The Environmental Health Specialist protects public health by conducting inspections, investigations, regulatory compliance activities, and environmental health education throughout the communities served by the North Shore Health Department. The position conducts inspections of facilities regulated under the North Shore Environmental Health Consortium's agent contract with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP); investigates complaints and potential environmental health hazards; provides technical assistance to operators and community partners; and supports compliance with applicable state laws, administrative rules, local ordinances, and departmental policies. The Environmental Health Specialist uses education, technical assistance, and progressive enforcement strategies to prevent foodborne and waterborne illness and reduce environmental health risks.
The pay range for this position does not reflect the potential the person in this position is able to earn during their employment with the village.
DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB:
Essential Functions
Licensing and Inspection
· Conduct routine compliance inspections and issue annual licenses for facilities including but not limited to: retail food establishments, mobile food establishments, temporary food establishments (if applicable), lodging establishments, public swimming pools and water attractions, and other facilities regulated under the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection agent contract.
· Provide guidance and technical support to staff on the use and functionality of HealthSpace.
· Document all violations, issue corrective action notices, and ensure compliance through re-inspections and other progressive compliance actions in HealthSpace software.
· Review construction application documents and plans for food establishments, public swimming pools, and lodging facilities during pre-inspection.
· Provide regulation and policy compliance information to engineers, building inspectors, fire marshals, contractors, owners and operators, consultants, and other independent entities.
· Prepare reports and recommendations for all inspections and maintain accurate documentation and records on all inspection sites and update files.
Investigations
· Oversee and investigate foodborne illness complaints and environmental issues from patrons at licensed food establishments in the North Shore to determine the existence of human health hazards in accordance with WI State Statutes.
· Conduct investigations related to food- and water-borne illnesses or environmentally acquired diseases.
· Collect samples for lab testing of contaminated food or pool water as required.
Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
· Assist with the development and implementation of municipal ordinances and departmental policies and procedures for food safety and recreational licensing program to maintain compliance with the Consortium’s Agent Contract with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
· Develop, provide, and explain educational materials on regulations, policies, and other compliance information.
· Prepare evidence in support of legal action, appear in court as necessary, and testify at hearings and in court as required.
· Provide outreach to the public on food safety or other environmental health programs.
· Maintain professional certifications through continued education and professional development
· Manage the animal bite program as described under Wis. Stat. § 95.21.
· Assist with the beach testing program by collecting samples and delivering them to the North Shore Water Commission for testing.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have a valid Wisconsin Driver's License and access to an insured vehicle.
Education Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required. Candidates must have completed at least 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of basic science coursework and a college-level mathematics or statistics course, consistent with eligibility requirements for the NEHA REHS/RS credential. A degree in environmental health, public health, biological sciences, environmental science, or a related field is preferred.
- A master’s degree is preferred.
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) credential preferred; successful candidate must obtain required credentialing within 18 months of hire.
Experience Requirements:
· Three or more years of related experience, with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
· Candidates may be hired at the Environmental Health Specialist or Senior Environmental Health Specialist level based on qualifications, relevant experience, professional credentials, and demonstrated ability to independently perform regulatory environmental health work.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully in written and verbal form.
· Ability to interpret regulations, assess risk, analyze inspection findings, document evidence, make defensible compliance decisions, and communicate requirements.
· Ability to utilize critical thinking skills and prioritization, always maintaining the ability to pivot toward the most urgent need.
- Ability to provide high-quality customer service.
- Skilled in managing time to ensure work is completed in a timely manner.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
· Commitment to advancing the Foundational Capabilities of Public Health.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
This position requires work in the field, serving the communities of the North Shore Health Department. Otherwise, work is within a typical office environment.
For questions, please contact Becky Rowland, MPH, MBA, North Shore Health Department at [email protected]
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $64,054.00 - $93,782.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Education:
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
