Title: Environmental Health Specialist
State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I
Hiring Range: $45,114 - $47,422
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Virginia Department of Health
Location: HENRICO HQ
Agency Website: https://henrico.us/health/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 35 local health districts.
The Richmond & Henrico County Health Districts (RHHD) are on the forefront of Public Health and Population Health. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs. We accomplish this by exposing and addressing the root causes of health disparities and protecting health through disease prevention and monitoring, providing clinical services, nutrition services, environmental health services, vital records, emergency planning, and building health equity by partnering with communities and working collaboratively across sectors. WE ARE PUBLIC HEALTH!
The Henrico Health District is currently seeking an EH Specialist to work in the Food Safety program. EH Specialists perform environmental health duties at the entry level as a trainee. Employees are typically new hires in formal and on-the-job training in one or more areas such as food sanitation, on-site soils evaluation, private well inspection, rabies abatement, communicable disease investigation, and migrant labor camp inspection, classification of shellfish growing areas and investigation of general environmental complaints. Employees receive close supervision and guidance. Must be able to complete the applicable training in the VDH Soils program, VDH Food program or VDH Shellfish program and be able to obtain credentials in one of the following within 18 months: VDH Standardized in Food, DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE), DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE), and National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) State Standardized Inspector. Employees are moved to the Environmental Health Specialist Senior position upon successful completion.
This incumbent will primarily work out of our Henrico Health District office (8600 Dixon Powers Drive) and is required to participate in district events, meetings, emergency operations, etc. Mileage reimbursement is available for any work-related travel. The typical work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. May require work during some weekend and/or evening hours. Parking at each of HCHD's offices is free of charge and hassle free!
Benefits:
These positions offer a competitive benefits package including health insurance options, life insurance, retirement plans, disability plans, and more. The Virginia Department of Health also offers paid time off including but not limited to; annual leave, family & personal leave, sick leave, 13 paid holidays, and a host of other leave options.
This recruitment may qualify for exceptional recruitment and incentive options, including a sign on bonus or a leave grant, which will be offered with a 1-year tenure agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Ability to communicate effectively with the public as well as other internal/external partners and staff; proficient in basic computer software programs
Ability to provide services in professional, courteous manner, present educational programs to adults; uses a customer-service oriented approach to assignments and works effectively as a team member
Time management skills necessary to meet workload demands
Knowledge and/experience in assigned program area
Ability to influence behavior of foodservice employees/management, provide services in professional, courteous manner, present educational programs to adults; uses a customer-service oriented approach to assignments and works effectively as a team member
Must be able to complete training in the VDH Soils program, VDH Food program or VDH Shellfish program and be able to obtain credentials in one of the following within 18 months: VDH Standardized in Food, DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE), DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE) or National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) State Standardized Inspector
A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency
Additional Considerations
Experience in environmental health, such as experience gained as an Environmental Health Associate
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor. May be required by VDH to adjust work hours, location, and job duties and participate in training to meet public health business needs, including emergencies. If this position is designated as a mobile worker, this includes both working in the field and teleworking at an alternate location when not in the field or during an emergency closing. You may be required to periodically come into your assigned office to attend meetings or training.
Contact Information
Name: Lakeema Jones
Phone: n/a
Email: Lakeema.Jones@vdh.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.