Sanitarian

POSITION SUMMARY

POSITION SUMMARY:
To perform professional, assigned duties related to and associated with the operational activities, services, and programs of the Environmental Health Division. Responsible for evaluating sites and establishments of public health significance such as food services facilities, bathing beaches, swimming pools, campgrounds, soil, erosion, on-site water and sewage disposal systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform environmental health activities such as food service inspections, on-site water and sewage evaluations, soil erosion, body art, campground, swimming pool and bathing beach inspections and other environmental health activities as assigned.
• Assure regulatory compliance and conduct enforcement in all areas of environmental health.
• Investigate complaints regarding public health hazards and nuisances.
• Recommend, authorize and issue environmental health related permits, licenses, approvals or certifications.
• Provide education and technical assistance to the public and media regarding proper sanitation and environmental health principals.
• Prepare and maintain activity records, reports, notices and correspondence in accordance with division policies and procedures.
• Participate in staff development and training programs.
• Required participation for activities related to emergency preparedness, food establishment emergencies and temporary events, environmental and public health emergency response and other critical programs.
• Other Health Department activities as assigned.

• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health, Biology or related field required.
• Registration as a Sanitarian in Michigan and/or with the National Environmental Health Association preferred.
• Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development certification for evaluating food service establishments preferred.
• Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control certification preferred.
• One year of experience working in an Environmental Health Department preferred.
• Knowledge of the principals of environmental and public health, applying local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency may be tested.

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Must possess a valid State of Michigan driver’s license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.
• Auto insurance and reliable transportation required.
• Required to report to duty when called upon in the event of a Public Health Emergency regardless of declaration.

• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Stand and walk for significant periods of time; travel over uneven or slippery terrain.
• Climb stairs.
• See details in color, at close range and at a distance.
• Lift, move, push, pull or carry objects and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• This position may require irregular hours and work schedules will include nights, weekends, holidays and overtime.
• This position will work partially in an office setting; frequently works in an outdoor environment with exposure to weather-related heat and cold, rain, wind and varying weather conditions.
• Frequently visits work sites where heavy equipment is operating.
• Various locations are natural areas that risk exposure to various plants, insects, snakes, environmental allergens, etc.
• Operating equipment exposes personnel to moderate levels of noise, fumes, airborne particles and vibrations on a regular basis.
• The employee occasionally works in areas requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, hard hats or hearing protection.