Environmental Protect Spcl IV

Environmental Protect Spcl IV

The Environmental Protection Specialist IV (EPS IV) reports directly to the Case Coordination Supervisor within the Blood Lead Surveillance Branch. Coordinates and performs environmental lead investigations to assess sources of lead exposure. Works closely with the Environmental Lead Investigation Coordinator to schedule investigations according to protocol requirements. Overnight travel required. Investigates locations to determine their impact on public health. Interacts with primary responsible parties (parents and healthcare providers) to obtain data and enter investigation results into the surveillance databases. Maintains contact with other state, city, and local governmental agencies and assists in distributing program reports to parents, property owners, and healthcare providers.

Essential Job Functions:
Oversees and performs an environmental lead investigation to assess sources of lead exposure. Collects environmental samples and data on lead exposure across the state. Oversee and evaluate the environmental, or public and consumer health and safety impact of facilities or products. Builds and maintains effective relationships with primary responsible parties (parents, property owners, and healthcare providers) in order to collect the necessary data and information. Interacts with other state, city or county governmental agencies to facilitate data collection efforts. Overnight travel required. (45%)

Prepares technical investigation reports on findings. Disseminates investigation reports and surveys to appropriate parties. Oversee the maintenance and operation of environmental or public health monitoring equipment. These devices need resourcing, calibration and consistent care to ensure the quality of testing and accuracy of results. (20%)

Enters cases and data into tracking database. The EPS IV position includes high standards on documentation in the database. This includes documenting conversations with parents or providers, tasks completed and data complied during Environmental Lead Investigations. Each investigation requires documentation pertaining to findings such as location of found sources of lead, or areas of relative safety from exposure to lead. (15%)


Involved in the recommendations to updates on policies and procedures directly affecting environmental lead investigations. To ensure this occurs, they must document their findings and asses how it relates to current guidelines, while remaining open to changes which increase the quality of their work and the impact on the general community. When new legislation is proposed, the EPS IV must analyze the impact to the branch with both federal and state regulations at the forefront of the analysis. Maintains Lead Risk Assessor certification for duration of employment. (10%)

Completes other work as assigned (including customer service issues and providing assistance and support to other team members).(5%)

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.(5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, federal environmental laws, and structure of public health organizations.
Skill in obtaining and compiling environmental sampling data from various sources and evaluating and interpreting data quality.
Skill in using computer for word processing and data analysis using Microsoft programs.
Working knowledge of environmental health issues.
Working knowledge of effects of lead exposure.
Ability to work and communicate in a culturally diverse and appropriate environment.
Ability to prepare technical information and present program activities/project results to professional groups and the public.
Ability to analyze and solve work problems independently.
Ability to maintain effective verbal and written communications with staff members, the public, and other governmental agencies.
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
Ability to climb, bend and/or stand for extended periods of time during investigations/inspections.
Ability to obtain samples related to soil, dust, paint, consumer goods or other materials.
Ability to read and interpret labels with small print during inspections and investigations.
Ability to move and lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to travel 75%.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Lead Risk Assessor Certification must be acquired within the first three months of employment.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public health, environmental sciences, or a related field.
Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Must be available to travel 75%.

At least 2 years experience working in public health or environmental health.

Experience conducting site assessments preferred.

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Additional Information:
Overnight travel required and will be reimbursed in accordance with State and agency travel policies. This position is based in Texas Public Health Region 2/3 (Arlington, TX).

To be considered for an interview, applicants must demonstrate a clear match to all initial criteria in the EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT HISTORY and/or SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE sections of the application. Resumes will not be considered.

Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 92W, 646X, MST, 8056, 4E0X1. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

MOS Code:
92W, 646X, MST, 8056, 4E0X1

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.