Health Protection Scientist

Job Posting Title:

Health Protection Scientist

Department:

Planning & Development Services

Location:

415 SILVER AVE SW

Pay Range:

$25.97 - $41.04

Close Date:

May 25, 2026

The Health Protection Scientist performs professional-level inspection, education, and compliance services to enforce a wide range of environmental health codes. Works with diverse populations and delivers excellent customer service to the public, external clients, and County employees.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Assists with on-site facility inspections and conducts field investigations under the guidance of a Health Protection Scientist II; ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and codes; authorizes permits to support sanitation and code compliance. • Enforces laws and regulations related to public swimming pools, food processing and service establishments, general health and sanitation, and noise control. • Investigates routine environmental complaints and recommends corrective actions; prepares written reports outlining methods to protect public health. • Collects field samples and public health-related data for laboratory analysis or trend evaluation. • Prepares and presents reports summarizing inspection results and analysis findings; delivers presentations to clients, agencies, community forums, the general public, and County departments. • Conducts routine site visits and inspections performed by the Health Protection team; reviews operational plans for food service and food processing establishments. • Prepares and coordinates environmental health cases scheduled for court hearings. • Interprets and explains environmental health ordinances, rules, and procedures; respond to inquiries from the public. • Develops, delivers, and evaluates public health education programs focused on preventing environmental and communicable diseases. • Collaborates with private organizations and government agencies to improve environmental health practices and safeguard public health. • Prepares reports, correspondence, and maintains records of inspections and investigations. • Handles sensitive or confidential records, plans, and decisions; maintains confidentiality in accordance with policy and regulations. *The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Physical, Natural, Environmental Science, or a related field. • Two (2) years of work experience in environmental health, code enforcement, food protection, and/or inspection. *Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Health Protection Scientist Level I requires advanced certification from National Swimming Pool Foundation as a certified pool operator obtained within nine (9) months from date of hire. Successful completion of Food Protection Manager Certification of equivalent within nine (9) months from date of hire. SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following: • Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation. • Adherence to all County safety guidelines. • Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position. • Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position. • Complete required supervisor training, if applicable. WORKING CONDITIONS • Major duties are performed 50% indoors and 50% outdoors and the employee will be exposed to extremes of heat, cold and humidity. • Indoor duties may be conducted on both even and uneven surfaces and may involve climbing stairs, ramps, catwalks, entering enclosed spaces such as freezers and encountering wet, grease or dust covered surfaces. • Outdoor duties may be performed on either hard or soft surfaces in all weather and terrain conditions. • Performs duties alone or as a member of a team or group. • Work hazards or potential hazards include exposure to chemicals, animals, biohazards, industrial and domestic waste, radiation, burns, lacerations, contusions, falls, intermittent noise, intermittent vibration, driving a vehicle, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation and polluted water. • Subject to varying and unpredictable situations; conditions that may affect the skin or respiratory system, variation in temperature from hot to cold. EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS • Computers, environmental monitoring equipment, laboratory equipment, telephone, two-way radio, fax, photocopier, metal probes, shovels, wrenches, ladders, paper forms, chemicals and Material Safety Data Sheets. • County vehicles are used by employee in traveling from site-to-site throughout the county. • Safety equipment may include hard hat, rubber boots, gloves, facemask and first aid kit.