Environmental Health Specialist

Summary Responsible for providing services to minimize the risk of illness and injury to the general population and protect the environmental integrity of the city. Pay Range: $54,496 - $61,069 (Depending on qualifications and experience) Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Perform compliance inspections for food establishments, public swimming pools, and childcare centers to verify compliance with city ordinances. Investigate reports of infectious disease and intervene as necessary. Issue citations or suspend operations of regulated businesses based on failure to comply with ordinance. Evaluate food establishment floor plans and swimming pool design plans to ensure health code construction standards are met. Educate food establishment owners and employees on safe food handling practices, provide public information on food establishment updates, and respond to citizen complaints on regulated entities and the public food safety and health standards. Perform air quality testing to determine and mitigate contaminants based on citizen complaints. Apply insecticides and pesticides as necessary to public areas to minimize nuisances and disease transmission. Performs trapping and surveillance of mosquito populations and conducts abatement activities when needed. Maintain records of inspection, issue legal notices, and represent the City in court hearings, when required. Minimum Qualifications Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Environmental Health Up to 1 year of work experience Valid Class C Texas driver's license Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Preferred Qualifications Education/ Experience: Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Environmental Health 1 - 3 years related experience Pesticide Applicator License Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Basic knowledge of chemical and biological principals Basic knowledge of chemical and hazardous products General knowledge of basic safe handling practices for food and industrial material practices Skill in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to communicate in all forms and formats. Licenses and Certifications Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. Certified Pool Operator within 1 year of hire Registered Sanitarian License or ability to obtain within 2 years of hire. Valid Class C Texas driver's license Physical Requirements / Work Environment The incumbent works in indoor and outdoor environments; frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. Must be able to walk on uneven and unpaved surfaces. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk. May be exposed to biohazards and infections carried by humans and bodily fluids. Have questions or need assistance? Our friendly HR team is here to help! Reach out to us at Talent@GarlandTX.gov.