Environmental Health Outreach Specialist



The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City’s square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Environmental Health Outreach Specialist position.

An Overview

Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is seeking an experienced, self-motivated candidate to join our Environmental Health Outreach Specialist position. This position will investigate bite reports to prevent the spread of rabies within our community, manage mosquito complaints, and be responsible for championing outreach efforts within the City.

The Opportunity - Examples of Work

• Provides education and outreach to the community on environmental health issues.
• Works with City partners and community partners to identify outreach opportunities across the agency.
• Creates content for dissemination via website and various City social media platforms.
• Researches, creates and makes presentations.
• Assists in the preparation of reports, correspondence and other administrative tasks.
• Partners with the Alexandria Animal Welfare League to support rabies prevention through outreach activities.
• Investigates bite reports.
• Provides initial response to mosquito complaints.
• Conducts aquatic health inspections, including confirming permit paperwork is in order; testing water pH level and ensuring proper filtration system is in operation.
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department

Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is one of 35 health districts in Virginia. As part of the Virginia Department of Health, AHD serves the residents, businesses, and visitors of Alexandria and works closely with the City of Alexandria and community partners to achieve its mission and vision. AHD’s mission is “Protecting and Promoting Health and Well-Being in Our Communities” and our vision is “Healthy People, Healthier Communities.” We view “health” in the broadest sense and this drives our path towards continuous health improvement with a focus on equity of the social determinants of health.

The Environmental Health Division prides itself on its commitment to ensuring public health and safety, working together as a team, and our dedication to continuing education as well as cross training our staff in all areas of environmental health. We always strive to provide excellent customer service to the citizens that we assist, and the people that we work with. Furthermore, we believe that education is the key to ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. These values of the Environmental Health Division at AHD make it ideal for those wishing to obtain training and experience in the environmental and public health fields.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

To qualify for this position, all candidates must possess a Two Year Associate Degree in a relevant science such as Environmental Health, Biology, Public Health Education or equivalent experience and training. At least one year of experience working with the general public delivering public health messaging. Experience teaching or educating members of the public or peers. At least one year of experience working with the public, taking complaint information and problem solving. Required to maintain a valid driver's license and adhere to Virginia Department of Health's driver safety policy. Reliable means of transportation to travel within the city for inspections and outreach events.

Preferred Qualifications

To be considered as an ideal candidate, one should also possess a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant science such as Environmental Health, Biology, Public Health Education or comparable experience. Significant experience presenting public health information to large community groups. Experience creating and developing training materials and outreach opportunities. Experience with rabies response, including investigating bite reports, submitting specimens for testing and liaising with animal owners and victims. Experience investigating mosquito complaints. Previous pool inspection experience. Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to driving record check, previous education and employment verification, and criminal background check.

Work is conducted in various environments, including outdoors. This position is required to work on weekend days and evenings on a regular basis.

Qualified candidates should have the confidence and ability to speak publicly, including before senior official, politicians and private citizens. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in written English. Effective presentation skills, including the ability to create presentations using PowerPoint and other presentation software and to deliver them in a community setting. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners. A working knowledge of biology and the principles of public health that help to prevent disease. Ability to prepare thorough documentation and reports of regulatory activities. Must be able to obtain a certified pool operator (CPO) credential within one month of hire.