PROGRAM SPECIALIST 2 OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Definition

Under direction of a supervisory official, in a State department or agency, conducts and/or supervises field studies, epidemiological investigations, and educational health programs related to various aspects of occupational and/or environmental health; does other related work.

Examples of work

Conducts field and office work in occupational or environmental health programs; analyzes disease detection and control problems. Provides appropriate assignments, training, and supervision to a staff of field representatives, project specialists, and other professionals. Prepares evidence and serves as technical witness in court actions involving industrial matters. Conducts and supervises the conduct of technical field investigations involving the collection, tabulation, and analysis of data obtained. Instructs individual field investigators in the methods, skills, and techniques of modern industrial hygiene and/or environmental monitoring. May develop and present specific educational programs for civic, educational, industrial and local health groups, medical professional groups, and other interested groups to promote the detection of hazards and prevention of environmental or occupational diseases. Supervises work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for performance evaluations and for effectively recommending the firing, hiring, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Supervises the compilation of or compiles data for inclusion in the preparation of detailed reports of the various local programs. Assists in the preparation of State and/or federal budget requests for programs. Collects, analyzes, and prepares data and educational material for use in promoting program objectives. Visits, consults, and provides technical assistance to local health departments, unions, management, and other public or private agencies. Meets with local health departments, physicians, and others to provide epidemiological and consultative services. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Requirements

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the purposes, methods, and techniques of public health education. Knowledge of methods of disease detection, prevention, and control and their role in the occupational or environmental health programs. Knowledge of interviewing techniques. Knowledge of equipment and methods used in environmental monitoring. Knowledge of the techniques used to collect, analyze, and tabulate statistical data. Ability to assist in the administration of all non-medical phases of the occupational or environmental health program. Ability to communicate and interpret program objectives to others. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with health agencies and interested public or private groups. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret basic law and department regulations, policies, standards and procedures, and apply them to specific situations. Ability to conduct field trips, surveys, studies, and investigations and prepare reports about activities. Ability to collect, tabulate, and interpret statistical data and to perform statistical work of moderate complexity. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative case histories and reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional experience in the field of industrial hygiene, or occupational, environmental, or public health involving occupational or environmental health prevention programs, including or supplemented by thirty (30) semester hour credits in the physical or biological sciences, environmental engineering, nursing, or other subjects related to industrial hygiene. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by thirty (30) semester hour credits in the physical or biological sciences, environmental engineering, nursing, or other subjects related to industrial hygiene; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in any of the above areas; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a valid Professional Engineers license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.