Reg Sanitarian - Lead at RiverStone Health

Working title: Lead Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian         

Classification title: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians (19-4042)

Division:  Public Health Services                       

Program:  Environmental Health Services

Reports to: Program Manager III       

FLSA status Non-Exempt: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday: 8am to 5pm

Wage Range: $28.70 to $39.63 hourly; depending on number of years of transferrable experience and internal equity

RiverStone Health:

Serving the Yellowstone County community and south-central Montana for nearly 50 years, RiverStone Health is an essential provider of personal and public health services. Health, Education, Leadership and Protection – HELP is what we do.  From medical, dental and behavioral healthcare; home care and hospice; public health services like immunizations, WIC, health promotion and restaurant inspections; and educating the next generation of health professionals, our expertise spans all ages and stages of life.  Underlying principles of access, affordability, compassion and quality in all interactions, RiverStone Health improves life, health and safety for all of the communities we serve.

Division and Program Overview:  

The Public Health Services Division implements community-wide efforts to prevent infectious diseases, improve health, prepare for public health emergencies and safeguard the food we eat and the air we breathe, make our whole community a safer and better place to live. 

The Environmental Health Services Program ensures compliance with state and federal health laws for restaurants and other food service establishments, day care centers, group homes, hotels/motels, septic systems, swimming pools and spas, body art establishments, trailer courts, land subdivision and monitors air quality.

Job Summary: 

The Lead Sanitarian will provide leadership to a team of sanitarians in planning and conducting inspections of assigned environmental health programs to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.  The Lead Sanitarian will work with the team to establish priorities, coordinate activities and resolve related work problems.

Essential Functions/Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

Environmental Health Functions/Duties                                                                         75%

• Schedule and conduct routine inspections of food purveying establishments, day care centers, group homes, retirement homes, trailer courts, swimming pools/spas, tattoo establishments, and other facilities as required in all areas of environmental health.

• Evaluate inspection findings for compliance with department, State, and Federal environmental health regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Review and approve plans for food purveyor establishments, public accommodations, and on-site subsurface sewage treatment systems.

• Educate and conduct classes in principles relating to environmental health concerns and practices, including safe food handling, foodborne illness prevention, and on-site subsurface sewage treatment systems.

• Review, evaluate, and approve documents, licenses, plans, and permits for compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

• Participate in the planning and implementation of various environmental health programs for the prevention and abatement of public health nuisances or hazards.

• Represent the Agency in community groups and activities.

• Participate in any legal actions or proceedings connected to environmental health violations.

• Prepare inspection reports, correspondence, and other reports as required.

• Review accuracy of data entry and troubleshoots computer problems.

• Keep immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.

• Attend meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.

• Respond to public questions, complaints and comments in a courteous and timely manner.

• Communicate and coordinate regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.

• Required to participate in program quality improvement projects.

Training and supervision:                                                                                                        20%

• Provide effective leadership, motivation, and supervision to Environmental Health Services Technician.
• Provide direction and technical support for employees in Environmental Health.
• Monitor standardization of inspection methods.
• Provide the information needed and training for new employees in the same or similar class of positions.

Non-Essential Functions/Other duties as assigned             ≥5%

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of RiverStone Health’s mission and goals.

Education and Experience:   

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or a related field including 30 semester hours in the physical and biological health sciences including courses in chemistry, microbiology and biology from an accredited university or college.

• Two years of environmental health experience

• Any combination of experience and training which provide the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading workgroups.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current registration and licensing from the Montana State Board of Sanitarians;

• A valid State of Montana Driver’s License in good standing, appropriate vehicle insurance, and a reliable vehicle

• Required to obtain emergency preparedness on the job training at a minimum of ICS 100, 800, and 700.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic public health practices and philosophy including food and potable water safety and security; Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, procedures and software; foodborne illness investigation procedures; methods and safety precautions for investigating, mitigating and abating hazards; methods for conducting inspections and identifying and mitigating violations according to Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations

• Ability to: provide superior customer service; inspect facilities and operations to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety regulations; interpret, explain and enforce health and safety rules, regulations, laws and codes; recognize health safety violations and recommend solutions; work independently in the absence of supervision; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Identify and compile relevant information to solve a problem; maintain reasonable and predictable attendance; and work overtime as operations require.

• Skill in: preparing clear and concise reports; communicating clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; forming partnerships with other individuals, divisions, and organizations to enhance job performance; recordkeeping; using Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet Explorer.

Customer Service Excellence: 

• Doing things right the first time

• Making people feel welcome

• Showing respect for each customer

• Anticipating customer needs and concerns

• Keeping customers informed

• Helping and going the extra mile

• Responding quickly

• Protecting privacy and confidentiality

• Demonstrating proper telephone etiquette

• Taking responsibility for handling complaints

• Being professional

• Taking ownership of your attitude toward Service Excellence.

Supervision: 

• 0 – 1 direct reports; Environmental Health Services Technician

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: 

• Frequent standing, walking and sitting

• Frequent lifting up to 25 pounds

• Required to travel locally to perform the duties of the position

• Create and maintain a safe/secure working environment by adhering to safety, security, and health requirements. Integrates injury, illness, and loss prevention into job activities by attending any necessary training and implementing best practices.

Freedom to Act & Decision Making: 

• Works under the supervision of Environmental Health Services Program Manager III.

• Work is structured by public health regulations and established inspection methods.

• The position makes independent professional judgements regarding facility compliance, remedial measures, and responses. Decision directly affects the quality of services provided to the public.

Communications & Networking: 

• Involves regular contact with the public and businesses to explain, defend, and enforce public health regulations. May involve contact with upset or unreasonable individuals.  Responds to citizens’ questions, complaints, and comments in a courteous, professional, and timely manner.  Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.

Budget & Resource Management: 

The position is responsible for managing resources including travel time, equipment, and other resources necessary to deliver services.  Decisions made by the position directly affect the efficiency and cost of services