Email Opening Title Environmental Health Specialist I  Category Public Health/Environmental Health   Description Application Closing Date: 3/20/2026 Hiring Range: $57,491.20 - $70,428.80 Pay Range: $57,491.20 - $83,366.40 FLSA: Exempt   SUPERVISION: Non-Supervisory. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Environmental Health Specialist I: This is the entry-level position in the Environmental Health Specialist classification series. This position is responsible for performing routine technical tasks and assigned duties. Assignments are generally performed within an inspectional framework and are conducted independently using discretion and judgment. GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB: Conducts a wide range of technical and educational environmental health functions related to consumer protection (childcare, retail food, and schools), oil and gas development, air quality, water quality, hazardous materials and waste management, land use, onsite wastewater, epidemiology (foodborne, waterborne and vector-borne diseases), and emergency preparedness and response. Participates as part of an environmental health team. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job; any one position may not include all the duties listed and may vary according to assignment) Serves the public and regulated community through administrative duties, including report writing, monitoring environmental health hotlines, office coverage for unscheduled appointments, copying and filing of documents. Emphasizes risk communication and public health education when interacting with the regulated community, including retail food establishments. Uses plain language to ensure inspection findings and recommendations are easily understood by the regulated community. Collaborates with federal, state, and local government agencies, private industry, and other community organizations to support coordinating environmental health efforts and share information that benefits consumer protection and public health. Works closely with internal team members to ensure consistent application of environmental health & department policies and to support a unified, educational approach when working with the public. Maintains sensitive and confidential records and information in accordance with HIPPA, Garfield County Codes and policy, the appropriate non-disclosure and/or release of information, and applicable public health regulations. Participates in emergency preparedness and response activities, supporting community safety and continuity of public health services. Food Safety, Consumer Protection & Education: Under guidance from senior staff and the EH Manager, conducts inspections to assess the sanitary conditions and promote public health compliance for facilities and operations, such as retail food establishments, grocery stores, temporary retail food establishments, childcare and school facilities. Serves as a resource to regulated facilities by providing education, interpretation of public health codes, and practical recommendations to improve safety and compliance. Utilize technical equipment during routine inspections. Applies State of Colorado and Garfield County public health laws and regulations, emphasizing education and guidance to help facility operators understand and meet compliance standards. May assist senior staff with appropriate legal action under the direction of the supervisor, when necessary. Investigates public health concerns and consumer complaints, working with local, State and Federal agencies. Participates in communicable disease outbreak investigations and response. Performs field sample collection for potential food-borne illness investigations, etc. Writes summary reports and appropriate correspondence that communicate findings, guidance, and follow up actions to support public health improvements. May review temporary food establishment applications and site plans to ensure public health standards are incorporated for proper food safety application at special events. General Environmental Health Programs: Under the guidance of senior staff and the EH Manager, conducts inspections to assess the sanitary conditions and promote public health compliance for facilities and operations, such as waste tire facilities, on-site wastewater treatment systems, air pollution emission sources, etc. Utilize technical equipment during routine inspections. Applies State of Colorado and Garfield County public health laws and regulations, emphasizing education and guidance to help facility operators understand and meet compliance standards. May assist senior staff with appropriate legal action under the direction of the supervisor, when necessary. Investigates public health concerns and complaints, working with local, State and Federal agencies. Performs field sample collection, including but not limited to, water quality, wastewater discharges, air quality, etc. Reviews onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) design reports and drawings and site plans to ensure public health standards are incorporated into physical designs. Issues OWTS permits and conduct inspections. Writes summary reports and appropriate correspondence that communicate findings, guidance, and follow up actions to support public health improvements. Work Quality & Accountability: Completes assigned work and duties in a timely and professional manner, following established Garfield County Public Health guidelines or regulations. Seeks guidance and collaborates with senior staff and supports team-based decision making. Uses County resources efficiently and contributes to improvements enhance program delivery, communication, and service to the public. Understands and works to support the mission, vision, and goals of the County, department, and division. Public Education & Outreach: Assists with environmental health education programs aimed at effectively presenting technical and scientific information to the public. Responds to questions from the public and regulated entities with professionalism and empathy, offering guidance that helps improve understanding and encourages voluntary compliance. Assists in developing or delivering outreach materials and messaging to promote the protection of public health and improve community health literacy. Other duties as assigned. CORE COMPETENCIES: (Representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position) Public Service: A commitment to the mission of providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County. It is who we are, and what we do. Customer Service: A commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal & external), which includes being helpful, professional, courteous, and taking the time to understand customers’ needs. Stewardship & Innovation: Is a good steward of public resources and looks for ways to be innovative and improve efficiency. Teamwork: Able to work together with a diverse group of people towards a shared goal, while considering the needs of others. Business Technology: Ability to utilize the technology required of the position and demonstrate a willingness to learn new technologies as required to assist the County in providing exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiency. Communication: Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position. Integrity: Maintain a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct (fairness, honesty, and respect) while performing essential job functions. BENEFITS: Medical, Vision, Dental Disability & Life Insurance Retirement Plan Paid Vacation & Sick Time Employee Wellness Programs Employee Gyms To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/   Position Requirements MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as determined by Garfield County may be substituted for the following requirements.) Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field of study (30 credits of science-related curriculum). Experience: No experience required. Licenses & certifications: Valid driver’s license. Preferred: Bilingual: Ability to speak, read, and write English and Spanish. PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical activities and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. REQUIRED PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Mobility: Must possess the ability to move between diverse environments, including field locations, community sites, and office settings, to conduct inspections and assessments. Lifting and Carrying: Should be capable of lifting and carrying equipment, samples, and supplies weighing up to 45 pounds, as needed for field investigations and data collection. Bending and Stooping: Able to bend, stoop, and kneel when conducting inspections, sampling, or assessing environmental conditions in various settings. Grasping and Manipulating: Proficient in handling sampling equipment, measurement devices, and other tools used for environmental assessments with precision and accuracy. Physical Contact: Be prepared for physical contact with environmental surfaces and samples during fieldwork, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and procedures. Visual Acuity: Adequate vision for observing environmental conditions, reading instruments, and documenting findings accurately. Hearing: Hearing and auditory perception to communicate effectively with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders during field investigations and meetings. Walking and Standing: Able to walk and stand for extended periods during field inspections, site assessments, and community outreach activities. Sitting: Ability to sit during office-based tasks, such as data analysis, report writing, and communication with team members and regulatory agencies. Fine Motor Skills: Display precise fine motor skills when handling paperwork, entering data into computer systems, and preparing reports and presentations. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee is exposed to outdoor rural and urban environments. Fieldwork entails inspections, sample collection, and exposure to hazards like chemicals and outdoor elements. WORK HOURS Regular Full-Time position, 40 hours per week. Hours are typically 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. There may be times when an employee may need to work outside the established work week, such as after hours or on the weekend. REQUIRED TRAVEL: The employee will frequently be required to travel within the County and may at times require travel outside of the County and overnight. TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT: Computer and relevant software applications, spreadsheets, calendars, and word processing. Will also work with calculators, telephone systems, and mobile phones. Will frequently work with environmental health equipment, such as water testing equipment, microscopes, photo spectrometers, and other related equipment. NOTE: This position requires a pre-employment background check which will include a Criminal Background Check, Education Verification, Employment Verification, and Motor Vehicle Record. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of these items. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. Nothing in this job description restricts Garfield County’s ability to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job at any time. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description describes the County’s current assignment of essential functions. Those functions may change at any time as the needs of the County change or for other reasons deemed appropriate by the County. In times of public health emergency, the employee will be required to report for specialized duties inside or outside Garfield County once their critical personal and family emergency responsibilities have been met.   Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time   Location Rifle, Colorado   Benefit Information To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/   Hiring Range $57,491.20 - $70,428.80   Full Pay Range $57,491.20 - $83,366.40   Driving Classification Essential   Number of Openings 1   Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt   Req Number PUB-26-00002   Open Date 2/18/2026   About the Organization Garfield County, Colorado consists of rugged alpine vistas and high desert mountains in the Rocky Mountain region, which dwells along the Continental Divide. Garfield County is located in western Colorado, where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, including hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting and kayaking, biking, skiing and snowboarding. It is home to the second largest designated wilderness area in Colorado - the Flattops Wilderness, the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, a popular family ski resort, and Hanging Lake, designated as a National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 2011.   EOE Statement Garfield County is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.   This position is currently not accepting applications. 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