
  • Bilingual/multi-lingual

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Washington County is committed to using a Merit-based System in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Our commitment to you:

Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.


Selection Process
  1. Apply today! In lieu of a resume, we ask that you complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Law.
  2. MQ Review: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs beginning the week after the posting closes. Additional preferred qualifications screening may be applied depending on the number of applications received.
  3. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Your responses to the supplemental questions may be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews).
  4. Panel Interview(s): Generally, the top 6 - 8 candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
  5. Conditional Offer: A successful candidate will require to successfully clear a driving record check as a pre-employment condition.
Please note: candidates that are successful in the evaluation process may have their applications referred for additional vacancies in the same classification, or job family.

Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about job postings.

Veterans' Preference
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: .

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail: at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Questions (?) Regarding This Recruitment
Yeji Seo, Talent Acquisition Business Partner


Additional Resources:
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* Washington County is a drug-free workplace *

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Salary and Benefits
$35.14 - $42.70 Hourly
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
2+ years
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