Environmental Health Specialist (Vector Control)

An Environmental Health Specialist will provide inspections, enforcement services, and education for a broad range of environmental health programs to ensure compliance and uniformity under the Montgomery County Public Health Code and other statutes, regulations and ordinances. This position will have a strong focus on mosquito-borne disease efforts for surveillance and control during the mosquito season (April - October). During the off season, the position will conduct environmental inspections/investigations and other related field work.

This is considered an Essential Position within the Office of Public Health. Essential Employees are obligated to report to work as scheduled or remain at work during emergencies. Essential employees carry out essential job functions or assigned emergency duties which may involve assignments within the Department Operations Center, Emergency Operations Center, deployment to a field location to participate in public health activities, or other duties as required during periods of emergency. If received, emergency assignments may be performed under adverse conditions and continue for periods ranging from a few hours to several weeks, months, etc.

Reports directly to Supervisor, Environmental Field Services (Vector Control)

Vector Born Responsibilities:
* Assists in the preparation of the Mosquito-borne Disease Control grant.
* Assist in the ordering and maintenance of mosquito surveillance equipment and supplies.
* Collects, processes and identifies mosquitos to determine species prevalent in the County.
* Inspect mosquito breeding and harborage areas.
* Apply pesticides to control mosquitoes in all stages of development.
* Collect, analyze and report on statistical data as required.
Develop and utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities.

Environmental Health Responsibilities:
* Conduct regulatory inspections required by the Montgomery County Public Health Code, including but not limited to food facilities, public bathing places, mobile home parks, camps/campgrounds, schools, disease vector complaints.
* Complete inspection reports and issue official notices of corrective action and follow-up to ensure compliance.
* Interpret and apply regulations/code.
* Prepare compliance documentation supporting legal arguments for citations and present arguments in district court.
* Ensure inspection documentation and facility records are recorded accurately in the Digital Health Department (DHD) software system.
* Manage and maintain territory inspection schedule.
* Investigate complaints (on public and private properties) regarding disease vectors, environmental hazards and nuisances.
* Conduct environmental inspections for food and waterborne illness investigations; collects evidence and samples of food, water and other materials, as required.
* Required to be on-call.
* Flexible and able to work extended working hours, which may include weekends/holidays as necessary.
* Review architectural and engineering plans and specifications.
* Maintain a professional public image.
* Communicate with municipal officials.
* Educate the public on regulatory, technical, and program services.
* Train and assist new staff during development.
* Other related activities as required.

Education and Credentials
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements 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.

* Bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, or related subject area with 30 science credits.
* Duties require travel throughout the County; must have a reliable means of transportation and a valid driver's license.
* Within the first six months of employment, must obtain the PA Department of Agriculture Pesticide Certification (Category 16, Public Health Invertebrates).
* Must be computer literate with recent work experience using a computer.
* This position requires a security background check.

Experience and Skills
* Strong computer skills and ability to use various software
* Strong written and oral communication skills.
* Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
* Strong knowledge of Montgomery County Public Health Code, U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Food Code and other regulations as necessary.
* Able to use common sense and understanding to carry out verbal and written instructions.
* Ability to communicate effectively and maintain good working relationships with others.
* Able to have a working knowledge and training in food safety, public health disease vectors, code enforcement, epidemiology.
* Able to handle and resolve recurring problems.
* Able to prioritize work/tasks.
* Accurate, detailed oriented and able to carry out tasks to completion.
* Flexibility with team and work schedule.
* Able to work independently and as part of a team.
* Strong professional ethics.
* Strong time management and organizational skills.
* Strong interpersonal, customer service, and public relations skills.
* Flexible work hours are required during mosquito season; in addition to regular work hours, ability to work early mornings and evenings.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. Physical requirements include long periods of prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, driving and moderate to heavy lifting (approximately 40 - 50 pounds).

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.