DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  The work involves providing support to professional environmental health engineering personnel by performing a variety of sub-professional tasks directly related to the professional work of one or more specialized phases of the environmental health program.  Duties include assisting the public with environmental questions and complaints related to water supply and wastewater disposal systems, as well as carrying out field inspections of subsurface sewage disposal systems and related systems for individual lots, realty subdivisions and commercial developments, in accordance with applicable local and State codes, rules and regulations including the Public Health Law and New York State Sanitary Codes. Work is performed under general supervision of a Public Health Engineer or other engineering staff, requiring the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. This class differs from Environmental Health Engineering Aide by virtue of more complex environmental health engineering program responsibilities. Supervision over the work of others is not a responsibility. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

• Investigates public health complaints, following state codes and guidelines to determine appropriate resolution of the complaint and/or problem;
• Inspects non-community public water supply systems on a regular basis and during emergencies;
• Collects water samples from both public and non-public water supplies in accordance with New York State Health Department requirements;
• Assists in conducting field inspections for Land Development Program subdivision sites to determine compliance with established standards and requirements;
• Prepares various reviews and reports in conjunction with engineer­ing inspections and evaluations;
• Inspects establishments which sell tobacco products to ensure that New York State laws which forbid the sale of tobacco products to minors are complied with;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of the principals, practices and techniques of environmental health as it relates to water supplies and water purifica­tion; working knowledge of the provisions of Public Health Law and State Sanitary Code as they relate to environmental health; working knowledge of environmental health techniques and practices; ability to deal effectively with the public and to address routine public health complaints and problems; ability to prepare reports and maintain records; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; good professional judgment; tact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:           Either

1. Associates degree in Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering or related field, and one (1) year of experience in public or private sector environmental health; or
2. Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma and three (3) years of experience in public or private sector environmental health; or
3. An equivalent combination of training and experience as described in (a) and (b) above.

SUBSTITUTION NOTE: Post-secondary level education may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience indicated above on the basis of thirty (30) college credits per year of experience.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Access to transportation may be required to complete possible field work assignments in a timely and efficient manner.

9/96; 9/97; 2/08; 4/09

Competitive Class