Position Summary

JOB SUMMARY:
In accordance with the established vision and values of the organization, including “Less Risk, Better Health”, the Environmental Health Officer is responsible for carrying out the diverse program of Health Protection by:
• Managing and delivering consistent, quality, evidence-based programs, services and strategies to reduce risk and improve health.
• Practicing in accordance with the standards of professional practice and code of ethics as outlined by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors - BC Branch
• Accomplishing our mission through utilizing a mandate continuum of advocacy, partnership, health education, risk management, facilitated compliance, and the application of law.

Using a variety of professional and technical skills the position promotes and maintains a high standard of public health; enforces applicable health legislation, policies and standards; conducts inspections and risk assessments; identifies factors detrimental to community and environmental health; reduces the incidence of communicable disease and performs technical assessments; provides consultative and education services and ensures that community development does not conflict with a healthy environment.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provides consultation, education and enforcement and prevents the occurrence of disease, injury and public exposure to health hazards by:
• Performing inspectional, regulatory and enforcement duties on various types of food processing and food handling establishments, drinking water supply systems, recreational water facilities, personal service establishments, child care and residential care facilities, and other required facilities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards and best public health practices;
• Investigating complaints and undertaking investigations on a variety of public health related issues and environmental control matters; conducting surveys of conditions to determine existing or potential public health hazards; interpreting results; monitoring corrective action or remedies, and advising the public on health risks as necessary;
• Preparing reports on investigational and inspectional work performed; obtaining samples and specimens of food, liquid and other materials; submitting for testing and analysis; interpreting laboratory results; collecting evidence of violations of by-laws and regulations; and appearing as a witness in court prosecutions;
• Responding to emergencies such as food, water or vector borne epidemics, or disasters; participating in emergency contingency planning, ensuring health standards are maintained in the provision of emergency food and water supplies, waste disposal and temporary housing;
• Performing epidemiological investigations for cases of food poisoning and communicable diseases in accordance with established policies and protocols; issuing instructions or recommendations; and following up to ensure implementation and compliance;
• Assisting the Licensing Officer in the administration of the Community Care Facilities Act and the Adult and Child Care Facilities Regulations; commenting on new license applications; conducting health assessments of care facilities; evaluating and documenting critical hazards and advising of necessary corrective actions;
• Reviewing and assessing plans or proposals for the operation or construction of food premises, water supplies, recreation facilities, community care facilities, personal service facilities, and industrial camps; including approving or rejecting of permits or licenses, and consulting with and advising applicants on relevant requirements;
• Reviewing submissions from government agencies such as business license applications, by-laws, leases, pesticide use, waste management applications and subdivision proposals; recommending issuance or rejection of permits, support or non support of approvals or licenses based on the impact to environmental health;
• Evaluating subdivision and development proposals referred from approval agencies, and using a lens of an integrated approach to improve human health by creating a healthier built environment, providing a response to determine the cumulative effects of the proposal (including but not limited to the impacts of onsite sewage disposal), and promoting community planning and design which prevents potential environmental and social threats;
• Participating on Local Government committees and providing comments on Official Community Plan, Bylaw reviews and amendments and other land use planning documents; and
• Participating in internal/external environmental health related committees.

2. Ensures compliance with Health Legislation and standards by:
• Utilizing a progressive enforcement process (Mandate Continuum) that includes education, persuasion and enforcement;
• Issuing recommendations, orders, tickets, injunctions and other enforcement tools as required;
• Interpreting and providing advice on legislation, policies and procedures; providing guidance to enable compliance with standards and policies.

3. Other related Duties:
• Documenting activities and maintaining comprehensive records, files and statistics; preparing ad hoc written reports and ensuring the integrity of the health protection information system;
• Participating in workshops and public meetings on a variety of public health and environmental issues.
• Providing training to student Environmental Health Officers and orientation to new staff;
• Maintaining an inventory of equipment and supplies and taking responsibility for assigned equipment;
• Attending seminars, in-service workshops and staff meetings to maintain knowledge in health issues as required by the employer;
• Performing other related duties as assigned or required.

Some of the Benefits of Joining Interior Health:

An attractive remuneration package and excellent career prospects await the right candidate. We offer one of the best benefit packages and pension plans in Canada. In addition to Medical, Dental and Extended Health coverage, we also offer paid annual vacation starting at 4 weeks (20 days) up to a maximum of 7 weeks (35 days). We also offer an attractive defined employee pension plan, disability and life insurance, and options for maternity &/or paternity leave top-up.

Interior Health strives to create an environment where you enjoy the work you do, the place where you work, and the people around you. Together, we create great workplaces. Apply today!

Honouring Interior Health’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preferential consideration and/or hiring will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in a health-related discipline; must have a certificate in Public Health Inspection (Canada) and must be registered or eligible to be registered with the Board of Registration of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors BC Branch. Two year’s recent experience as a Public Health Inspector or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current valid BC Driver’s License.

Skills and Abilities:

Teaching: Ability to teach clients and others both one-on-one and in groups.
Knowledge Integration: Integrates best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.
Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, the public, medical staff and the members of the interdisciplinary team using, oral written and computer communication means. Demonstrated ability to effectively resolve conflict.
Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve and make decisions effectively. Applies the problem solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision making skills using a systems approach.
Time Management: Demonstrated ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities. Manages time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team, supervises responsibilities of others, and collaborates across disciplines.
Leadership: Promotes staff morale, engagement, and team work. Demonstrates creative planning for change and innovations, implementation of IH policies or other protocols, and ongoing professional development of self and others.
Management: Demonstrated ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities. Manages time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team and collaborates across disciplines.
Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and a commitment to excellence in the provision of client care.
Equipment: Demonstrated computer skills including the use of HedgeHog and Windows based programs. Demonstrated data analysis skills including appropriate data analysis and reporting tools. Demonstrated ability in the use of e-mail and word processing. Ability to operate other related equipment as required in the specific practice area.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Comments

This posting is covered by the Provincial Health Officer’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination orders and selected applicant(s) must comply.

Interior Health now offers assistance from an Aboriginal Employment Advisor. If you self-identify as Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) and if you would like assistance with internal career exploration, send your question via email to AboriginalEmployment@interiorhealth.ca to be redirected to the Employment Advisor. We invite applicants to self-identify as First nations, Métis, or Inuit within cover letters and/or resumes.