County seeking environmental specialist
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Ringgold County is currently advertising for a part-time Environmental Specialist/Sanitarian.
According to the job description, the Sanitarian would perform work in environmental programs including septic permitting and inspections, consultation regarding water quality, abandoned well plugging/rehabilitation/new well construction, swimming pool or tattoo establishment inspections, environmental monitoring for nuisance and hazards, and related work as required.
Per Iowa Code, counties are required to fill this position.
For several years Ringgold County had a 28E agreement with Clarke County to perform the duties of Environmental Health Specialist or Sanitarian.
One of the sanitarians in Clarke County is retiring, and Clarke has chosen not to replace that person. With this reduction, effective July 1 Clarke officials will cancel the 28E agreement with Ringgold County, citing inadequate time to cover both Clarke County and Ringgold County.
Ringgold County officials have reached out to surrounding counties seeking to share a Sanitarian, but they were unsuccessful in creating a partnership due to the structure of other counties’ programs.
Specific duties of the Sanitarian include
• Obtain required certifications for various programs through trainings, meetings, and conferences to assure continuing education as required.
• Issue permits for wells and wastewater systems
• Conduct time of transfer inspections and assure documentation/follow-up completed
• Assure designed wastewater systems are in compliance with applicable state laws or regulations
• Conduct inspections for on-site wastewater systems and well systems
• Consult and supervise well plugging as needed by land owners
• Complete water testing samples for wells as requested by homeowners
• Assure all septic contractors are registered with the county; maintain data base for reference
• Conduct inspections for swimming pool and tattoo establishments as required by state law
• Input data into computer databases for permits, soil analysis, components of installation for wastewater system following final inspections for on-site wastewater systems
• Track permits including NPDES permit requirements. Collect samples of wastewater discharging systems
• Post well data into PWTS database for well permits or well information for the Grants-to-Counties program
• Respond to nuisance or hazardous condition complaints with written evaluation
• Provide activity reports to the Board of Health reporting in-person as requested
• Coordinate with county auditor/Board of Supervisors for claims submission as well as appropriate accounting of expense and revenue
• Track monthly expenses/revenue and complete annual budget with the Board of Supervisors
• Maintain files of program activities
• Assists in developing and revising ordinances, rules, regulations, and policies regarding assigned functions
• Submission of grant reports and assure completion of duties per grant requirements
• Provide consultation and support for emergency management coordinator as needed for situations such as chemical spills, fish kills, pesticide spills, hazardous waste spills, to protect public health and facilitate timely cleanup
• Collaborates with county attorney for legal matters as needed to assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Communicates with the public to educate on environmental health issues or regulations as needed
• Assists in developing and revising ordinances, rules, regulations, and policies regarding assigned functions.
No formal certifications are required to fill the position other than a valid Iowa driver’s license.
