DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: As a Senior Public Health Engineer, is responsible for the planning, direction and administration of all environmental health and environmental engineering activities within the Health Department. The work entails the administration and direction of the Environmental Health Division of the County Health Dept. The incumbent assists the Public Health Director in the development and implementation of environmental health policies and procedures. Provides professional consultation with local state and federal agencies in matters of environmental health and engineering. Acts as departmental liaison with State and local community agencies in matters of environmental health. Provides interpretation and ensures compliance with Federal, State and local laws, guidelines and procedures in matters of environmental health. Oversees department enforcement activities. General direction and supervision is received from the County Public Health Director. Supervision and direction is exercised over all environmental health staff which may include engineers, sanitarians, environmental health technicians and clerical employees.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Develops, administers and supervises all environmental program activities within the Environmental Health Division;
Promotes, participates in studies, and advises local municipalities in the protection, monitoring, and development of public water supplies and the collection, treatment, and disposal of sanitary wastewater;
Reviews and approves complex engineering plans submitted by registered architects and/or licensed professional engineers for compliance with local and State Sanitary code regulations;
Supervises the interpretation and enforcement of Federal, State and local laws, codes, regulations and guidelines relating to matters of environmental and public health;
Conducts inspections of water and wastewater facilities within the County;
Assists the Public Health Director in the development and implementation of environmental policies and procedures;
Reviews and evaluates division programs and activities;
Represents the Health Dept. in interdepartmental activities relating to Environmental Health Programs;
Attends and/or participates in professional seminars, conferences and programs;
Reviews major projects for environmental and Public Health impact;
Assists in the development of education and training programs for environmental health staff and in community-wide environmental health education;
Coordinates the investigation of food borne illness investigations.
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 KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of Public Health engineering and environmental health as related to water supplies and purification, wastewater and wastewater disposal, stream pollution, sanitary control of food service establishments, sanitary control of camps, temporary residences, swimming pools, bathing beaches, schools and other places, insect and rodent control, animal bite investigations, mobile home parks, public health nuisances and general sanitation; Thorough knowledge of the provisions of N.Y.S. Public Health Law, N.Y.S. and Genesee County sanitary codes related to the above subjects; ability to prepare reports and correspondence; ability to develop sound environmental and Public health policy; ability to evaluate engineering plans and proposals; ability to utilize sound principles of personnel management; ability to deal effectively and tactfully with the public and other officials, sound professional 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 frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk talk and hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representation 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. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the N.Y.S. Department of Education, AND:
Must be licensed and registered to practice professional engineering, and have two (2) years full-time, paid experience as a public health engineer.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT:
Possession of an appropriate valid N.Y.S. Driver's license.