COVID Response Team Inspector

Definition of Class

• This is professional work in the field of environmental protection, with regards to COVID19 prevention and mitigation efforts. An employee in this class may independently perform inspections and investigations in a limited number of facilities licensed by Erie County Department of Health, such as retail food establishments, public schools, public bathing places, campgrounds, manufactured home parks and body art establishments. Additional COVID19 prevention response efforts may be conducted in unlicensed establishments throughout Erie County, in accordance with state mandates. Assignments require the interpretation and application of established state and county mandates, regulations and ordinances. Assignments with personal interactions will require the use of personal protective equipment, as provided by Employer. Supervision is received from management staff who provide instructions and assistance on work and unique situations. Work is reviewed upon completion for compliance with Department policies and procedures.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Plans and conduct COVID 19 mitigation inspections and investigations in programs such as retail food safety, public schools, public bathing places, campgrounds, manufactured home parks and body art establishments.
• Plans and conduct COVID 19 mitigation inspections and investigations in programs not regularly licensed by Erie County Department of Health, such as congregate living facilities, entertainment venues and local businesses.
• Assists with outreach efforts and communications to the public as needed.
• Assists with mobile testing or vaccination efforts as needed.
• Reviews all assigned documents to stay up-to-date on guidance and information at the local, state and federal levels.
• Prepare reports of inspections and investigations as required.
• Travel to inspection locations or trainings independently.
• Answers calls for the Erie County Department of Health call line and provides appropriate response. Research response if additional follow-up is needed.
• Responds to complaints received by the department in a timely manner.
• Report serious issues or concerns through Incident Command Structure or ECDH management.
• Reviews and approves COVID 19 prevention plans, specifications and the operation of regulated facilities.
• Prepares environmental reports and gives public presentations.
• Responds to requests for assessments and assists in disease investigations.
• Conducts or assists with appropriate enforcement actions for violations of applicable laws and regulations.
• Participates in department-wide quality improvement projects and committees.
• Attends meetings with local environmental groups and other community partners.
• Assists in the training of other COVID response team staff as needed.
• Performs other related work as required.
• The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to learn the operation of technical and analytical equipment used in the COVID 19 response programs.
• Ability to relay information to management or staff of licensed facilities regarding potential violations or risks within an establishment.
• Ability to gather and interpret data, conduct technical inspections and surveys and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to learn and interpret federal, state, and local mandates, regulations and ordinances.
• Ability to learn and recognize hazardous environmental conditions.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written and graphic form.
• Knowledge of computers and software related to word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.
• Ability to secure and analyze facts and to conduct inspections/investigations of environmental conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates; government, professional and nonprofessional groups; and the public.
• Sufficient physical stamina to conduct field investigations in rough terrain and/or under adverse environmental conditions.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's of Science degree with major coursework in a biological or physical science, chemistry or field closely related to environmental protection AND 1 year of experience, OR
• Associate's Degree with major coursework in a biological or physical science, chemistry or field closely related to environmental protection AND 3 years of closely related experience

Conditions Of Employment

• The selected candidate will be pre-employment required to obtain, at their own expense, 3 forms of clearance, including PA State Police Criminal History Record Check; PA Child Abuse History; and FBI Criminal History Background Check including finger printing.
• Possession of a valid PA driver's license and access to a vehicle on a daily basis are necessary for this position.