Division: Environmental Health

Working Title: Environmental Protection Specialist I

Direct Supervisor: Sanitarian II

This position performs environmental and consumer health protection work for the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). Performs routine (entry-level) environmental inspections to ensure compliance of food establishments and general sanitation, and public nuisance with local orders, state regulations, and federal mandates. Investigates public health threats by conducting and documenting observations of site visits. Makes recommendations for actions to correct deficiencies observed during inspections and monitors compliance and/or abatement of those deficiencies. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is grant funded through December 2024.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Job descriptions list the specific tasks to be accomplished by the position the employee is filling at WCCHD. The WCCHD Employee Responsibilities are a set of general expectations for employees about how they should work with each other and the public we serve. Each employee must sign and acknowledge that they have been informed, understand, and agree to abide by these expectations. Violation of these responsibilities may lead to implementation of WCCHD’s disciplinary procedures.

Policy Development/Program Planning

• Coordinates environmental public health activities, such as public health nuisance investigations, with representatives from other local governmental departments, including, but not limited to, code enforcement offices
• Collaborates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, procedures for the Retail Food and Public Nuisance Programs
• Collaborates in and contributes to individual, team, program and branch program management, quality improvement and evaluation activities
• Participates in QI activities to support a culture of Quality Improvement within the program and division

Communication and Cultural Competency

• Delivers targeted, culturally appropriate information to help individuals and groups understand local environmental public health policies, regulations, and laws
• Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professional with persons of all ages and from diverse, cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, lifestyles, and physical abilities
• Adheres to ethical principles and WCCHD policy in the maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information
• Provides quality internal and external customer service

Community Dimensions of Practice

• Discusses deficiencies noted on inspections, including why the deficiency is a public health concern and methods to correct the deficiency
• Educates the public on environmental health issues and the public health rationales for environmental health regulations
• Provides environmental health information, interpretation, technical assistance and regulatory advice to individuals, groups, industry organizations, the public, and other agencies regarding local public health environmental codes, regulations, policies, and identified environmental problems
• Contributes to a work environment that fosters ongoing educational experiences regarding public health for colleagues, health-related students, healthcare professionals, and members of the community

Public Health Sciences

• Conducts routine, technical environmental inspections and investigations of retail food establishments, general sanitation, and public nuisances to ensure compliance of existing state and local public health and environmental laws, regulations, and policies
• Conducts inspections according to policy, protocols, and as needed to meet the frequency required by local orders and policies
• Provides education and technical assistance to individuals or groups regarding compliance with current local public health and environmental laws, regulations, and policies
• Responds to complaints against food establishments by conducting inspections to determine deficiencies and initiates enforcement or corrective actions as required
• Assists and responds to public health complaints and concerns through site inspections, and office evaluations by following prescribed departmental protocol; recommending required mitigative measures
• Provides general sanitation inspections for day care centers using guidelines provided by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Inspects private homes as required by DFPS for the licensing of foster and adoptive homes
• May collect samples and photographic evidence using digital camera during inspections and investigations

Leadership and Systems Thinking

• Demonstrates knowledge of applicable professional guidelines and other Federal and State laws applicable to practice as an environmental health public health professional
• Maintains knowledge of current food related issues through internal staff training and attending seminars and conferences. Must complete training requirements of the FDA Voluntary National Retail Regulatory Program Standards
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing education, participating in professional committees and work groups

Other

• May participate on a WCCHD committee, task force, or assigned other duties
• In the event of a public health emergency, employees may be called upon to support WCCHD’s response in ways that are outside the usual scope of their job responsibilities. This may involve working hours that are outside the employee’s usual work hours. Employees will not be required to perform duties that are outside of their competence or professional licensure.

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 30 hours in basic or natural science courses required (Must provide transcript)
• Texas Registered Sanitarian (RS) eligible
• Willingness to obtain TDLR Sanitarian in Training registration in first 30 days of employment
• Bilingual preferred
• CPR certified or willingness to obtain
• Valid Texas driver’s license and ability to drive work vehicle to all assigned work locations
• Selected candidates in the Clinical Services Division, Environmental Health Division, and WIC Division, will receive a conditional offer of employment contingent upon the candidate passing a pre-employment-controlled substances screening test. The candidate must be tested and receive a negative result before starting to work.
• All selected candidates are required to pass a background check as a condition of employment.

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed without posing a direct threat to health or safety of themselves or others.

• Knowledge of public health essential services.
• Knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations and be able to interpret and apply the laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of technical aspects of inspections for food establishments and environmentally sensitive mechanical systems.
• Skill in the preparation of technical data prepared for legal situations such as legal/disciplinary actions.
• Skill in public relations involving collaborative consultations with the public and community agencies.
• Skill in using a computer, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Professional.
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding governmental information.
• Ability to adhere to Department rules for travel while performing duties.
• Ability to assimilate scientific, technical data to determine public health risks.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively in a culturally sensitive manner with regulated industry, other regulatory agencies, and the public on environmental and consumer health issue.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives, policies and procedures that support a strategic plan.
• Ability to prioritize activities and manage multiple responsibilities, time management.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to communicate, good writing skills.

Environmental Factors: Works mostly in a well-lighted, air-conditioned office. May work in various WCCHD offices around the county and in a variety of community locations. Occasional work activities may be outdoors and, therefore, employee will be exposed to heat and cold. May have extensive contact with the public. May have contact with persons who may be infected with contagious diseases. Certain immunizations and/or TB skin test may be required. Tobacco/vapor-free workplace.

Direct Supervisor of: 0

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Location and Hours: 355 Texas Ave., Round Rock, TX 78664; general hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, M-F. Position eligible for flexible schedule. Position not eligible for telecommuting. This position may be subject to travel. Work may require occasional early morning, evening, weekend, and/or holiday hours. Extended hours may be required in the event of a public health emergency.

Job Performance Evaluation: The employee will be evaluated at least annually, but more often if warranted.