Environmental Health Technical Specialist

Title: Environmental Health Technical Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $54,000 to $60,481

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-CULPEPPER

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The EH Technical Specialist protects public health by ensuring that public drinking water from groundwater and consecutive water sources is in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the Virginia Waterworks Regulations. This is accomplished by conducting sanitary surveys; reviewing operating reports; investigating consumer complaints; preparing violation notices; initiating enforcement actions; managing databases; evaluating water quality data; and providing technical assistance and training to waterworks owners/operators. Assigned areas include one or more state planning districts. Serves as noncommunity waterworks program supervisor and subject matter expert for the entire field office, by providing technical and procedural guidance and quality assurance reviews.

Under section 32.1-167-176 of the Code of Virginia and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the Department of Health (VDH) is required to ensure waterworks provide safe drinking water to the citizens of the Commonwealth. VDH has “primacy” or primary enforcement authority for implementing and enforcing the federal drinking water regulations.

Join a team of professionals committed to protecting public health associated with treatment and delivery of drinking water to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The availability of funding is scheduled for review annually and periodically thereafter (continuous renewal). Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of biology, microbiology, chemistry & math
• Knowledge of technology associated with provision of drinking water
• Ability to use computers for word processing and data management
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, orally, interpersonally, and/or before groups and public meetings
• Ability to interpret Federal and State regulations and technical documents
• Experience working with stakeholders

Additional Considerations

• Graduation from an accredited college with major studies in environmental sciences or a related field
• Licensure as a Waterworks Operator by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
• Experience in provision of drinking water and related activities in the areas of enforcement and compliance

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.

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.

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.

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: Sarah Chesko

Phone: 804-864-7000

Email: sarah.chesko@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.