Environmental Health Specialist I

Recruitment #111822-MDAA01-350500

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Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

This incumbent reports to an Environmental Scientist IV and functions as administrative and field support for Environmental Hazards and Toxicology within Health Systems Protection.  Duties include: coordination of complaints and sampling requests regarding private wells, communicating those results to appropriate individuals and agencies, assisting environmental scientists with field work and subsequent reporting.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Performs health risk assessment in one or more areas (e.g., drinking water, shellfish water, pools, food producers, food vendors, public and private institutions, temporary food surveyors, radiation sources, child care facilities, health care facilities, occupational settings).
     
  • Performs routine and emergency sampling and testing of water and food using appropriate testing instruments, chemicals and equipment.
     
  • Consults with owners of business or industry concerning applicable environmental regulations and assists in developing plans for abatement and compliance.
     
  • Explains environmental health issues to industry and the public. May speak at public meetings and/or testify in court.
     
  • Investigates consumer complaints. Initiates enforcement of laws and regulations.
     
  • May review plans for building alteration or new construction and perform pre-operational health assessment.
     
  • Writes routine reports. Keeps accurate logs and records.
      
  • May supervise Environmental Health Aides.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Environmental Health Specialist I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher.
  2. Knowledge of conducting on-site inspections to identify, assess and control actual or potential environmental health risks.
  3. Knowledge of interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
  4. Knowledge of narrative report writing.
  5. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

Due to a new requirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the following mandate is effective January 27, 2022: As a condition of employment, employees providing health care services and/or support services in covered facilities must show proof that they have received the dose of a single J&J dose or the 1st dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine effective date January 27, 2022, and proof of the single J&J dose or the 2nd dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine by February. 28, 2022. Employees may not provide any care, treatment, or other services until proof is provided.  Based on CMS guidance, the date for compliance may extend into March due to the health care facilities high vaccination rate of staff.  If you accept a position with the facility, your Human Resources representative can provide more guidance.  The only exception to these requirements is for those employees granted medical or religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which may require weekly COVID-19 testing. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here. 

This is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.