Environmental Health Specialist, Food Safety & Investigations

NOTICE: This position is not covered by Social Security. Instead, SWDH employees benefit from a mandatory 401(a) retirement plan with fixed employee and employer contributions.

Are you looking for an opportunity to serve the communities of Adams, Washington, Payette, Gem, Canyon, and Owyhee counties? Do you crave a job where your work truly matters? Southwest District Health (SWDH) is recruiting for an Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) 2 - Food Safety & Investigations to join the dedicated group of public health professionals in the Environmental Section of Environmental and Community Health Services Division.

This position may be filled by an Environmental Health Specialist 1. The EHS1 is considered an underfill for the EHS2 and must obtain the REHS/RS licensure within one year of appointment wherein they will be promoted to an EHS2 with a salary increase.

If you crave team-oriented work, purpose, and work/life balance, you'll love it here. We're shaking up the stereotype that government work is dull. At SWDH, we're disruptors and innovators, all passionately sharing the same vision: making Southwest Idaho the best place to live, work, and play. We foster a positive, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Our Vision, Mission & Values

• Vision: A Healthier Southwest Idaho
• Mission: To promote the health and wellness of those who live, work, and play in Southwest Idaho
• Values: Accountability, customer-focused, and teamwork influence the work we do and the difference we hope to make

As an Environmental Health Specialist and public health employee, you will serve an active role in improving the health of your community. As part of a small, but mighty team, you will perform hands-on inspections and investigations to assess, educate, and support compliance with environmental health standards.

You will focus primarily on food safety while also supporting work in childcare, public pools, and community concerns. You will partner with businesses and community members to reduce risks, provide practical guidance, and help prevent illness through education and response efforts, including foodborne illness investigations.

This position offers meaningful, people-centered work, variety in the field, and occasional after-hours and weekend responsibilities to support community health.

Excellent Benefits

We believe in taking care of our employees because when you thrive our communities thrive. Benefits vary based on the number of hours worked each week, with full-time employees (30-40 hours) eligible for the full benefits package and part-time employees (24-29 hours) eligible for benefits based on their regular schedule.

A Retirement Benefit Worth Talking About

PERSI is one of the standout benefits of public service. Eligible employees can build toward a lifetime pension benefit, providing meaningful value well beyond today's paycheck.

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage with full-time employee-only PPO coverage at $70.74/month for medical/vision and $12.08/month for dental. A no-cost employee-only High Deductible Health Plan is also available. Part-time coverage is also available based on regular hours worked.
• Free Basic Life Insurance, with optional supplemental coverage
• Mandatory 401(a) retirement program with 12.4% combined contributions
• Optional 401(k) and 457 Saving Plans
• 11 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave beginning immediately, prorated based on hours worked
• Flexible and family-supported policies, including 8 weeks paid parental leave
• Wellness programs, including an in-house fitness room and outdoor walking path
• Ongoing training opportunities and tuition reimbursement
• Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Bring your canine friend to work on Fridays

Your benefits add significant value beyond base pay. For a full-time Environmental Health Specialist. For an EHS2, the base pay range of $27.17 - $31.96/hour has an estimated total compensation value of $39.84 - $45.69/hour when SWDH's benefits are included. If filled as an underfill (EHS1), the base pay range of $24.08 - $28.33/hour has an estimated total compensation value of $39.84 - $45.69/hour.

Typical Duties:

Candidates must be able to complete the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and meet all the mandatory qualifications of the position.

• Inspect various food establishments, including restaurants, schools, grocery stores, mobile units, temporary foods, and food processors.
• Review and approve plans and specifications for new and remodeled food establishments.
• Complete and submit inspection, pre-operational, and investigation forms as required.
• Consult with food service owners and employees on long-term corrective actions for repeat violations.
• Collaborate with epidemiology staff to investigate foodborne illness outbreaks in establishments and residential care facilities, determining the source, agent, and mode of transmission.
• Co-instruct food safety courses and presentations for both industry and service groups.
• Handle investigations of animal bite reports and rabid animals.
• Inspect day care centers for violations related to health and safety during operational hours.

Minimum Qualifications (MQs):

You must possess all the minimum qualifications listed below to qualify for this position. All required experience and/or education must be listed under the work history section of this application OR on your resume and must include a detailed explanation of your roles and responsibilities at each relevant employer.

Environmental Health Specialist 1 (Underfill/Entry Level)

This is an entry-level opportunity designed for candidates building their experience in environmental health.

Qualifications:

• Good knowledge of Environmental Health Practices, typically gained through relevant education, coursework, or internships.
• Recent or soon-to-be graduates are encouraged to apply.

Additional Requirements

(EHS1 Underfill):

• Valid Driver's License
• Environmental Health Specialist 1 must obtain the REHS/RS licensure within one year of appointment.
• Incumbent be willing to meet the National Environmental Health Association registration requirements as an Environmental Health Specialist or Trainee.

Environmental Health Specialist 2 (Fully Qualified)

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences OR successful completion of a college level algebra or higher math course and 30 semester/45 quarter hours in the basic sciences, i.e. biology, chemistry, physics, or other physical sciences as well as sanitary engineering or environmental engineering
• At least one year of public health experience with an agency to include inspecting facilities and enforcing ordinances, rules, and statutes in at least one of the following programs: food, on-site sewage, day care, swimming pools, nuisance complaints, solid waste, home loan surveys, public drinking water, or vector control.

Additional Requirements (EHS2):

• Valid Driver's License
• Taken and passed the credentialing exam with the National Environmental Health Association

Ideal Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities (EHS 1 or 2):

• Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing both Spanish and English.

Supplemental Information:

This position is not covered by Social Security. Employees do not pay Social Security taxes and will not earn credits toward Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits based on earnings from this job. However, Medicare taxes will still be withheld, and these earnings will count toward Medicare eligibility.

How to Apply

Register or log in to your https://statecareers.idaho.gov/ account, locate this job announcement and select Apply. Attach your most current resume and follow the prompts to complete the exam. Hit submit. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

Need help? Check out the Candidate Guide under Candidate Resources on the State of Idaho Careers page.

Who May Apply

If you have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact in your community, we invite you to consider a rewarding career with SWDH. Applicants who meet all the listed Minimum Qualifications and Additional Requirements will be considered. Applications will be screened, and only the most qualified candidates will move forward in the selection process.

We are committed to ensuring access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resource Office at 208.455.5307.

The successful candidate will have a history and background supportive of the health district's mission and will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test and a criminal history background check, including fingerprints. Additionally, SWDH participates in E‑Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. E‑Verify compares information from an employee's Form I‑9 with records from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to verify identity and work authorization.

SWDH is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and against all individuals based on race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

NOTICE: Idaho's Public Health Districts are agencies that are authorized by the State of Idaho as independent bodies. District employees are not State of Idaho employees, rather District employees who receive benefits through the Office of Group Insurance.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and community. Let's work together to make Southwest Idaho the healthiest place to live, work, and play!

If you have questions about this position, please contact us at:

Email: HR@swdh.id.gov

Phone: 208.455.5307