Environmental Health Specialist I

General Statement of Duties:

Performs professional and administrative duties, inspections and investigations relating to the enforcement of sanitary food codes, public health laws, rules and regulations for the Manchester Health Department; performs directly related work as required.

Examples of Essential Work:

• Inspects restaurants, food processing plants, food stores and related food handling establishments for compliance with the State of New Hampshire Rules for the Sanitary Production of Food and relevant City Ordinances;
• Examines store records and food handling processes;
• Reviews plans and specifications for new and remodeled food establishments;
• Performs on-site inspection of construction areas;
• Makes corrections to plans and approves final plans before issuing health permits;
• Collects food and other environmental samples, evaluates test results, and notifies the appropriate party of deficiencies and recommends corrective actions and re-inspects to determine compliance;
• Supports public health emergency response efforts as requested;
• Advises on changes in practices necessary to protect the public health;
• Inspects facilities and buildings which serve the public for compliance with sanitary regulations and standards including: swimming pools, spas, childcare facilities, foster care homes, schools and other regulated facilities;
• Investigates public health nuisance complaints, food and water borne illness outbreaks and lead paint poisoning incidents;
• Conducts indoor air quality investigations, including: analysis of HVAC systems, sampling and testing with other environmental health staff;
• Deploys traps and collects mosquitoes for speciation and submission for testing;
• Inspects streets, alleys and dumping areas to determine sanitary conditions;
• Responds to citizen and business complaints regarding infectious waste, including: sharps waste, and safely removes such material for proper disposal;
• Inspects septic system installation, reviews plans and witnesses test pits;
• Determines adequacy of septic systems and performs tests for potential failure;
• Plans, implements, and evaluates environmental health programs;
• Maintains records, statistical data and writes reports on all inspections, enforcement and related activities;
• Prepares and presents educational programs for food establishment operators and the general public;
• Educates the public concerning public health practices and requirements;
• Participates in enforcement actions, including testifying in court;
• Provides technical assistance and guidance in the operation of mass care shelters;
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions; and more.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a related health field; and
• Some experience in public or environmental health; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Special Qualifications:

• Valid New Hampshire Driver’s License;
• Certified Pool Operator or equivalent certification within 6 months of date of hire;
• ServSafe Manager Certification within 6 months of date of hire;
• Specific Federal Incident Command Certifications within 12 months from date of hire.