Environmental Health Officer II (Austin Public Health)

Job Description:

Environmental Health Officer II (Austin Public Health)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Environmental Health Officer II

Purpose:

Under the jurisdiction of the Austin/Travis County Health Authority, using professional skills and comprehensive environmental health knowledge, this position administers the environmental health program by conducting inspections and investigations in the enforcement of public health protection laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. May coordinate environmental health program activities, conduct inspections in specialty areas, and provide public education.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Enforces state, county and local health and safety codes and ordinances with the authority to close businesses and facilities for administrative and health hazard violations.
  
• Provides rotating 24/7/365 City/County wide emergency response to public health and environmental emergencies. Issues citations, notices of violation, and service requests, and is authorized to impose re-inspection fees/penalties.
  
• Files criminal cases when applicable with the appropriate court of law and provides expert witness testimony in subsequent litigation.
  
• Coordinates and Conducts inspections and investigations in a variety of environmental settings for the purposes of protecting the public health and safety.
  
• Excludes or restricts employee work conditions based on Texas Administrative Code regulations.
  
• Investigates citizen complaints of any location, business or residence if probable cause exists of a public health hazard and develops plan for best practices and compliance.
  
• Detains food or equipment and requires the destruction of product which may be contaminated or pose a health hazard.
  
• Collects and analyzes samples and data and provides recommendations.
  
• Develops, generates and submits surveys and incident reports.
  
• Maintains database/documentation.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the principles, interpretation, and administration of applicable policies, codes, and municipal, State, Federal regulations and guidelines.
  
• Knowledge of the methods required in reading and interpreting maps and/or plans.
  
• Knowledge of computer programs such as databases and word processing.
  
• Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures and regulations applicable to work being performed.
  
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety codes, ordinances and regulations.
  
• Skill in analyzing research to determine applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, and statutes.
  
• Skill in resolving problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
  
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports, and in presenting data to provide timely management information.
  
• Skill in communicating, orally and in writing, any violation and the requirements for its improvement and/or rehabilitation to architects, contractors, developers, other City staff, and the public to achieve voluntary compliance.
  
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships other City employees, contractors and the public.
  
• Skill in recognizing deviations from drawings and specifications.
  
• Skill in making accurate measurements and computations, and in maintaining records.
  
• Ability to use effective time management to meet Federal, State, City, Department, and Division mandated deadlines.
  
• Ability to use digital camera and personal, laptop, and/or notebook computer.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least thirty (30) semester hours of natural or basic Science.
  
• Two (2) years of experience in the Environmental Health field.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
  
• State of Texas Professional Sanitarian Registration OR
  
• Credentialed as an Environmental Health Specialist/ Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) with the ability to obtain a Texas Registered Sanitarian license within six (6) months of acceptance of position.
  

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual preferred but not required
• Environmental Health or retail food business experience
• Regulatory or Enforcement experience
• Strong Customer Skills
• Registered Sanitarian or Environmental Health Specialist

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

The Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services Division provides critical public health regulatory operations including food inspections, special permitting, environmental vector control, and community education efforts.

In addition to the minimum and preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate for these positions will demonstrate ethical values and integrity in decision-making. They will be able to work independently under continuous supervision. They will be a self-starter. They will have an eye for detail. They will have an aptitude for good customer service and be able to deescalate conflict or heated situations.

These positions will work in indoor and outdoor activities: frequent sitting, standing, bending, twisting upper body, climbing, and walking; exposure to extreme heat, cold and inclement weather, noise, fume/odor hazards; occasional kneeling and squatting; frequent customer contact.

Austin Public Health

• This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan . Departmental Competencies related to the position can be found on Austin Public Health’s website .
  

Important Posting Information:

• This job posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the Job Posting Close Date listed.
  
• This posting is only required to stay open for 7 days and may close any time thereafter.
  
• We recommend saving or printing a copy of the job posting for your records. Closed posting cannot be viewed in Workday.
  

Application Submission:

• A complete City of Austin employment application is required to apply. Please provide dates (month and year) for each job history entry. While a resume may be required, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• An assessment(s) may be administered as part of the interview process.
  

Electronic Notification to Applications:

Applicants will be notified via e-mail of important information regarding application status. Please ensure your email address and contact information is current and correct.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical and dental coverage, paid sick, vacation, and personal time, and a retirement plan.

• Salary Range is $26.03-$31.04
  

Physical Work Location:

• 1520 Rutherford Ln. Austin, Texas 78754
  

Hours:

Monday - Friday

7:45 am - 4:45 pm

Hours may vary due to operation needs. Alternative schedule options are available, but this position require 100% in office/field work per week.

Immunization Requirement:

Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy.

Travel:

This position may require travel to multiple work locations.

Tobacco-free Workplace:

The City of Austin is a tobacco-free workplace. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any City of Austin worksite- including construction sites, parking lots, garages, or in personal vehicles parked on the premises.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-01-29