ENVIRONMENTAL AND DISEASE CONTROL SPECIALIST

Recruitment #2302-2529DC-001

Introduction

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.   

 

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity. 

Purpose

With primary focus on addressing lead in drinking water, the Environmental and Disease Control Specialist performs epidemiological investigations, surveillance and consultation related to adverse environmental health issues that impact the health of the community.

Essential Functions

Technical

  • Conduct investigations, research, and provide consultation related to complaints or concerns of adverse environmental exposure associated with the areas of occupational health, hazardous materials release, indoor and outdoor air quality, environmental audits and assessments, surface and drinking water quality assurance and vector-borne, waterborne or enteric illnesses.
  • Perform data collection, research, analysis and interpretation related to environmental chemical exposures and communicable disease occurrences.
  • Develop statistical and other analytical summaries, including tables and reports based on investigational findings. 
  • Stay abreast of innovations and best practices in home and environmental hazards including mold, mildew, radon, pests, asthma, allergies, home safety and indoor air quality and communicable disease control, assessment, surveillance and prevention.

Collaboration and Training

  • Develop, implement and evaluate lead water testing field protocols.
  • Facilitate the collection, analysis and reporting of field and laboratory data related to lead water testing.
  • Implement lead water testing with existing lead risk assessment protocols within the Home Environmental Health Program.
  • Develop presentations for community groups related to lead in water and public health risk
  • Attend meetings, serve on workgroups and committees and conduct presentations related to environmental and communicable disease control prevention programs.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised that you are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to your employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to your employment start date.  You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.

  • Carry a mobile device during business hours.
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions and in environments that may involve exposure to fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
  • Must wear industry related personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, facemask, face shield, and/or filtering face piece respirator such as an N-95.  
  • Ability to negotiate stairs, work in and around cramped spaces, stoop and bend.
  • Must be able to transfer objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
  • Must be willing to occasionally work outside of standard business hours (evenings and weekends) as required by the needs of the department.
  • Travel outside the City of Milwaukee for job related trainings, presentations and conferences; occasional overnight travel may be required. 
  • May be exposed to infectious agents or toxins while performing the duties of this job.
  • Required pre-employment vaccines include:
    • TB Test (at time of hire and annually through-out employment)
    • MMR Vaccine
    • Hep B Vaccine
    • Varicella Vaccine
  • Required pre-employment test include:
    • Physical Exam
    • Vision Exam
    • Audiogram
    • Drug Screen - non-DOT

Minimum Requirements

  1. Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, physical or natural sciences, public health, environmental health or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. One year of professional experience in disease control, environmental consultation, spill mitigation, or industrial hygiene performing duties that closely relate to the essential functions listed above.
  3. Certified Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) OR certified Registered Sanitarian (RS) by State of Wisconsin within six months of appointment and throughout employment. For information regarding the REHS/RS certification with NEHA visit: https://www.neha.org/professional-development/credentials For information regarding the RS certification with the State of Wisconsin visit: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/RegisteredSanitarian/Default.aspx
  4. Valid driver's license and access to a properly insured vehicle at time of appointment and throughout employment (mileage reimbursement provided pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code).     

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Master's degree in chemistry, biology, physical or natural sciences, public health, environmental health or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical  

  • Knowledge of environmental and disease control principles.
  • Knowledge of community health strategies related to case management and epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory public health services.
  • Ability to assess risks involved in environmental contaminant releases and exposures
  • Ability to assimilate and apply new knowledge from literature searches, and conversations with subject matter experts.
  • Ability to initiate and conduct environmental and disease control consultations, investigations, assessments and interventions.
  • Ability to conduct data collection and maintain accurate program statistics.
  • Ability to conduct statistical program analysis to create, initiate and report upon actionable solutions.
  • Ability to develop and present programming and training related to topics involving environmental health, safety and risk, and emergency preparedness.
  • Proficiency in mathematics and the ability to make accurate calculations.
  • Ability to learn and apply local, state and federal laws related to occupational health, the environment and disease control.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals and memoranda, emergency response plans, and legal documents.  

Communication and Interpersonal  

  • Ability to present technical data and findings in a concise and clear manner before various audiences.
  • Ability to credibly write reports, business correspondence, email, and procedural or training manuals so they can be understood by individuals at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer interactions and to respond professionally to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with job-related workgroups, committees, community organizations, agencies and partners.
  • Ability to practice active listening by giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions as appropriate.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from ones’ own.  
Professional Development and Judgment  

  • Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work to achieve objectives within deadlines.
  • Proficiency in project management skills required to manage caseloads in various stages of completion.
  • Ability to pursue training and development opportunities and strive to continuously build knowledge and skills.
  • Ability to resolve conflict while listening to others and keeping emotions under control.
  • Ability to remain objective and open to others' views and contribute to building a positive team spirit.
  • Ability to utilize sound judgment and explain reasoning for decisions.
  • Ability to demonstrate accuracy, thoroughness and organization to complete tasks efficiently.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 2DN) is $51,338-$61,902 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $52,878-$63,759 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.  

BENEFITS  

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass      

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

 

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.

  • Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.  

Conclusion

EEO = 206

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.