Environmental Health Assistant (#RA0300)
$20.88-$25.38 Hourly / $3,619.24-$4,399.21 Monthly / $43,430.97-$52,790.61 Yearly

Under immediate supervision, performs unskilled and semi-skilled office and field work to assist professional staff with various environmental health programs; and performs related duties as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3, of the Civil Service Rules.

Incumbents in this class assist Registered Environmental Health Specialists in their various investigative, inspection and enforcement activities by performing the more routine office and field duties.  Incumbents initially work in a training capacity but as experience is gained, they may be given a broader range of assignments and have greater latitude for decision-making.

• Receives training in assisting Environmental Health Department professional staff in a variety of environmental health investigations, inspections and enforcement activities; learns to detect routine violations; may be assigned to any of the environmental health program areas while learning to perform semi-skilled and technical work as needed and directed. 
• Assists professional staff with routine sanitation inspections, pollution surveys, well and septic inspections, underground tank removals, and other environmental health activities; may issue permits as authorized. 
• Assists professional staff with field investigations to determine compliance with applicable codes; assists with the preparation and issuance of compliance orders. 
• Assists professional staff in gathering data, information, and materials; learns to collect water, soil, or other environmental samples and deliver them to the laboratory for testing. 
• Assists professional staff in the preparation of studies and reports; assists with routine recordkeeping, data entry, and other clerical activities. 
• Provides routine information to the public regarding health ordinances, regulatory requirements and other matters pertaining to environmental health regulations and compliance; performs public health and outreach activities.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent.

Basic biology, chemistry and mathematics; basic methods of interviewing and gathering information; basic principles of public relations; basic principles and areas of environmental health.

Learn and apply specific laws and regulations; assist professional staff in general environmental health activities, including the proper collection of samples for laboratory analysis; gather general information, maintain basic records, and prepare routine reports; make visual observations and accurately report results; follow oral and written directions; communicate effectively,  both orally and in writing; develop and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including other staff and the general public.

Mobility— operation of a data entry device; repetitive motion; sitting, standing, walking for extended periods of time; driving; occasional pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing; Lifting—frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual—distinguishing between various items, including pests and health conditions; constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Hearing/Talking—frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person; Emotional/Psychological—frequent decision making, concentration, and public contact; deal with emergency situations, exposure to trauma, grief, death; heights; working with hazardous materials; Special Requirements--some assignments may require working weekends, nights, and/or occasional overtime; working alone; Environmental—working in cold, heat, rain, snow (outside); poor ventilation.