WATER QUALITY SPECIALIST

Job Role Summary

The WATER QUALITY SPECIALIST Quality duties include completing surface water routes to collect bacteriological and chemical samples and obtain water quality data with sampling instruments. EHS shall complete groundwater surveys (collecting private well samples) to monitor for bacteria and chemical contamination and identifying source if contamination exists. EHS shall also perform analysis on sampling data and use mapping software to identify areas of concern and trends. EHS shall inspect assigned licensed preschools, licensed tattoo body piercing shops and other regulated entities using appropriate Code as a basis. EHS is responsible to complete training to fulfill responsibilities as a Secondary Hazmat responder and to perform twenty-four (24) hour response on a rotating basis, typically for a 7 consecutive day period, once per month, during normal business hours, mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. As a Secondary Hazmat responder, EHS is responsible for conducting emergency responses, inspections, investigations and surveys to incidents or situations involving hazardous materials/wastes, infectious materials, environmental pollution and radiation sources. 

Essential Duties

• Calibrate and maintain equipment, use proper sampling techniques to collect samples, operate air and water monitoring equipment and interpret lab results. Assessment of environmental health conditions through data and information gathering, data analysis/ interpretation and fulfilling quality control program.
• Collect samples of private well water upon request or public health need, interpret laboratory results and communicate results to water users and assist with any needed actions to provide safe potable water.
• Investigate public health complaints, pollution prevention inspections and inspect licensed preschools, tattoo shops and other regulated entities using Health and Hospital Code of Marion County as a basis for the inspections and potential enforcement.
• Meet with other agencies to discuss watershed and groundwater projects or initiatives, cooperate with other governmental agencies and work closely with the fire department to resolve immediate environmental and public health threats. 
• Complete responsibilities of Secondary Hazmat. Secondary Hazmat responder’s work in conjunction with the Fire Department and other first responders to eliminate and reduce emergency environmental and public health threats. Responds to hazardous materials emergencies on a rotating basis 24 hours per day while on-call.
• Testify and present evidence in environmental court as part of Code enforcement.
• Make evidence-based decisions or judgments based on observation and knowledge of laws and technical subject matter to mitigate environmental health issues 
• Communicate risk and exchange information with colleagues and the public through print and electronic media and interpersonal relations
• Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies, as directed 
• Participates in a minimum of two H.O.P.E. events totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually. 
• Other duties as assigned 

Associated Job Duties

• Assists with the IMPD CWMD (Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction) Program during high profile and sporting events 
• Uses available data to analyze trends in compliance and evidence-based analysis of effective interventions to reduce the risk of illness and injury. 
• Aids in developing and reviewing program literature and forms. 
• Aids in developing and reviewing program policies and procedures. 
• Serve on appropriate committees and workgroups, as directed 
• Attend national, state, and local subject matter conferences and conventions 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with emphasis on biology, chemistry, environmental science, physical science, public safety, or closely related curriculum; Master’s degree preferred
• 1-2 years of previous experience in environmental investigation and code enforcement 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with internal and external customers

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid Indiana Driver’s License  
• Within a year of employment, obtain State of Indiana Hazardous Materials Technician, Awareness, and Operations Certification within a year of employment OR  Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response certification (HAZWOPER)
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist and/or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager desired

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to think critically
• Ability to plan and organize work and function independently 
• Ability to operate environmental health monitoring equipment 
• Ability to deal with difficult people, avoid and de-escalate conflict, and resolve disputes in a professional manner
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations on environmental health
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices related to environmental health
• Knowledge of control and analysis of methods and practices used in determining and eliminating environmental health hazards.
• Knowledge of the incident command system
• Strong computer, database, and informatics skills 
• Use software available within the agency to search for and retrieve information.

Working Environment

• As a field position, much of the work will be performed outside the office
• During field activities working in conditions of rain, cold, snow, ice, heat, and sun 
• Extended periods of walking and standing during field activities may be required
• Lifting of approximately 40 pounds 
• May be requested to work overtime and weekends for special programs or events
• Potential for damage to personal property, theft, or vandalism
• Must have personal vehicle for in and out of county driving wherein mileage will be reimbursed in accordance with Marion County Public Health Department policies and procedures
• May encounter irate, difficult or uncooperative individuals 
• Must pass annual physical to wear any required personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary to perform essential duties of the position