Job Title: Environmental Health Technician (Septic & Soils)

Department: Environmental Health

Hours: Full-Time

Job Description:

Department: Prowers County Public Health and Environment
Reports To: Public Health Director
Full Time (40 hours per week): M-Th 8:00AM-5:30PM, F 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Job Summary
The Septic and Soils Technician works under the guidance of Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS) to ensure that onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) also known as septic systems, are designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with local and state regulations. This position involves significant fieldwork across Bent, Baca, Kiowa, and Prowers counties, including reviewing and approving designs, evaluating soil characteristics, and inspecting system components. Training and certifications are provided.

Pay Range: $24.00-$33.86/hour DOE (Note: Pay is at the lower end unless REHS credentialed or significant experience)

Benefits: Generous benefits package including health, vision, dental, paid holidays and time off, retirement and community building membership

Key Responsibilities
Site Evaluation: Conduct soil evaluations (visual, tactile and percolation tests) to determine soil suitability for wastewater treatment, identifying water table levels, limiting layers, and soil types.
Inspections: Perform construction inspections on new and replacement septic systems to ensure they meet approved plans and codes.
Permitting & Review: Review permit applications for septic systems for compliance with locally adopted OWTS regulations.
Investigation: Investigate complaints regarding failing systems, illegal sewage discharges, and other environmental health nuisances.
Data Collection & Reporting: Maintain accurate records and prepare inspection reports.
Public Education: Provide information to contractors, homeowners, and developers regarding OWTS regulation. 
Other Duties: As assigned to include emergency response as necessary, support for other programs. Assist other public health programs as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Associates degree in environmental science, civil technology, biology, or related field preferred.
Experience: Experience in construction, soil science, or environmental regulations preferred.
Certifications: Valid driver's license. Ability to obtain state-specific certified inspector certificates (e.g., sewage disposal systems).
Skills: Strong communication skills to communicate complex health codes to the public, and accurate report writing. Must work well with Land Use staff.
Must pass background check
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Ability to walk on uneven terrain, dig with a shovel, and lift heavy items (e.g., septic tank lids.)

Submit letter of interest, resume, and application at www.prowersco.gov