ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

Code: 07528 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, conducts investigations, inspections, and gathers data for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, preventing, and eliminating environmental health hazards; May perform mosquito inspection and extermination; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Conducts tests and field investigations to obtain data for use in determining sources and methods of controlling pollutants in air, water, and soil.
• Conducts chemical and physical laboratory and field tests according to prescribed standards to determine characteristics or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials and substances using pH meter, chemicals, autoclave, centrifuge, spectrophotometer, microscope, analytical instrumentation, and other chemical laboratory equipment.
• Collects samples of gases from smokestacks and collects other air samples and meteorological data to assist in evaluation of atmospheric pollutants.
• Collects water samples from streams and lakes or raw, Semi-processed, or processed water, industrial waste water, or water from other sources to assess pollution problem.
• Collects soil, silt, or mud to determine chemical composition and nature of pollutants.
• Prepares samples for testing, records data, and prepares summaries and charts for review.
• Sets monitoring equipment to provide flow of information.
• Installs, operates, and performs routine maintenance on gas and fluid flow systems, chemical reaction systems, mechanical equipment, and other test instrumentation.
• May operate fixed or mobile monitoring or data collection station.
• May perform mosquito inspection and extermination.
• May conduct bacteriological or other tests related to research in environmental or pollution control activity.
• May collect and analyze engine exhaust emissions to determine type and amount of pollutants.
• Collects and analyzes data derived from pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring, and soil and water samples.
• Prepares graphs, charts, and statistical data from information gathered.
• Analyzes data to assess pollution problems and/or compliance with established standards, and recommends approaches to control of pollutants.
• Investigates known or potential environmental problems including collection of data, identification of statistical parameters, analysis and review of empirical findings, and writes technical reports covering inferences of the results obtained.
• Conducts specific phases of an investigation involving air, hazardous substances, noise, solid waste, and/or water pollution control.
• May conduct all phases of investigation and study of a specific course of pollution; for example, air, hazardous substances, noise, solid waste, and/or water including recommendation of abatement action, and if necessary initiation and completion of legal action including preparation of legal documentation and testimony in court.
• Serves as public information source providing information concerning environmental health issues.
• Lectures and writes on matters pertaining to advancement of environmental health.
• Maintains equipment and takes and interprets readings associated with meteorological systems.
• May perform all phases of work in the development and dissemination of publications relevant to environmental health.
• Utilizes photographic and audiovisual supplies and equipment in the discharge of prescribed responsibilities.
• Makes recommendations on purchases of equipment and supplies for program operations.
• May supervise nonprofessional employees as assigned.
• Confers with municipal and county environmental health officials and public and industry personnel to promote understanding of and compliance with environmental health rules and regulations.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Physical, Chemical, Biological, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, or Public Health with a concentration in environmental health.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in environmental control work involving field surveys, investigations, inspections, and preparation of reports on the environment, the preparation/review of environmental impact statements, and/or the prevention or elimination of one or more environmental health hazards.

License

Appointees may be required to obtain certification as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator, in the appropriate category, or licensing as a Pesticide Operator, issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

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 principles, theory, and techniques involved in the broad field of environmental sciences and of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to environmental pollution.
• Ability to conduct environmental impact studies, investigations, and inspections.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate data collected and to draw sound conclusions thereof.
• Ability to collect samples or perform tests in the field and make evaluations and analyses.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, rules, and regulations on matters having impact on the environment.
• Ability to obtain certification as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator, in the appropriate category, or licensing as a Pesticide Operator, issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection may be required.
• Ability to cooperate with the county, community, and individual citizens on matters affecting the environment, and to organize assigned field and technical work and develop effective work methods.
• 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, or 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 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 definition and 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.

In some jurisdictions, appointees may be required to perform mosquito extermination duties.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Physical, Chemical, Biological, or Environmental Sciences or Environmental Engineering may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.