Environmental Specialist 2 (Special Project) - PN 20014596 at STATE OF OHIO in Columbus, Ohio

Job Description:

To protect and improve the health of all Ohioans

by preventing disease, promoting good health,

and assuring access to quality healthcare.

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The Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Environmental Health and Radiation Protection  

is seeking one (1) candidate to fill our Special Project, Environmental Specialist 2 position that may last through December 31, 2021.

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Official Position Description

In the Bureau of Environmental Health and Radiation Protection (BEHRP), develops and implements programs to review and evaluate long and short-term potential adverse consequences to human health following exposure to fish and other related food sources and conducts related research in areas of development of fish consumption advisories, environmental epidemiology including biological and chemical exposure through consumption of fish and coordinates activities with other state, local and federal agencies, recommends need for alternate fish consumption recommendations in the event of contamination of fish in identified areas, and routinely evaluates laboratory tests related to fish tissue, chemical and biological public health incidents. Implements the US EPA fish consumption grant activities, plans, implements and coordinates with other program areas in the Bureau and agency on grant objectives, develops and administers related surveys, develops and distributes educational materials. Works with stakeholder groups, develops and conducts surveys to provide information on fish consumption in different geographic areas of the state and in different populations. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates survey data and reports, assessments and data, and verbal and written complaints of environmental biological and chemical exposures through fish and other food sources. In coordination with the Health Assessment section, provides fish consumption exposure information to associated agencies (e.g., US EPA, ATSDR, CDC), local health districts, and the local community (e.g., presents at public meetings, distributes health education materials). Reviews sources of data and exposure reports (e.g., US EPA, USGS, Ohio EPA, ODNR), and coordinates with agency program staff and local health districts to ensure appropriate response actions, educational materials, and information is provided. Provides consultation and technical assistance to local health department staff. Evaluates, analyzes and reports on environmental sampling data, technical meetings, toxicological research, facility evaluations, collection of cancer and birth defects and other disease incidence data.

Coordinates with Local Health Districts, other local and state agencies or community groups on fish consumption advisories and provides educational information and outreach. Prepares, reviews and maintains data records on fish tissue sampling and advisory determinations.  Assists with updating and maintaining the fish consumption advisory website. Serves as a resource person and technical advisor for the bureau regarding human toxicological issues associated with fish exposures. Attends meetings, training sessions and seminars. Assists in conducting special environmental health related studies or projects. Develops technical fact sheets, guides or protocols. Serves as expert witness when necessary. Makes recommendations for reducing exposures to biological or chemical contaminants. Collects, researches, prepares and reviews lab results related to assigned activities. Assists in development and maintenance of tracking logs and data base management systems (e.g., work plan and program activity reports).

This is a special project, unclassified position in accordance with per ORC 124.11(A)(29).

12 mos. exp. as Environmental Specialist 1, 85861.

-Or 4 yrs. trg. or 4 yrs. exp. in position involving geology or hydrology, engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science &/or other comparable physical or health science field, earth science &/or urban & regional planning, &/or mathematics &/or history &/or archaeology (i.e., latter two subject areas pertain only to positions in departments of transportation & natural resources) which included responsibility for conducting compliance monitoring surveys &/or inspections/reviews or investigations, or review of permit applications relative to oil & gas well operations or injection, annular disposal & saltwater injection wells & enhanced recovery projects or coal mining, or solid/hazardous waste sites or industrial & municipal wastewater dischargers, or conducting of historical &/or archaeological research or other research studies to evaluate impact of proposed transportation projects on historic properties or cultural resources, or collecting, compiling & preparing various environmental assessments, evaluations, reports & related documents. training & experience must be commensurate with duties to be assigned.

-Or baccalaureate degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, earth science &/or urban & regional planning, geology or other comparable physical or health science field or mathematics or history or archaeology (i.e., latter two subject areas pertain only to positions in departments of transportation & natural resources) with education to be commensurate with duties to be assigned.

Note: For all positions engaged in field work, applicants must be able to provide own transportation.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.