Environmental Health Specialist I

The Environmental Health Specialist I performs basic mosquito light trap set-up and retrieval. Sorts and identifies mosquitoes, as required, and sends them for testing. Performs basic vector surveillance activities as deemed necessary for the limited contract position. Performs other duties as assigned. LEARNING RESPONSIBILITY: Must commit to a learning mindset and continuous improvement regarding the practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work within Adams County and The Department of Public Health including management style, work style, training, communication, and evaluation. ACTION-RELATED RESPONSIBILITY RE: WORK OF THE POSITION: Performs both internal and external work in a way that is equitably inclusive and effective within the diverse communities we serve. Regularly assesses work and supports changes to remove systemic barriers, build systems that address inequities, and integrate Health Equity into all areas of work. Creates and maintains partnerships and processes that support and integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Adams County Health Department work. Prioritizes transparency and supports an open-door culture. Integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into internal and external goal setting. This is a temporary full time position that is authorized to work for 12 months. This position is eligible for Medical coverage for themselves and children (no spousal coverage) and the 457b deferred compensation plan through Nationwide. This position is not eligible for any other benefits including dental, vison, holiday/sick/vacation accruals, and pension participation.
• Performs mosquito light trap set-up and retrieval. Sorts and identifies mosquitoes to send to lab as required. Responds to vector complaints and may assist in investigating vector-borne illnesses. Builds collaborative relationships internally across divisions and externally with community partners to advance public health initiatives in these settings as well as provides technical assistance and education to the public and other agencies regarding areas of public health concerns specific to vector-borne diseases. Uses excellent verbal communication skills to explain findings of investigations. Employs listening skills to hear others in an unbiased manner, respects points of view of others, and promotes the expression of diverse opinions and perspectives. Proficiently and accurately inputs data into computer systems associated with environmental health programs as necessary. Effectively uses analytic skills to define problems and applies ethical principles to the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information. Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting sensitively, effectively, and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic educational, racial, ethnic and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyle preferences. Develops and adapts approaches to problems that takes cultural differences into account. Perform other duties as assigned.
• Ability to apply the principles, techniques, and practices consistently and appropriately as related to environmental health in a community public health program. Ability to keep records and prepare clear and concise reports. Communicate with the general public in establishing and maintaining reasonable standards of environmental health in the interest of public health. Negotiate and resolve conflict with members of the general public. Demonstrate ability to exercise tact, discretion, and sound judgement. Outstanding skills and abilities in verbal and written communications; ability to adapt a style to fit audiences of varying technical levels, and at various levels within an organization, in groups and individual settings. Education High School Diploma required License and Certificates Possession of a valid driver's license. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Work is primarily conducted both indoors and outdoors. Incumbent will experience routine exposure to hazards of a typical office environment and occasional exposures to disease, toxic compounds, pesticides, gases, and fumes. Requires work in industrial and construction areas, occasionally experiences exposures to machinery, working at heights and underground, and excessive noise. May be required to work outside regular hours to attend meetings or events. Requires ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and ability to walk and navigate on all types of terrain. Requires ability to negotiate restricted pedestrian pathways. (e.g., assembly line, building maintenance areas, and construction sites) obstructed by equipment. necessary to the particular operation. Requires sufficient hearing and speech ability to communicate verbally in response to inquiries, complaints, and to speak to large groups of people in an educational presentation. Requires ability to lift and carry sampling equipment occasionally up to 50 pounds. Requires manual dexterity to operate computer equipment and test equipment. Requires color vision to distinguish titration/chemical reaction to color changes. Requires correctable vision to observe sampling activities and conduct investigations of health situations. Requires reliable transportation and access to drive an automobile in all types of weather conditions.