Environmental Health Services (EHS) programs serve to protect the public from environmental health related issues: food, water, vector borne diseases and environmental health threats and disasters. The nature of the work is complex due to the numerous environmental health concerns and regulations and the high profile of the activities conducted. The EHS unit analyzes local environmental health issues from a public health perspective, regulates specified businesses and enforces state and local environmental health laws and rules.

The Environmental Health Specialist Trainee will perform a variety of inspection duties toward the promotion and maintenance of environmental health laws in licensed facilities, including food service operations, swimming pools and spa pools, tourist accommodations and schools.

As the Environmental Health Specialist Trainee , you will:

• Assist in the inspection of food, tourist, housing, school, institutional care and day care facilities, and public swimming and spa pools for compliance with state sanitation laws and regulations.
• Conduct health hazard surveys and assist in conducting public water system surveys; follow up on alerts.
• Assist in the investigation of communicable disease outbreaks implicating food or water or other environmental causes in public facilities or in a community; recommend necessary control measures.
• Assist in the review of building and mechanical plans and specifications of proposed or existing facilities for compliance with public health laws.
• Assist in the review of food trucks / food pod plans and specifications of proposed or existing facilities for compliance with public health laws.

Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don’t just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Health Department employee you will create a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County’s attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

TO QUALIFY:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree and at least 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation from an accredited college or university as outlined by ORS 700.035; OR
• Have at least 15 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation from an accredited college or university and at least five years of experience in environmental sanitation or related activities, as determined by the board, under the supervision of a registered environmental health specialist or a person possessing equal qualifications, as determined by the board, as outlined by ORS 700.035.

 
Training, Licenses, and Certifications:

• Must meet Environmental Health Specialist Trainee requirements as outlined by ORS 700.035
• Possession of Driver’s License at time of hire

 
Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/ transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Up to one (1) year of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position
• Possession of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee in the State of Oregon
• Demonstrate experience working with a multicultural and diverse workforce.
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.
• Maintain a safe and healthful workplace.