Environmental Health Specialist

Title: Environmental Health Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $41,665 - $45,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: THREE RIVERS-KING WILLIAM

Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Join the Virginia Department of Health efforts in becoming the healthiest state in the nation. The Three Rivers Health District has the perfect employment opportunity just for you! This recruitment is to fill a full-time Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) role within our Environmental Health Soils program. This position is based out of the King William County Health Department and is eligible for full state benefits package.

As an EHS, this position performs environmental health duties at the entry level as a trainee. Employees will receive on-the-job and formal training in on-site soils evaluation, plan review, private well inspection under the supervision of an EHS Senior licensed by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) as an Onsite Soil Evaluator and by their Supervisor. Rabies abatement, inspection of marinas and migrant labor camps, and investigation of general environmental complaints will also be mentored by an EHS. Employees must be able to complete the applicable training in the VDH Onsite Soils and Well Program and be able to obtain their DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE) or DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE) credentials within 18 months of hire. Employees are moved to the Environmental Health Specialist Senior position upon successful acquisition of DPOR licensure and supervisory assessment of readiness overall.

The Three Rivers Health District is a 10-county district of health departments covering the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck areas of the Commonwealth. The District serves the citizens of these localities preventing illness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and protecting the environment. This position will be responsible for traveling and working as necessary within reason throughout the 10-county district, based on business need. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. A valid State Driver's license is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency. Required travel within the district with an agency vehicle when available or a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement eligible) may be required.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave for full-time employees.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with the public as well as other internal/external partners and staff
• Proficiency in basic computer software programs
• Time management skills necessary to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks
• Knowledge and/experience in assigned program area
• Ability to provide services in professional, courteous manner, present educational information as needed to customers
• Use a customer-service oriented approach to assignments and works effectively as a team member
• Must be able to complete training in the VDH Soils program and be able to obtain credentials in one of the following within 18 months:  DPOR Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator (COSE) or DPOR Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE) 
• A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency

Additional Considerations

• Experience in environmental health, such as experience gained as an Environmental Health Associate
• Training or experience in natural or physical sciences
• Ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds
• CAD software experience

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Greene

Phone: 804-758-2381

Email: amanda.greene@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.