Environmental Health Technician I

(Food & School Safety Program)

The Position

SUMMARY: Under close supervision, the Environmental Health Technician assists Environmental Health Specialists in performing routine tasks associated with the inspection and enforcement of food safety, school safety, and other applicable health and consumer protection laws. Individuals assigned to this position are expected to learn and apply an understanding of food, water, and vector-borne communicable diseases and their means of transmission and control as well as principles of industrial hygiene and playground safety. The position may require occasional weekend work and occasional adjustments to normal working hours.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform inspections in risk level one or level two food establishments and K-12 school kitchens.
• Assist with health and safety inspections in K-12 schools.
• Independently perform health and safety inspections in general education areas of K-12 schools.
• Draft inspection reports, letters, and other records for review.
• Assist with inventory management and maintenance of program equipment.
• Assist with scheduling and maintaining documentation related to K-12 school safety inspections.
• Develop educational resources and media content for environmental health programs.
• May help with organizing, reviewing, and performing health and safety inspections at temporary food service events.
• Respond to public health emergency drills/exercises or actual events as requested.
• Understand, apply, and explain basic food and school safety procedures to industry members and general public.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and enter results into a computer database.
• Participate in the review of pertinent rules and regulations.
• Work with the public in a courteous manner in situations which can be confrontational or hostile.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in an effective manner.
• Maintain confidentiality as required and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Provide education to individuals or groups on health-related issues, regulations, policies, and standards.
• Be able to use various test sampling, monitoring, measuring and laboratory supplies and equipment and specialized protective gear as directed.
• Potentially help ship biological or laboratory specimens as needed.
• Prioritize and schedule work to ensure completion of assigned tasks.
• Continue to build knowledge of environmental health principles and practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of communicable diseases, their means of transmission and methods of control, principles of foodborne disease transmission and control, principles of vector control, principles of sewage treatment and disposal, principles of general sanitation and environmental law. Ability to interpret regulations, explain disease control and inspection methods to the public; write clear narrative reports; and deal with the public in a courteous and mature manner.

The Requirements & Selection Process

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree desired. Successful applicants must have satisfactorily completed coursework in Chemistry, Microbiology, or Biology and/or be able to satisfactorily complete related training provided by the District. Bilingual applicants encouraged to apply.

Additional Requirements: Performance of job duties requires driving on a regular basis, a valid Washington State driver's license, the use of the incumbent's personal motor vehicle when a District fleet vehicle is not available for use, and proof of appropriate auto insurance.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Information, in accordance with Washington State Governor's Proclamation 21.14.2, as a condition of employment, BFHD employees must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation by time of hire. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their final dose in a vaccine series. Vaccine or an approved accommodation will be verified prior to first day of work. Should you not be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation you will not be able to start employment with BFHD. Please contact Human Resources at Dept.HumanResources.Members@bfhd.wa.gov if you have questions.

SELECTION PROCESS: The most qualified applicants, based in part upon evaluation of the completed application and related information will be invited for an interview.