Application closing date: 8/24/2026
Hiring pay range: $57,491.20 - $70,428.80 ($27.64 - $33.86)
Full pay range: $57,491.20 - $83,366.40 ($27.64 - $40.08)
FLSA: Exempt
This position will primarily focus on inspections to assess the sanitary conditions and promote public health compliance for facilities and operations, such as waste tire facilities, on-site wastewater treatment systems, and air pollution emission sources. Utilize technical equipment during routine inspections.
SUPERVISION:
Non-Supervisory.
GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB:
The EHS I is the entry level job in the Environmental Health Specialist classification series. Conducts independent work with guidance from senior staff and the Environmental Health (EH) Manager. Conducts a wide range of technical and educational environmental health functions related to consumer protection (childcare, retail food, and schools), oil and gas development, air quality, water quality, hazardous materials and waste management, land use, onsite wastewater, epidemiology (foodborne, waterborne and vector borne diseases), and emergency preparedness and response. Participates as part of an environmental health team. Work is typically performed in both an inspectional framework.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
(These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job; any one position may not include all the duties listed and may vary according to assignment)
- Serves the public and regulated community through administrative duties, including report writing, monitoring environmental health hotlines, office coverage for unscheduled appointments, copying and filing of documents.
- Emphasizes risk communication and public health education when interacting with the regulated community, including retail food establishments. Uses plain language to ensure inspection findings and recommendations are easily understood by the regulated community.
- Collaborates with federal, state, and local government agencies, private industry, and other community organizations to support coordinating environmental health efforts and share information that benefits consumer protection and public health.
- Works closely with internal team members to ensure consistent application of environmental health & department policies and to support a unified, educational approach when working with the public.
- Maintains sensitive and confidential records and information in accordance with HIPPA, Garfield County Codes and policy, the appropriate non-disclosure and/or release of information, and applicable public health regulations.
- Participates in emergency preparedness and response activities, supporting community safety and continuity of public health services.
Work Quality & Accountability:
Takes initiative, is adaptable, and pays attention to details. Uses critical thinking skills. Able to work independently. Follows established Garfield County Public Health guidelines and regulations. Seeks guidance, collaborates with senior staff, and supports team-based decision making.
Food Safety, Consumer Protection & Education:
- Under guidance from senior staff and the EH Manager, conducts inspections to assess the sanitary conditions and promote public health compliance for facilities and operations, such as retail food establishments, grocery stores, temporary retail food establishments, childcare and school facilities.
- Serves as a resource to regulated facilities by providing education, interpretation of public health codes, and practical recommendations to improve safety and compliance. Utilize technical equipment during routine inspections.
- Applies State of Colorado and Garfield County public health laws and regulations, emphasizing education and guidance to help facility operators understand and meet compliance standards. May assist senior staff with appropriate legal action under the direction of the supervisor, when necessary.
- Investigates public health concerns and consumer complaints, working with local, State and Federal agencies. Participates in communicable disease outbreak investigations and response.
- Performs field sample collection for potential food-borne illness investigations, etc.
- Writes summary reports and appropriate correspondence that communicate findings, guidance, and follow up actions to support public health improvements.
- May review temporary food establishment applications and site plans to ensure public health standards are incorporated for proper food safety applications at unique events.
General Environmental Health Programs:
- Under the guidance of senior staff and the EH Manager, conducts inspections to assess the sanitary conditions and promote public health compliance for facilities and operations, such as waste tire facilities, on-site wastewater treatment systems, and air pollution emission sources. Utilize technical equipment during routine inspections.
- Applies State of Colorado and Garfield County public health laws and regulations, emphasizing education and guidance to help facility operators understand and meet compliance standards. May assist senior staff with appropriate legal action under the direction of the supervisor, when necessary.
- Investigates public health concerns and complaints, working with local, State and Federal agencies.
- Performs field sample collection, including but not limited to, water quality, wastewater discharges, and air quality.
- Reviews onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) design reports and drawings and site plans to ensure public health standards are incorporated into physical designs. Issues OWTS permits and conduct inspections.
- Writes summary reports and appropriate correspondence that communicate findings, guidance, and follow up actions to support public health improvements.
Public Education & Outreach:
- Assists with environmental health education programs aimed at effectively presenting technical and scientific information to the public.
- Responds to questions from the public and regulated entities with professionalism and empathy, offering guidance that helps improve understanding and encourages voluntary compliance.
- Assists in developing or delivering outreach materials and messaging to promote the protection of public health and improve community health literacy.
Other duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
(Representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position)
- Public Service: A commitment to the mission of providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County. It is who we are, and what we do.
- Customer Service: A commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal & external), which includes being helpful, professional, courteous, and taking the time to understand customers’ needs.
- Stewardship & Innovation: Is a good steward of public resources and looks for ways to be innovative and improve efficiency.
- Teamwork: Able to work together with a diverse group of people towards a shared goal, while considering the needs of others.
- Business Technology: Ability to utilize the technology required in the position and demonstrate a willingness to learn modern technologies as required to assist the County in providing exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiency.
- Communication: Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position.
- Integrity: Maintain an elevated level of confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct (fairness, honesty, and respect) while performing essential job functions.
BENEFITS:
- Medical, Vision, Dental
- Disability & Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation & Sick Time
- Employee Wellness Programs
- Employee Gyms
To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/
