EPS II

Environmental Protection Specialist II

Job Description:  
**PLEASE NOTE: The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at or near the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors.**   A Texas Department of State Health Services Environmental Protection Specialist II performs complex environmental, public health and safety work. Work involves inspecting buildings and establishments such as retail stores, and public facilities for compliance with environmental laws and to identify deficiencies of the regulatory requirements for hazardous consumer products, inhalant abuse prevention, tattoo, and body piercing. Work may involve conducting special investigations and surveys as assigned by the supervisor. Collects evidence, compiles information, and prepares detailed reports for the initiation of regulatory actions as necessary. Inspector will prepare weekly inspection summary reports, travel expenditure reports, and monthly and quarterly performance reports. Duties are performed under the general supervision of the Environmental Sanitation Branch Manager, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employee will participate in disaster training and/or emergency response as assigned by the regional or central office. Inspections may require irregular working hours, overnight travel, and working hours other than Monday through Friday,

8 AM to 5 PM. Frequent day time travel will be required to conduct routine inspections and complaint investigations. Inspections may require stooping, bending, or kneeling and ability to lift 40 pounds.  

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

70% Conducts compliance inspections and complaint investigations at retail, and public facilities to determine the compliance status. Conduct inspections in following environmental programs: hazardous consumer products (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 501), inhalant abuse prevention (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 485), tattoo and body piercing (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 146 and 431) Additionally, conduct special investigations/inspections in accordance with division and departmental policies and procedures. These inspections/investigations are conducted under the authority of the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters mentioned above and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1261 et seq) and regulations adopted under the Act (16 CFR 1100-1750). Designs, guides, monitors or completes coordination of inspection/ investigation activities in the assigned state region. Reviews and analyzes documents, conducts inspections, field surveys, assessments, and/or investigations to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental or public health laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Deficiencies may be documented with photographs, exhibits, and or samples. May train new inspectors and the regulated community on inspection compliance.

10% Provide technical assistance and consultations on site, via telephone and mail to the regulated community. Answers technical questions concerning the requirements of applicable laws, rules and regulations. Respond to complaints from the regulated community and the public.

10% Prepare weekly and monthly activity reports, travel requests, travel vouchers, time sheets and other administrative tasks as required. Maintains custody, control, safekeeping and proper use of assigned field issued equipment.

5% Participate in Compliance Review Committees as needed to provide information and technical expertise for the determination of enforcement actions. Participate in informal conferences on an as needed basis. Consult legal staff, testify in court actions, prepare affidavits, and give depositions as required in litigation to seek administrative, civil, and criminal relief from violations of applicable laws. Participate in staff meetings to receive training regarding inspection standards and procedures, and to participate in discussions of current inspection topics and issues.

5% Participates in Emergency Response Support Operations and training exercises as assigned by management, which may involve working extended, non-standard shifts on any day of the week. Performs related work as assigned.

 

Registration or Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Texas Department of Public Safety issued driver's license.  

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

*Knowledge of state and federal laws and rules pertaining to abusable volatile chemicals, hazardous consumer products, tattoo and body piercing studios, and public health. 

*Knowledge of inspection and sampling criteria, evidence development, disaster investigations, and special investigations using established inspection techniques.

*Knowledge of natural, basic, and environmental sciences.

*Knowledge of the principles of aseptic technique, universal precautions, blood borne pathogen control and quality assurance.

*Skill in composing, editing, and reviewing technical reports and documents.

*Skill in using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Software; and using the Internet and websites to perform searches for data. 

*Skill in the use of assorted inspection tools to include I-phone and notebook computer.

*Skill in testifying in court actions or giving depositions.

*Ability to observe and interpret situations; analyze and solve work problems; develop logical conclusions.

*Ability to communicate and interact effectively with other state and federal agencies, industry, staff, media and the public.

*Ability to coordinate program activities, including execution of an inspection program following a work plan and established policies and procedures.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deal tactfully and effectively with the public, industry, and the media.

*Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.

*Ability to adhere to policies and procedures pertaining to confidential documents and information.

*Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines as assigned.

*Ability to move up to 40 lbs. and climb during inspections.


 

Initial Screening Criteria:

A minimum of one year of work experience conducting compliance inspections, complaint investigations, or surveys, and interpreting or explaining, or enforcing laws or regulations. Prefer a four-year college degree or two years of work experience enforcing laws or regulations plus an associate degree may be substituted for the college degree.

 

Additional Information:

Inspections may require irregular working hours, overnight travel, and working hours other than Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Frequent daytime travel will be required to perform inspection duties. Must provide transportation with a personal vehicle that is licensed, inspected and insured in accordance with Texas traffic laws. While operating a personal, rental or state motor vehicle in the performance of their duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the type of vehicle being operated. Applicants should provide descriptions in the Employment History section of the application form that indicate their experience in interpreting, explaining and/or enforcing laws or regulations; experience conducting inspections and investigations; and experience developing inspection/investigation reports. Applicants selected for the interview may be asked to perform a job simulation exercise. Only applicants who are interviewed will receive written notification of selection results.

This position will be located in El Paso and it covers DSHS Regions 9 and 10. The area covered by this position in Regions 9 and 10 may require occasional overnight travel as needed.