What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Health Specialist I - Lab position at Benton Franklin Health District?
GENERAL SUMMARY: Primary duties include performing standardized environmental procedures in the laboratory. Duties may include activities relating to school health and safety, food protection, environmental health education, vector control, living environment, epidemiology, chemical and physical hazards, land use, on-site sewage program, water supply, solid waste, swimming pools, animal bites, general sanitation and interpreting local and state regulations. Other duties may include a range of activities in the environmental health field as required and related to the classification of an Environmental Health Specialist.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Makes solutions, prepares media, and maintains growth of cultures. Prepares and sterilizes solutions and sample containers. • Performs routine bacteriological examinations on water and wastewater. • Performs a variety of biological and chemical analyses on drinking water and wastewater samples (i.e.: nitrate, fluoride, hardness, coliform detection, BOD, COD, etc.), maintains records and bench logs. • Sorts and sends out reports, maintains files on all water systems serviced by the laboratory.
• Uses and maintains lab equipment i.e., sterilizer, microscopes, analytical balances, pH, ion selective electrode meters, spectrophotometers, ovens, etc.
• Washes and sterilizes laboratory glassware, pipettes and other laboratory equipment.
• Respond to public health emergency drills/exercises or actual events as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of communicable diseases, their means of transmission and methods of control, principles of
foodborne disease transmission and control, principles of vector control, principles of sewage treatment and disposal, principles of general sanitation and
environmental law. Ability to interpret regulations, explain disease control and inspection methods to laymen; write clear narrative reports; and deal with the
public in a courteous and mature manner.
The Requirements & Selection Process MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree involving a major study in biology, microbiology, bacteriology and public health, or environmental health.
Successful applicants should be eligible for registration with the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians. Bilingual Spanish preferred. Additional Requirements: Performance of job duties requires driving on a regular basis, a valid Washington State driver's license, the use of the incumbent's personal motor vehicle when a District fleet vehicle is not available for use, and proof of appropriate auto insurance.
SELECTION PROCESS: The most qualified applicants, based in part upon evaluation of the completed application and related information will be invited for an interview. BFHD Vision BFHD is a proactive leader uniting knowledgeable staff and proven practice with strong partners and informed residents to form a resilient, healthy community where all of us can learn, work, play, and thrive to our greatest potential.
BFHD Mission: BFHD provides all people in our community the opportunity to live full productive lives by promoting health lifestyles, preventing disease and injury, advancing equity and protecting our environment.
Criminal Background Check required upon candidate selection.
Salary : $4,732 - $5,217