Environmental Health Specialist I

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on October 01, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on October 01, 2026.

 

 

Job Title:  Environmental Health Specialist I

 

 

Department: Health - Community Protection and Preparedness

 

 

External Hiring Range: $27.58 - $33.18

 

 

Compensation Grade: 2008

 

 

Posted Internally and Externally

 

 

 

 

Buncombe County offers in-office, hybrid, and remote positions. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must work at a location within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility.

 

 

Buncombe County is hiring for an Environmental Health Specialist I under our Onsite Wastewater program that is available for you to fill just in time for the fall leaf season!  The selected candidate will join an amazing and dedicated team of 9 REHS’s.  This position requires the applicant to have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree in Environmental Health from a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council; or graduated with a Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree and earned a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences; or Bachelor’s degree in public health.

 

Buncombe County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. From day one, you'll contribute to the NC Local Government Retirement System, access the Employee Assistance Program, receive two days of PTO, and begin accruing sick and annual leave. Medical, dental, and vision coverage start the first day of the following month. After six months, you'll be eligible for additional benefits including supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, and 401(k) enrollment. Full benefit details are provided during New Employee Orientation.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to conduct state-mandated inspections of facilities under the jurisdiction of Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Environmental Health division to ensure compliance with public health laws and rules.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Graduated with a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree from a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council or graduated with a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree and earned a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences; or bachelor’s degree in public health, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Per NC Local Health Department Accreditation requirements, employees in this role must present their diploma, degree, or transcript to their supervisor/department upon hire.

Additional Training and Experience: Most work-related skills will be developed through in-service and on-the-job training.  Educational requirements in accordance with Chapter 90A must be obtained each calendar year to renew registration to maintain Registered Environmental Health Specialist status.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Registration is required by the N.C. State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners under the provisions of Chapter 90A of the General Statues of North Carolina.  Required to attend and pass the centralized training provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, must be able to pass state authorization evaluations and test for specific program areas in order to perform duties.  Also, must pass the REHS exam and NEHA within the timeframe established by the Board.

Physical Requirements:  Lifting is considered medium work requiring exertion of up to 50 of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.   Position includes bending, reaching, squatting, manual dexterity, repetitive motion, and the ability to distinguish colors.  Visual acuity is required, must have eyesight that allows distinction between an array of colors. This position involves significant standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time.  The work is performed in an environment with crisis situations that require major decisions involving people, resources, and property. Must be able to auger a minimum of four feet and remove the auger and its contents for evaluation.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Enforce applicable state laws, rules, and ordinances governing well installations and construction, private water supplies, and on-site wastewater disposal systems promulgated by the state.
• Perform inspections and related activities for all new well installations, well repairs, on-site wastewater systems, and system repairs as mandated by state laws and rules.
• Evaluate soil and/or sites to determine suitability for sewage disposal systems and/or well location and make recommendations to property owners, realtors, developers, and builders.
• Help with inspections of engineered septic tank systems under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, on-site water protection branch.  
• Inspect private water supply systems, collect water samples and other materials for laboratory tests, interpret test results, inform the applicant, and take appropriate action.  
• Keep accurate and detailed inspection records as mandated by the state.
• Serve as a consultant to assist applicants with proper maintenance and protection of water supplies and assure that recommended standards regarding such supplies are being maintained.
• Investigate a broad spectrum of environmental complaints and health-related nuisances, provide recommendations, and ensure enforcement procedures are implemented to abate applicable situations.
• Serve as a primary contact and consultant for well drillers, on-site wastewater installers, homeowners, contractors, realtors, and other members of the public on wells, on-site wastewater systems, and related groundwater issues.
• Design wastewater disposal systems that comply with applicable rules and laws, issue necessary permits, conduct final inspections and authorize the use of the system.
• Provide assistance in investigating outbreaks of illness associated with water supplies and assist with corrective actions to protect public health.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:        

• Knowledge of environmental health laws, rules, and procedures, as well as a complete understanding of the concepts of public health law.
• Knowledge of the design of on-site wastewater treatment systems, food sanitation, foodborne diseases, communicable diseases, vector control, protection of water supplies, solid waste management, and institutional sanitation as applicable to area of assignment.
• Knowledge of inspection methods and investigation techniques as applied in environmental health.
• Knowledge of the responsibilities of other agencies involved in environmental health work.
• Ability to accurately interpret and enforce state and local laws, rules, and ordinances. 
• Ability to understand and use engineering, technical, and specialized information.  
• Ability to analyze and comprehend a variety of technical and administrative regulations, records, and reports.
• Ability to effectively communicate potential concerns and corrective measures to business and property owners and the consuming public in matters related to protecting and promoting public health.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and deal tactfully with a wide range of the public while communicating potential concerns and corrective measures and enforcing public health laws and rules.

 

 

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.