DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is technical work involving responsibility for assisting the Senior Public Health Technicians, the Public Health Sanitarians and Engineers in carrying out the various elements of prevention and control programs affecting public health. Employees in this class are responsible for making inspections and carrying out specialized phases of the environmental health program in a municipal health department or agency. Duties involve gathering information for use by Public Health Engineers and Sanitarians in determining compliance with local and state Sanitary Code requirements. The work is performed under direct supervision of either a higher level technical or professional employee who reviews reports and provides advisory assistance as necessary. Supervision over the work of others is not usually a responsibility of employees in this class. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Inspects and prepares reports of findings of food service establishments, private water supplies, private wastewater disposal systems, bathing beaches and swimming pools, facilities for refuse disposal, temporary and/or permanent residences and farm labor camps, private and commercial wastewater facilities, mobile home parks, schools, public non- municipal water supplies, public health nuisances, and other facilities;
Performs sanitary surveys and soil investigations/tests relating to the proper construction of individual onsite wastewater treatment systems. Advises homeowners of state and local sanitary code requirements, processes permit applications, and drafts designs for the layout of new or upgraded conventional septic systems;
Tests drinking water samples for chlorine concentration and instructs operators on the proper operation and monitoring of disinfection equipment and collects samples from public water supplies for laboratory analysis to determine organic, inorganic and bacterial contamination;
Performs sanitary surveys and collects drinking water samples from private water supplies. Advises home owners of the principles of proper well construction, protection, and disinfection;
Performs routine and follow-up inspections of swimming pools and beaches to determine compliance with local and state Sanitary Code requirements;
Conducts animal bite investigations and may collect suspected rabid animal specimens for shipment and analysis at the NYSDOH rabies laboratory;
Performs routine and follow-up inspections of public health nuisances such as rodent harborages, and related matters and advises local officials of corrective measures;
Maintains records and completes inspection reports related to work.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of basic principles and practices related to proper environmental public health inspection techniques; working knowledge of applicable provisions of the State Sanitary Code related to environmental public health inspections; working knowledge of general principles of biology, chemistry and general science; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public; ability to understand and interpret written material; ability to solve arithmetic problems related to environmental public health inspections; ability to prepare accurate reports; skill in health inspection techniques; tact and courtesy; integrity; good judgment.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee constantly is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the New York State Department of Education, AND EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two year college or university with an Associate Degree including a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the physical and biological sciences;
OR: - Satisfactory completion of 60 semester credit hours of academic education at a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university including a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in physical and biological sciences.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Successful completion of a NYS Health Department approved training course. Dates of attendance to be determined by the appointing authority.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: Possession of a valid N.Y.S. Driver's license.