Environmental Health Specialist

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on January 21, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on January 21, 2026.

 

 

Job Title:  Environmental Health Specialist

 

 

Department: Health - Community Protection and Preparedness

 

 

External Hiring Range: $27.58 - $32.68

 

 

Compensation Grade: 2008

 

 

Pay Range: $27.58 - $39.77

 

 

Posted Internally and Externally

 

 

 

 

Buncombe County offers in-office, hybrid, and remote positions. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must work at a location within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility.

 

 

Buncombe County is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist I in the Onsite Wastewater and Well Program.  This position will report to the OSWW Environmental Health Supervisor. 

This position will be responsible for evaluating properties to determine suitability for private drinking water wells and subsurface wastewater systems. Other duties will include performing final inspections on subsurface wastewater systems and investigating complaints related to failing septic systems.

Our team consists of eight other Environmental Health Specialists, and each are assigned to a certain geographical area of the county.

Working hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00.  This is a remote/hybrid position, and a Buncombe County vehicle will be provided. 

Purpose of the position:
The purpose of this position is to conduct state-mandated inspections of facilities under the jurisdiction of Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Environmental Health division to ensure compliance with public health laws and rules.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

Graduated with a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree from a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council or graduated with a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree and earned a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences; or bachelor’s degree in public health, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Per NC Local Health Department Accreditation requirements, employees in this role must present their diploma, degree, or transcript to their supervisor/department upon hire.

Additional Training and Experience:

Most work-related skills will be developed through in-service and on-the-job training. Educational requirements in accordance with Chapter 90A must be obtained each calendar year to renew registration to maintain Registered Environmental Health Specialist status.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

Registration is required by the N.C. State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners under the provisions of Chapter 90A of the General Statues of North Carolina. Required to attend and pass the centralized training provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, must be able to pass state authorization evaluations and test for specific program areas in order to perform duties. Also, must pass the REHS exam and NEHA within the timeframe established by the Board.

Physical Requirements:

Lifting is considered medium work requiring exertion of up to 50 of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Position includes ending, reaching, squatting, manual dexterity, repetitive motion, and the ability to distinguish colors. Visual acuity is required, must have eyesight that allows distinction between an array of colors. This position involves significant standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time. The work is performed in an environment with crisis situations that require major decisions involving people, resources, and property. Must be able to auger a minimum of four feet and remove the auger and its contents for evaluation.

 Essential Functions of the position:

• Enforce applicable state laws, rules, and ordinances governing well installations and construction, private water supplies, and on-site wastewater disposal systems promulgated by the state.

• Perform inspections and related activities for all new well installations, well repairs, on-site wastewater systems, and system repairs as mandated by state laws and rules. 

• Evaluate soil and/or sites to de