The Health Protection Scientist Senior enables businesses, institutions, and schools to address public health issues in compliance with Bernalillo County codes, regulations, and ordinances by conducting routine inspections and educational visits. This position performs full-performance level professional duties with minimal oversight.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Enforces all applicable laws and regulations by conducting on-site inspections and investigations of private, public, and commercial facilities; conducts pre-permit inspections and authorizes compliance permits. • Conducts on-site detailed inspections and investigations of environmental and/or public health infractions or violations at commercial food operations and public aquatic facilities. • Receives and investigates routine environmental complaints and recommends corrective action plans; develops and prepares written recommendations outlining corrective actions and proper methods to protect public health. • Monitors compliance with applicable rules and regulations and determines when reinvestigation is necessary to ensure ongoing compliance. • Collects field samples and environmental/public health-related data or information for laboratory testing or trend analysis. • Prepares and presents reports on analytical findings to clients, outside agencies, forums, the general public, and other county departments. • Trains, supervises, and participates in the work of junior staff involved in environmental health studies and programs. • Prepares and coordinates cases scheduled for court hearings. • Reviews and evaluates commercial building permits for food establishments and public aquatic facilities related to environmental health issues. • Interprets environmental health ordinances, rules, and procedures, and responds to inquiries from the public. • Develops, conducts, and evaluates public health education programs focused on preventing public health diseases. • Collaborates with private and governmental agencies to strengthen environmental health practices aimed at protecting public health and safety. • Handles sensitive and/or confidential records, plans, documents, or decisions that require maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information. *The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree, from an accredited institution, in a physical, natural, or environmental science or relevant science field. • Four (4) years of related experience in environmental health, code enforcement, food protection, and/or inspection. • Must possess a Food Protection Manager Certification or equivalent. • Must possess an advanced certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation as a certified pool operator or equivalent. • Demonstrated professionalism by appropriately supporting team initiatives within all levels of the organization, including training team members, staff, departmental directors/employees, and the public. • Knowledge of environmental health issues; ability to use knowledge of various scientific disciplines to identify and minimize hazards. • Ability to interpret, analyze, and implement state and local regulations relating to environmental and public health. • Able to read blueprints and review site plans. • Knowledge in conducting food safety and commercial swimming pool inspections. • Excellent organizational skills and ability to work effectively on multiple concurrent assignments. • Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality in dealing with a variety of complex and potentially sensitive projects. • Proficient in English and have the ability to prepare and deliver presentations. Knowledge of basic microbiology and chemistry principles. *Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PREFERENCES

• Bilingual in Spanish/Chinese preferred.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following: • Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation. • Adherence to all County safety guidelines. • Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position. • Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position. • Complete required supervisor training, if applicable. • Requires possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Certified Professional of Food Safety (CPFS) for the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) at the time of hire or within nine (9) months from the date of hire. • Must possess a Food Protection Manager Certification or equivalent. Must possess an advanced certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation as a certified pool operator or equivalent.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Major duties are performed 50% indoors and 50% outdoors, and the employee will be exposed to extremes of heat, cold, and humidity. • Indoor duties may be conducted on both even and uneven surfaces and may involve climbing stairs, ramps, catwalks, entering enclosed spaces such as freezers, and encountering wet, greasy, or dusty surfaces. • Outdoor duties may be performed on either hard or soft surfaces in all weather and terrain conditions. • Performs duties alone or as a member of a team or group. • Work hazards or potential hazards include exposure to chemicals, animals, biohazards, industrial and domestic waste, radiation, burns, lacerations, contusions, falls, intermittent noise, intermittent vibration, driving a vehicle, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and polluted water. • Subject to varying and unpredictable situations, conditions that may affect the skin or respiratory system, and variations in temperature from hot to cold.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Computers, environmental monitoring equipment, laboratory equipment, telephone, two-way radio, fax, photocopier, metal probes, shovels, wrenches, ladders, paper forms, chemicals and Material Safety Data Sheets. • County vehicles are used by employee in traveling from site-to-site throughout the county. • Safety equipment may include hard hat, rubber boots, gloves, facemask and first aid kit.