Salary : $52,356.00 AnnuallyLocation : Nashville, NCJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 2024-00090Department: Health DepartmentDivision: Environmental/Animal ControlOpening Date: 09/30/2024Closing Date: ContinuousGeneral Statement of Duties A. PRIMARY PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable environmental health problem. Elevated blood lead levels can cause physical and mental delays and damage. The Childhood lead poisoning prevention program enforces applicable state laws with the intent of protecting children from exposure to environmental lead hazards. B. Primary Purpose of Position: The Primary purpose for the Environmental Health Specialist is to interpret and enforce the rules, regulations and general statutes set forth by North Carolina, and the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources in Childhood lead poisoning prevention. The Environmental Health Specialist will also maintain the files, provide educational information to the public, accommodate proper requests for public information and provide required monitoring and inspections. The position may also enforce Food and Lodging, Sewage Treatment and Disposal laws and rules established by the state and the Division of Environmental Health and the Nash County well ordinance. Food and Lodging responsibilities may include inspecting facilities that require compliance with public health laws such as restaurants, food stands, mobile food units, push carts, public and private school lunch rooms, educational food service, institution kitchens, catered nutrition sites, nutrition sites for the elderly, lodging facilities, bed and breakfast homes and inns, summer camps, public swimming pools, child day cares, tattoo parlors, school buildings, nursing homes, and hospitals, investigate reported cases of foodborne illness and other public health concerns and complaints and file written reports of the investigations. Sewage treatment and disposal and well program responsibilities will include evaluating applications and permitting or denying on-site wastewater applications and private water supply wells, follow up consultations, and inspections. Work Schedule The typical work week for an Environmental Health Specialist is from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasionally work is completed after 5:00p.m. due to inspections of establishments open after 5p.m., special events, classes attended or taught, outbreak response, all hazard response, natural disaster response or other unusual event. Essential Duties and Tasks 10% It is the responsibility of the Environmental Health Specialist to perform required investigations and related activities as prescribed by Division of Environmental Health for Lead laws and rules. Careful coordination is required with property owners, residents, and the Division of Environmental Health staff, since inspections and investigations are performed jointly. Careful documentation is required of actions and responses in childhood lead. Contact with the Office of the Attorney General is necessary. 10% It is the responsibility of the Environmental Health Specialist to respond to public information requests, maintain the lead files, and to document activities and update lead files and State electronic lead records as needed. The Environmental Health Specialist acts as the department Authorized Lead Agent and as a liaison with the State Regional Lead Specialist. 65% Perform on-site duties in areas of county as described in the On-site Environmental Health Specialist job description. Interpret and enforce policies, rules and regulations and general statutes set forth by the Division of Environmental Health and by the Nash County Health Department. 10% Office work consists of general correspondence, record keeping and issuing permits for the on-site wastewater and well programs. 3% Maintain required training and education as required by the NC State Board of Environmental Health Specialists Examiners and the Division of Environmental Health to maintain required registration and authorizations. Attend training seminars and meeting; participate webinars; refer to literature pertaining to Environmental Health for professional development. 1% Perform Food and Lodging duties as described in the Food and Lodging Health Specialist job description. Interpret and enforce policies, rules and regulations and general statutes set forth by the Division of Environmental Health and by the Nash County Health Department. 1% Occasionally participation in speaking with small civic and community groups concerning environmental and public health matters. OTHER POSITION CHARACTERISTICS Accuracy Required in Work: Precision and accuracy are required such as: Converting units of lead levels in sample results, measuring sample areas, calculating points and demerits on inspection forms, calculating sewage flow rates and nitrification requirements, measuring setbacks and measuring annular space in a bore hole. Decisions have a direct effect on the health of individuals and groups of people. Decisions have financial impact on business, property owners, and contractors. Therefore, accuracy is an essential for an Environmental Health Program Specialist.Consequence of Error: Improper actions and decisions could result in the development of unhealthy environmental conditions which could cause lead exposure, public nuisances or the spread of communicable diseases. Decisions made during inspections could cause financial loss to business. Instruction Provided to Employee: Instructions are usually general in nature, given as needed. When unusual circumstances involving complex or controversial issues arise, instructions may be more detailed. Specific information may be provided verbally or in written form. The specialist may have to pursue instruction directly from other sources, such as state staff. Guides, Regulations, Policies and References Used by Employee: Rules Governing the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program NCAC 18A .1900 N.C. laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems15A NCAC 02C .0301 et seq. N.C. Rules for Permitting and Inspection of Private Drinking Water wells15A NCAC 18A .3800 et seq. N.C. Private Drinking Water Well Sampling RulesNCAC 02C .0102, .0107, .0108, .0110 through .0114, .0116, and .0117 N.C. Rules for Well Construction StandardsNash County Well OrdinanceMunsell Soil Color ChartNCAC 18A .1000 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Summer CampsNCAC 18A .1600 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Residential Care Facilities.NCAC 18A Rules Governing the Sanitation of Child Daycare FacilitiesNCAC 18A .3500 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Primative CampsNCAC 18A .2500 Rules Governing Public Swimming PoolsNCAC 18A .3000 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Bed& Breakfast InnsNCAC 18A .2200 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Bed& Breakfast HomesNCAC 18A .2400 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Public, Private, & Religious SchoolsNCAC 18A .1300 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Hospitals, Nursing and Rest Homes, Sanitariums, and Educations and other Institutions.NCAC 18A .1500 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Local Confinement FacilitiesNCAC 18A .1800 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Lodging EstablishmentsNCAC 18A .2600 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and other Foodhandling EstablishmentsNCAC 18A .3200 Rules Governing TattooingNCAC 18A .1700 Rules Governing the Sanitation and Protection Of Water SuppliesNCAC 18A .3300 Rules Governing the Sanitation of Adult Day Service FacilityGeneral Statute 130A-496 Smoking prohibited in restaurants and barsNorth Carolina Food Code ManualN.C. Public Health and Related LawsDivision of Environmental Heatlh guidance emails, memos and position statementsNash County Environmental Health Policies and ProceduresSupervision Received by Employee: Written and verbal instruction from the Environmental Health Supervisor are common. Work receives some limited technical review that is typically accomplished after the work is completed or during projects while acting in an advisory role. Variety of Purposes of Personal Contacts: Frequent contact will include Local and State officials, contractors, developers, the general public, property owners, local interest groups and managers of various businesses. Examples of these contacts include: Media, Attorneys, Engineers, Architects, Soil Scientists, sales representatives, Fire Inspectors, Building Inspectors and health care providers. Most contacts will be consultation on applicable laws and rules. Some will be associated with enforcement actions. Physical Effort: Require physical exertion each day such as standing for extended periods of time, bending, stooping, lifting, walking, reaching, and moving equipment and utensils . Work Environment and Conditions: Require physical exertion each day such as bending, stooping, lifting, walking, and talking. The employee will have to walk across various types of terrain, auger or drill holes in the ground, probe, evaluate soil, enter homes of the general public, and perform inspections. Inspections will include walking over lose soil, on irregular surfaces, stepping in and out of trenches and closely examining objects at or below ground level. Soil borings are about three (3) inches in diameter, four (4) feet deep and dug with a manual auger tool. Employees will be lifting well lids for inspections weighing in excess of 100 lbs. The Position requires frequently probing in soil to locate objects. Work includes exposure to the outdoor elements for periods of time. Employees are exposed to potential physical, chemical and biological hazards such as moving machines, hot grease and surfaces, chlorine, lead, radiation and communicable diseases. Tension or stress during or after inspections or other regulatory action is not uncommon. Machines, Tools, Instruments, Equipment and materials used: Calculator Architectural BlueprintsArchitects scale Sanitizer/chemical test stripsLight meter Maximum registering thermometer/tapeFlashlight Engineer's ScaleThermometers Tape measure Pool Test Kit Color chartsSoil Auger X-ray Fluorescence AnalyzerLead wipes Sample containersGPS equipment Soil probe Visual Attention, Mental Concentration and Manipulative Skills: Position requires good near and distant vision for office and outdoor work. Also, good color vision is required to distinguish certain hues, chromas, and values of soil colors for descriptive purposes. Mental concentration must be adequate for working in time frames, enduring frequent interruptions by visitors, operators, contractors, applicants and phone calls, performing detailed drawings and keeping detailed documentation. There is considerable evaluation, assimilation and decision making with the public on issues that are financially and emotionally sensitive. Manipulative skills require ability to operate items listed above in item number 9 and for hand textural analysis of soil samples. The art of persuasion is used extensively in dealing with clients. Safety for Others: Environmental Health Specialists should be attentive to safety of others. Dynamics of Work: Changes and additions in State laws and rules affect duties of Environmental Health Specialists. Change of business owners and managers can affect work dynamics. Changes or loss of Environmental Health Staff or organizations changes can affect the work load of each specialist. Knowledges, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of environmental health laws, rules, and procedures. As well as a complete understanding of the concepts of public health law. Practical knowledge of microbiology, biology, chemistry, food science, epidemiology, soil science, entomology, and basic engineering technology as applies to environmental health practices. General knowledge of community resources. Working knowledge of the responsibilities of other agencies involved in environmental health work. Working knowledge of the interrelationship between socio-economic factors and environmental health concerns. Working knowledge of the design of on-site waste water treatment systems, food sanitation, foodborne diseases, communicable diseases, vector control, protection of water supplies, solid waste management, and institutional supplies, solid waste management, and institutional sanitation. Working knowledge of inspection methods and investigation techniques as applied in environmental health. Ability to analyze and comprehend a wide variety of technical and administrative regulations, records, and reports. Ability to exercise sound judgment and deal tactfully with a wide range of public contracts while enforcing public health laws and regulations. Ability to motivate and educate business and property owners and the consuming public in matters related to protecting and promoting public health. Ability to present formal environmental health training programs. Ability to develop and express ideas and opinions concisely, comprehensively, and clearly in oral and written form. Ability to independently plan and schedule work activities. Ability to apply environmental health knowledge and techniques in the investigation of environmental health problems. Desirable Education and Experience MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate or postgraduate degree program with a minimum of 30 semester hours or its equivalent in the physical or biological sciences and two years of experience in the field of environmental health practice; or a graduation from a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree program that is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) and a minimum of one year of experience in the field of environmental health practice. License or Certification Required: Must be eligible to meet the requirements for registration or license as an Environmental Health Specialist as outlined in Article 4, Chapter 90A of the NC General Statutes. Administering the Trainee Appointment: Appointee must be eligible for registration and apply for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist Intern within 60 days of employment. Employee may remain registered as an Environmental Health Specialist Intern until registration as an Environmental Health Specialist or up to three years, whichever comes first. Preference may be given to applicants who are a currently Registered Environmental Health Specialist.INSURANCE PROGRAMSGroup Health Insurance Nash County provides full time and part-time benefit eligible employees working 30 plus hours per week with Health Insurance coverage with the North Carolina State Health PlanIncluded in each selection is:
- Preventative Care Coverage
- Prescription Coverage
- Chiropractic Coverage
Health Insurance may become effective for employees the first day of the month following employment.Group Dental InsuranceNash County provides full-time and part-time regular employees working 30 plus hours per week. Dental Insurance becomes effective for employees the first day of the month following the 30th day of employment.Group Life InsuranceNash County provides term Life Insurance for full-time and part-time regular employees working 30 or more hours per week.Life insurance is paid for you by Nash County and pays your beneficiary one time your annual salary not to exceed $200,000 in the event of your death. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is also provided.Life Insurance becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Voluntary supplemental term life insurance coverage for you, your spouse or your dependent children is also available - please see the Human Resources Department for more details.Short Term Disability InsuranceNash County provides active full-time regular employees working 30 plus hours per week the option to purchase Short Term Disability Insurance.Short Term Disability Insurance may cover up to 70% of an employee's monthly salary with a maximum of $2,000 per month, in the event of an injury or illness, for up to 13 weeks. FINANCIAL PROGRAMS RetirementMembership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System is a requirement for all regular full-time and regular part-time employees. Employees contribute 6% of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have 5 years of service, you are 100% vested in the NCLGERS.NC401(k)The NC401(k) supplemental retirement program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees. The County establishes this 401(k) account for each eligible employee and makes a 5% contribution based on monthly earnings. Employees may elect to make voluntary contributions through payroll deduction.457 Deferred CompensationThe 457 Deferred Compensation program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees through payroll deduction. Deferred compensation is a voluntary investment plan to supplement retirement income and to defer taxable income.Special Separation AllowanceThe Separation Allowance is available to law enforcement officers between the ages of 55 and 62 years that are eligible and retire under the provisions of the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System.125 Flexible Benefit PlanFlexible Spending Account options are available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees who wish to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and daycare expenses. The Flex Convenience Card program gives you instant access to your account funds.
- Health Care Spending AccountSection 125 of the IRS Code allows yearly voluntary enrollment to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care expenses.
- Dependent Care Spending AccountSection 125 of the IRS Code allows yearly voluntary enrollment to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible dependent care expenses.
Direct DepositDirect Deposit is a condition of employment for all employees. Deposit of your paycheck will be made to checking or savings accounts in a bank of your choice.Credit UnionLocal Government Federal Credit Union membership is available to all employees. Once you join, you can remain a member for as long as you choose. Immediate family members such as spouse, children, stepchildren, brothers, sisters, and parents can all become members.Employees of both the Departments of Social Services and Public Health are eligible to join the State Employees Credit Union.LEAVE PROGRAMS Vacation LeaveFor regular full-time County employees, vacation leave accrues based on length of service. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated vacation leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit.Sick LeaveFor regular full-time County employees, sick leave accrues at 8.0 hours per month. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated sick leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit. Your unused sick leave balance can be applied as creditable service toward a service retirement under the guidelines of the NCLGERS.HolidaysThe policy of the County is to follow the holiday schedule as published by the State of North Carolina each year.The following holidays are observed:
- New Year's Day,
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
- Good Friday,
- Memorial Day,
- Independence Day,
- Labor Day,
- Veteran's Day,
- Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and
- Three (3) days at Christmas.
Military LeaveAnnual Training - Reserves and National Guard -Ten paid workdays per fiscal year.Active Duty - Reserves and National Guard - Ten paid workdays upon activation.Civil LeavePaid leave is provided to full-time or regular part-time County employees called for jury duty or as a witness of the court for the federal or state government, or a subdivision thereof.Family Medical Leave ActFederal law provides job protection and continuation of existing paid health insurance during 12 weeks of leave, paid or unpaid, to an eligible employee for qualifying events. These events can include birth or adoption, and serious illness of an immediate family member, or of the employee.OTHER PROGRAMSEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)The Employee Assistance Program is open to all employees and their dependents. It is a confidential service provided at no cost to the employees of the County. EAP provides certified counselors who administer assessment and brief therapy to employees who want help with a variety of personal and work-related issues such as stress, parenting concerns, grief, alcohol/drug use, family problems, financial concerns, and work-related problems.Wellness Center and TelemedicineWe believe that staying healthy is inclusive of exercising regularly and taking care of your physical body. Nash County has a Wellness Center, which consists of various exercise equipment and videos, open to all full and part-time employees. All full-time employees also have access to telemedicine through Teladoc. Teladoc treats conditions like allergies, sore throats, asthma, and more. Doctors are available by phone or video 24/7 from wherever you are. They are available to diagnose symptoms and send a prescription if needed. NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICESThe benefits offered by Nash County are subject to change. In the event there is a conflict between the above contents and Nash County policies and/or a State or Federal statute, the policy/statute shall control. Plan documents will govern benefits plans should there be a conflict with this information. They are not held out to any employee as part of any contractual agreement. Benefits, policies, and procedures are subject to change or termination at any time.Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Actual provisions of each plan will be provided on the certificate of coverage as part of the Summary Plan description.Nash County is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ProviderIn accordance with Federal civil rights law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's Target Center at (202) ###-#### (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) ###-####.Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at filing cust.html and any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) ###-####. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2. fax: (202) ###-####; or3. email: ...@usda.govUSDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 01 Are you currently a Registered Environmental Health Sanitarian?
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