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Job Summary

To perform environmental health inspections, interpret and enforce state and local ordinances, rules and regulations as they apply to unique situations in food, beverage, lodging, recreational camping areas, mobile home parks, youth camps, pools, and foodborne illness outbreaks. 
 

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under general direction. They plan and carry out assignments with considerable independence, and have some latitude in developing procedures and methods. They report to a superior by occasional conferences to discuss work progress or problems requiring upper advisement.  
 

Supervision Exercised

No formal supervisory responsibility, but is occasionally required to serve as a work leader over interns or assigned seasonal staff.

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and non-essential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance is an essential requirement of this position.

1.    Administers the food, beverage, and lodging program by inspecting all establishments annually (food, beverage, lodging, recreational camping areas, manufactured home parks, youth camps, temporary food establishments and pools) for compliance with State and County regulations and Ordinances.  Explains laws and regulations to establishment licensees. Records, documents correspondence and files activities of licensed establishments. Assists in the preliminary budget of the FBL program. Participates in annual State Standardization and MDH audit as required per MDH guidelines and timelines. Evaluates and approves FBL variance applications by licensed establishments. 
2.    Assists in the development of pertinent County Ordinances. Provides consultation and education to establishment licensees.  Develops FBL policies and fee schedules for approval by the County Board. Develops where necessary and then maintains the database for licensing, invoicing, collection of inspection fees and issuing of licenses. Teaches recertification classes for MDH certified food managers. 
3.    Receives and approves Plan Reviews for new or remodeled licensed establishments. Receives, electronically documents and acts upon licensed FBL complaints as wells as nuisance and housing issues such as mold, radon, garbage, etc. Investigates foodborne illness outbreaks and reports results to the MDH. Collaborates with the MDH, Planning and Zoning office and the County Attorney and when enforcement of a rule or law is required.  Initiates and participates in Administrative Meetings with establishment owners to bring them into compliances with the FBL ordinances.
4.    Maintains close coordination and works in conjunction with Environmental Services / Planning & Zoning on Vacation Rental inspections and Interim Use Permit requirements.
5.    Enforces the accessibility code standards in food, beverage, and lodging establishments.
6.    Supervise and train summer interns for the department.
7.    Attends training and meetings as needed.

•    Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health or Natural Sciences and current Minnesota Registered Sanitarian license is preferred.  

Aitkin County retains a delegation agreement with the MDH to maintain and administer the FBL inspection program.  Per the delegation agreement, the Environmental Health Specialist must be registered as a Sanitarian with the MDH within 12 months of hire.

Certified Pool Operator Certificate from the Minnesota Department of Health. Must complete recertification courses as required to maintain certificate.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

Must be willing to work flexible hours when necessary, including occasional evenings for meetings and occasional weekends. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:  
1.    County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 
2.    Local and state laws relating to food, beverage, lodging, recreational camping areas, mobile home parks, youth camps, septic systems, pools, and wells.
3.    Enforcement protocol to ensure compliance and protect the public’s health.
4.    Microsoft programs and state inspection program software.

Skill in:
1.    Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with supervisor, coworkers, board members, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
2.    Basic typing skills sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
3.    Preparing and making presentations to groups.
4.    Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently to enforce laws and rules.
5.    Effectively organizing and prioritizing workload with minimal supervision.
6.    Good independent judgment skills.
7.    Proficient in water lab analysis of Coliform Bacteria and Nitrate Nitrogen.

Ability to:
1.    Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates with respect, honesty, and consideration. 
2.    Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
3.    Explain regulatory provisions with firmness, tact and courtesy.
4.    Work effectively with fellow employees and personnel in related agencies.
5.    Write reports and develops recommendations. 
6.    Analyze potential environmental health hazards.
7.    Read plan reviews and compare them with construction and regulations.
8.    Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County, State, and Local officials and the general public.
9.    Work a flexible schedule outside of normal business hours when necessary for inspections and other work-related activities.

Language Skills

Very High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or governing boards.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
 

Reasoning Skills

High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
 

Computer Skills

Ability to Travel

Daily travel to and from licensed establishments within the County, regional travel to meetings with the State of MN averaging monthly, and possible out-of-state travel by either automobile or airplane.
 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, and innovation.
 

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This position requires outdoor work and indoor work.  Outdoor work in and around licensed establishments and construction sites. Indoor work in an office and laboratory. 
 

Equipment and Tools

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, calculator, hand tools, measuring and metering devices, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.
 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

6/10/2021

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism