Environmental Health Specialist Intern/EHS (On-site Wastewater)

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

Description

Gaston County Public Health is committed to protecting, promoting, and preserving the health and well-being of all residents.

An hourly salary range of $27.45 to $31.91 is anticipated for the Environmental Health Specialist Intern position.
An hourly salary range of $30.43 to $35.37 is anticipated for the Environmental Health Specialist (On-Site Wastewater) position.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are not all that may be assigned but are those that are considered essential for an employee to perform.
Environmental Health Specialist Intern

• Accompany the REHS authorized for on-site wastewater. Observe work and interaction with citizens. Observe various inspections and assist as needed.
• Attend and complete the NCDHHS-EH Centralized Intern Training general module, Onsite Wastewater. Read all related rules for Onsite Wastewater and Wells. Take the prerequisite online training. Complete all requirements as outlined in the Centralized Intern Training and Authorization documents to become authorized in Onsite Wastewater, Wells, and Migrant Housing.
• Carry out Performance Management (PM) roles and responsibilities, including identifying and communicating performance improvement opportunities and adjusting performance and practice to achieve established PM goals.
• Assist in various emergency preparedness activities, such as H1N1, bioterrorism events, or other disease outbreaks. The amount of time worked on preparedness activities will vary based on the type and duration of the incident. Regular job duties will be assigned to other staff as needed. Some job duties may not be accomplished.

• Onsite Wastewater: Perform site evaluations/inspections for Improvement Permits, Authorization to Construct Permits, Operations Permits, Repair Permits, and Existing System Approvals. To issue these permits, several activities must be performed on the site, including but not limited to soil evaluation (auger borings and backhoe pits), using laser transit to lay out drain fields, using the GEODE to collect data to lock in the site plan and maintain setbacks, and locating existing septic systems with a hand probe. Investigate sewage complaints and issue Notice of Violations. Meeting and communicating with owners, buyers, general contractors, septic contractors, and builders.
• Well: Perform site inspections for well construction permits, well grout inspections, well head inspections, and well water sampling within the well program. Site inspections require identifying and measuring setbacks on the property or neighboring properties that would affect the placement of a well on the property, meeting with well drillers to observe well grouts, confirming proper well head construction, and collecting water samples using proper methods to ensure accurate results. Meet and communicate with owners, buyers, general contractors, well drillers, and builders.
• Maintain proper REHS annual continuing education credits by taking or attending online or in-person classes at conferences..
• Implement strategies aimed at achieving Health Equity, including, but not limited to, attending trainings to better understand inequities, identifying and addressing barriers to health, serving on the Health Equity Team or its subcommittees, and engaging in internal or external efforts to eliminate health disparities.
• Carry out Performance Management (PM) roles and responsibilities, including identifying and communicating performance improvement opportunities and adjusting performance and practice to achieve established PM goals.
• Assist in various emergency preparedness activities, such as H1N1, bioterrorism events, or other disease outbreaks. The amount of time worked on preparedness activities will vary based on the type and duration of the incident. Regular job duties will be assigned to other staff as needed. Some job duties may not be accomplished.

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Health Specialist Intern

• Bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree from a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).
• Bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree in public health, with one or more years of experience in environmental health practice, has earned 45 quarter hours in physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences.
• A bachelor's degree or postgraduate degree in public health and one or more years of experience in environmental health practice have earned 45 quarter hours in physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences.
• Must be eligible to become an NC Registered Environmental Health Specialist Intern
• A valid driver's License.

• Bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree from a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).
• Bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree in public health, with one or more years of experience in environmental health practice, has earned 45 quarter hours in physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences.
• A bachelor's degree or postgraduate degree in public health and one or more years of experience in environmental health practice have earned 45 quarter hours in physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences.
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist with the NC State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners, authorized in onsite wastewater.
• A valid driver's License.

Additional Information

The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.