The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently when public health emergencies occur. All Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should a public health emergency arise. The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division maintains a call down system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. During a public health emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. During a public health emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.
Under general supervision, conducts routine permitting, inspections, instructions, education, and investigations to ensure compliance with environmental health and safety regulations regarding sanitation, food service establishments, hotel, camp, bed and breakfast, and special public events in order to protect the public health from food, water and air borne contaminates. Program areas range from food service establishments to rabies control.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)
Inspects restaurants, hotels, swimming pools, child care facilities, day and overnight camps, bed and breakfasts, school cafeterias, before and after school programs for sanitation levels and structural criteria; protects public health by reducing food borne illnesses and other health violations; improves public safety by ensuring safe operation, handling, preparing and disposal of foods, chemicals, and waste.
Reviews architectural plans for remodeled or newly constructed food facilities, hotels, and public pools for compliance with structural/construction standards. Reviews and investigates reports of food-borne disease outbreaks. Provide food safety classes to ensure proper food handling/preparation, and proper disposal of food, chemicals, and waste. For special events, conducts onsite inspections to ensure safe food handling and sanitation practices. Responds to Environmental Health emergencies during or after regular work hours.
Enforces the laws, rules, codes, and regulations related to general nuisance complaints; investigates general nuisance complaints in conjunction with the Hamilton County Health & Safety Board, works with property owners to address validated complaints; coordinates rodent and vector control; issues warnings and/or citations; assists county, and city public works with legal actions in Environmental Court; provides consultation and training to community groups, schools, daycares, etc. on environmental issues.
Coordinates the local rabies control program by working with local animal shelters and the veterinarian association. Works to respond to animal exposures in the community and assess risk of Rabies.
Knowledge of federal, state and county laws, rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances related to environmental health and safety.
Knowledge of inspection and investigation of health and safety issues.
Knowledge of universal health and safety precautions rules and regulations.
Knowledge of facility and site inspection.
Knowledge of customer service/public relations methods and practices.
Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals.
Knowledge of record keeping and documentation.
Skill investigating and enforcing environmental health laws, codes, and ordinances.
Skill reviewing and inspecting facilities, plat, subdivision, construction sites and blueprints for permits.
Skill utilizing customer service / public relations techniques when responding to inquiries and complaints.
Skill negotiating, mediating, and reaching consensus on issues.
Skill inspecting new, existing, or remodeled facilities for compliance with health and safety regulations.
Skill testing water and food samples for possible contamination.
Skill utilizing verbal and written communication skills in developing reports and documenting investigations.
Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry General Science, or a closely related. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
OR
An Associate’s Degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry General Science, or a closely related field and two (2) years of direct work experience in Environmental Health, Biology, General Science, or a closely related field. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
OR
The equivalent of a high school diploma and four (4) years of direct work experience in Environmental Health, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry General Science, or a closely related field. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.
Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.
Must successfully complete FDA standardization training within eighteen (18) months of date of hire.
Rotating on call responsibilities is required to address emergencies 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bilingual candidates preferred for this position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work requires climbing, bending, stooping, lifting, and carrying testing equipment and nuisance waste weighing up to 25 pounds during the performance of inspection and/or investigation of construction sites, special events, and facilities, with the potential for exposure to air, water and food borne pathogens.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.
All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.
All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.
https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx
