Environmental Health Associate

Title: Environmental Health Associate

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: 35,203.00 - 36,503.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: WEST PIEDMONT-FRANKLIN

Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Come work where the blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and affordable living is at your disposal. The area offers a relaxed pace of life and a welcoming community that has a deep investment in the people who live here. The West Piedmont Health District is mission-driven and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve: Franklin County, Henry County, Patrick County, and the City of Martinsville.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDH offers excellent employee benefits including health and life insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short- and Long-Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching.

As an EH paraprofessional, performs EH support work of moderate difficulty, requiring some independent judgment and knowledge of EH laws and regulations. Responsibilities include multiple tasks which collectively dominate the position's work such as:
(1) Drafts schematic drawings for water, well and septic system construction permits; takes field notes or EH Specialist (EHS) field notes and information from plat and application; develops schematic for the permit package using CAD software.
(2) Completes various permit/certificate packages for EHS review and signature.
(3) Explains permit or certification requirements to others.
(4) Performs on-site monitoring of completed wells in uncomplicated situations; determines compliance of well location within permitted area and compliance with well constructions techniques; reporting results to EHS.
(5) Monitors sites and collects soil and water samples in support of the sewage, swimming pool and marina programs.
(6) Performs routine investigations of animal bites, monitors confined animals to observe conditions, removes animal heads for rabies examination and packages for transport.
(7) Transports rabies, soils and food specimens/samples.
(8) Performs other routine environmental investigations of low technical complexity in response to public health complaints such as verifying excessive grass height, observing open trash, confirming the ongoing presence of standing water, etc.

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) for a period ending 11/30/2027. The availability of funding is scheduled for review before the grant expiration date and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Skills in composition of reports, data entry and effective communication
• Proficient in basic computer software programs
• Ability to conduct inspections and investigations in all areas of environmental health, to work outdoors and perform moderately strenuous physical labor during all seasons
• Skills in problem solving essential
• Ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds
• A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency

Additional Considerations

• Experience in environmental health support

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background