Environmental Health Specialist at Ramsey County, MN
Ramsey County, MN · Saint Paul, United States Of America · Hybrid
- Office in Saint Paul
About the Department
There are currently two vacancies in the Environmental Health Division of the Public Health Department. One position is in the Solid Waste Operations Program, and the other is in the Solid & Hazardous Waste Compliance Program. The eligibility list created by these vacancies may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
Solid Waste Operations: Ramsey County maintains over 70 internal (employee) and public spaces. Examples include County office spaces, Public Works locations, the Environmental Center, Yard Waste sites, and Parks & Recreation locations. All of the trash and recycling services at these locations are administered by Ramsey County Public Health – Environmental Health through a variety of contracts with private vendors. The primary function of this position is the coordination trash and recycling services at Ramsey County’s internal and public locations and where the County provides recycling drop off services. The position also provides assistance to other programs related to waste management and recycling functions.
Examples of work performed can be found by clicking here.
Solid and Hazardous Waste Compliance: This position is part of a collaborative team responsible for ensuring compliance with county and state regulations related to solid and hazardous waste. Primary duties include inspecting businesses and organizations that generate hazardous waste, conducting pre-demolition inspections to verify that hazardous materials have been properly removed and disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, and performing additional responsibilities as outlined below.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in solid and hazardous waste regulation, compliance procedures, and environmental health standards.
Examples of work performed listed below include 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12.
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Flexible Workplace:
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy
Basic Function:
To perform a full range of duties relating to environmental health, including ensuring compliance with applicable laws, community education, and the planning, implementation, and enforcement of environmental health programs; and to perform related duties as assigned.
Position Duties
- Regularly inspect solid waste management facilities or the sites of hazardous waste generators or facilities for compliance with Ramsey County ordinances, state rules and law, and Federal regulations and law; review management plans, take samples, analyze results, and document findings; gather evidence, such as photographs and samples, to document violations; if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action, and initiate enforcement action; perform reviews of facility plans and specifications prior to and during construction and/or remodeling; issue new permits/licenses or renew existing ones, if appropriate.
- Conduct inspections of food establishments, lodging facilities, swimming pools, manufactured home parks, children’s camps, and public and private water supplies to ensure compliance with public health and environmental laws and regulations. Document compliance and if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action and initiate enforcement action. Investigate public health nuisance complaints. Conduct plan reviews for new and remodeled establishments deciding when establishments may go into business.
- Investigate complaints, document conditions, and write written orders from the public concerning hazardous waste violations, solid waste violations, lead, mercury, radon, public health nuisances or clandestine drug labs, and take appropriate action.
- Maintain and update Ramsey County dump site inventory; provide technical data concerning dumpsites as requested by consultants and the public for environmental reviews.
- Monitor solid waste haulers' compliance with the County Environmental Charge (CEC); review data submittals; prepare reports on CEC; coordinate work with the Finance and Washington County, and initiate enforcement actions if needed.
- Conduct home inspections for hazards such as lead, mercury, radon, asthma triggers and perform risk assessments related to childhood lead poisoning.
- Provide technical assistance to public and private entities inspected and discuss with them any changes that are necessary to be in compliance with county ordinances and state and federal law; plan, design and conduct training sessions and educational seminars for public and private entities on requirements, regulations, and methods of compliance.
- Assist in developing and maintaining Ramsey County's environmental health programs and related policies by gathering information, conducting research and analysis, reviewing technical reports, conferring with other environmental health professionals, industry officials, and regulatory agencies, and by analyzing legal requirements.
- Assist in coordinating Ramsey County's yard waste management and household hazardous waste management programs by scheduling yard waste monitors, monitoring vendor performance, managing program data and reports, overseeing the maintenance of sites and ensuring the yard waste and household hazardous waste sites are in compliance with solid waste and zoning laws and regulations.
- Conduct public education programs on environmental health issues for community groups and schools; respond to inquiries from the public relating to environmental health laws or issues.
- Investigate foodborne and waterborne illness complaints and outbreaks. Work with epidemiologists to investigate and halt the spread of disease in the community.
- Share information with other public health agencies and regulatory agencies and work together with them on joint projects, such as the coordination of community training activities.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
Essential Functions: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental health, environmental sciences, physical, chemical or biological sciences, or a related environmental health natural sciences or natural resources field, including at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical, chemical or biological sciences.
Experience: None.
Certifications/Licensure: A valid drivers’ license.
Other Qualifications
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
· Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for Environmental Health Specialist will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions –do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Environmental Health Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 60 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact :[email protected]
