Title: Environmental Health Technical Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $56,135 - $74,063

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: DRINKING WATER-LEXINGTON

Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This position performs surveillance, sanitary surveys; reviews operating reports; investigates consumer complaints. The incumbent will prepare violation notices and initiate enforcement actions. Technical aspects of the job include managing databases; chemical analyses review and providing technical assistance and training to waterworks owners and operators. The position will also serve as the sampling verification program lead and subject matter expert for the Lexington Field Office. As the sampling verification program lead, this position will: serve as the principal liaison between field office and central office staff for the sampling verification program; coordinate and provide technical and procedural assistance for implementation of sampling program activities; and support leadership in providing quality control of sampling verification program initiatives.

Requires a working knowledge of drinking water regulations, project management, and knowledge of technology associated with the provision of drinking water. Ability to perform independent research, develop analytical results from independent data sources, present information directly and clearly to both technical and public audiences. Ability to interpret technical documents. Ability to work with stakeholders (ODW staff, waterworks owners and operators); excellent oral and written communications skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of biology, microbiology, chemistry, and math
• Knowledge of technology associated with the provision of drinking water
• Knowledge of good laboratory practices
• Ability to use computers for word processing and data management
• Ability to communicate in English in writing, orally, interpersonally, and before groups
• Ability to interpret regulations and technical documents
• Experience in provision of drinking water and related activities in the areas of water quality sampling

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge of water quality sampling databases including Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) and related statewide and office-wide computer programs
• Ability to manage a regulatory program
• Licensure as a Waterworks Operator by Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

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.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S.HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests maybe required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

Contact Information

Name: Sarah Chesko

Phone: 804-864-7000

Email: Sarah.Chesko@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.