Environmental Health Scientist I - Safety Section

We are looking for the next great addition to the Environmental Safety Program at the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy. The successful candidate will conduct inspections for food safety and sanitation at Schools, Senior Centers, and Child Care Centers. The candidate will also assist in inspections and compliance activities for Swimming Pools, Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Camps, Wells, and Septic Systems.

Job Duties

Day‑to‑day implementation of the sanitation program including inspecting Swimming Pools, Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Camps, Well and Septic Home Loans, Child Care Centers, and School/College Cafeterias, respond to complaints, and prepare written reports from each inspection.
Procure equipment/supplies, maintain equipment inventory, and supply printed materials.
Develop, maintain or modify manual and computerized tracking/monitoring systems for assigned programs such as violations and status of projects.
Answer all phone and other communications regarding policies, procedures and regulations pertinent to the programs.
Develops and maintains program guidance materials.
Meet with federal, State, and local government representatives and the general public to explain public health policies and programs.
Conduct sampling as assigned and according to established protocol and follow quality control/quality assurance plans.
Resolve conflicts and maintain program objectives in emotionally charged situations.
Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Post high school coursework/training in physical or life sciences or environmental health.

Preferred Qualifications

Registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of Nebraska; a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in life, natural, physical or health science.

Other

Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent transportation.
Ability to travel – this position is approximately 80% field work and requires daily driving.
Ability to walk on uneven terrains.
Ability to lift 20 pounds.
Ability to climb 8‑foot ladders.
Ability to bend and stoop.
Ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Submit a resume or list on the application specific detailed experience relevant to the position in years and months.
Submit a current list of at least professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of

Food industry; principles and techniques of inspections; the principles of public health; the modes through which diseases are transmitted; the methods of controlling and preventing disease through environmental health practices; the principles of environmental health; the environmental problems related to disease control and prevention; the laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to environmental health; the functions and authorities of State and local health agencies related to sanitation.

Skill in

Communicating with individuals and groups with varying technical backgrounds to collect and relay information; listening to and understanding others; time management; planning and organization; problem‑solving; critical thinking; conflict resolution.

Ability to

Apply, interpret, and enforce environmental health laws, rules, and regulations; prepare technical reports on field investigations; operate field laboratory equipment and specialized sampling equipment; analyze the findings of field sampling studies.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
Military leave
156% state‑matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer‑paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer‑paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the state
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and development based on your career aspirations
Fun, inviting teammates
A safe and secure environment

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

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