ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested

Division: Environmental Health Specialist I Section: Consumer Health Reporting Location: 8000 North Stadium Drive Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30pm* *Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:• Inspects various establishments or locations (e.g., retail and food service establishments, institutions, aquatic facilities, apartment, laundromats, sewage and water systems, vehicles, private residences, etc. to detect possible health code violations).

• Collects food, water, wastewater, dairy and other laboratory samples for analysis.
• Performs enforcement actions such as condemns unsafe food quarantines, food and equipment, enforce closures, issues citations and notices of violations.
• Identifies specialized processes and verifies Variance and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans approved by the department.
• Investigates community health complaints, such as sewage overflows, storm water, foodborne illness, illegal dumping, swimming pools, and reports of poor sanitation in public establishments or private property, explains local, state and federal health ordinances, statutes, regulations, and recommends corrective action, performs follow-up inspections, issues warnings or citations.
• Performs disaster and emergency response actions.
• May appear in court to testify regarding violations; provides evidence in enforcement hearings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness, unpleasant air conditions and odors. The position may involve routine exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions. This position may also be exposed to tight spaces such as mobile food units, walk in coolers and storage rooms. This position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items such as manhole covers (up to 40 pounds) may be required.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor's degree which includes 30 semester hours of basic or applied science courses, is required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: No experience is required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Must pass the State of Texas Sanitarian examination within nine months of employment.

A valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy (A.P. 2-2) on driving is required.Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

• Bilingual in Spanish and Vietnamese

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED YES None. However, the Department may administer a skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: YES If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if candidate is promoted into this position, he/she must pass an assigned drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION: SPECIAL FUNDS POSITION Grants and Special funded positions are dependent upon continued available funds. If funding is no longer available, employee may be laid off or transferred. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 14

APPLICATION PROCEDURES Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-395-8357.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-4885. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.