Ramsey County is seeking candidates for a limited duration Environmental Health Specialist fellowship program (up to two years).

There are currently two vacancies.

Candidates accepted into the program will be appointed as unclassified, limited duration Environmental Health Specialist for up to two years. Candidates will gain exposure to a variety of activities and programs of the Environmental Health Division including Community Environmental Health, Solid and Hazardous Waste Compliance, Solid Waste Operations, Healthy Homes, Outreach and Engagement/Solid Waste Programs and Climate and Health.

The basic function of an Environmental Health Specialist is to perform a full range of duties relating to environmental health, including ensuring compliance with applicable laws, community education, and the planning, implementation, and enforcement of environmental health programs; and to perform related duties as assigned.

To view or download more detailed information for this position, go to: Environmental Health Specialist Fellowship (Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader).

Environmental Health has created an innovative program aimed at recruiting diverse students for future careers in environmental health. Ramsey County is dedicated to being a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We actively encourage candidates that represent racial, ethnic, cultural, and differing abilities, to apply and contribute to creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.

1. Regularly inspect solid waste management facilities or the sites of hazardous waste generators or facilities for compliance with Ramsey County ordinances, State rules and law, and Federal regulations and law; review management plans, take samples, analyze results, and document findings; gather evidence, such as photographs and samples, to document violations; if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action, and initiate enforcement action; perform reviews of facility plans and specifications prior to and during construction and/or remodeling; issue new permits/licenses or renew existing ones, if appropriate.
2. Maintain and update Ramsey County Dump site inventory; provide technical data concerning dumpsites as requested by consultants and the public for environmental reviews.
3. Monitor solid waste haulers’ compliance with the County Environmental Charge (CEC); review data submittals; prepare reports on CEC; coordinate work with the Office of Budgeting and Accounting and Washington County, and initiate enforcement actions if needed.
4. Conduct inspections of food establishments, lodging facilities, swimming pools, manufactured home parks, children’s camps, and public and private water supplies to ensure compliance with public health and environmental laws and regulations. Document compliance and if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action and initiate enforcement action. Investigate public health nuisance complaints. Conduct plan reviews for new and remodeled establishments deciding when establishments may go into business.
5. Provide technical assistance to public and private entities inspected and discuss with them any changes that are necessary to be in compliance with County ordinances and State and Federal law; plan, design and conduct training sessions and educational seminars for public and private entities on requirements, regulations, and methods of compliance.
6. Assist in developing and maintaining Ramsey County's environmental health programs and related policies by gathering information, conducting research and analysis, reviewing technical reports, conferring with other environmental health professionals, industry officials, and regulatory agencies, and by analyzing legal requirements.
7. Assist in coordinating Ramsey County's yard waste management and household hazardous waste management programs by scheduling yard waste monitors, monitoring vendor performance, managing program data and reports, overseeing the maintenance of sites; ensuring that yard waste and household hazardous waste sites are in compliance with solid waste and zoning laws and regulations.
8. Conduct public education programs on environmental health issues for community groups and schools; respond to inquiries from the public relating to environmental health laws or issues.
9. Investigate complaints, document conditions, and write written orders from the public concerning hazardous waste violations, solid waste violations, public health nuisances or clandestine drug labs, and take appropriate action.
10. Investigate foodborne and waterborne illness complaints and outbreaks. Work with epidemiologists to investigate and halt the spread of disease in the community.
11. Respond to public health emergencies as assigned, working within the incident command system. Maintain a working knowledge of Ramsey County’s 800 MHz radio system and equipment.
12. Share information with other public health agencies and regulatory agencies and works together with them on joint projects, such as the coordination of community training activities.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, the physical, or biological sciences, or related social sciences, natural sciences, or formal sciences.

Experience: None.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: A valid drivers’ license.

This is an unclassified, at-will position, holding a confidential relation to the department head or elected official. This position requires an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this unclassified, at-will, position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration.

Definition of Unclassified from the Ramsey County Personnel Act:
Subdivision 1. General. "The appointing authority may discharge employees in the unclassified service with or without cause. Employees in the unclassified service have no right to a grievance appeal from discharge or other disciplinary action under sections 383A.281 to 383A.301. An employee in an unclassified position shall not have tenure but shall be entitled to all benefits associated with tenure such as vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, and other benefits as determined by the county board."

Interested candidates may apply by completing the online application and resume. The resume and the application may be sent electronically by attaching the materials to the online posting.

Veterans' Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veterans' Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader). You will need to print off this posting and also answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them if you complete a paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact Nirvana.Wallace@co.ramsey.mn.us