4J41
PAY RANGE: EP15
PUBLIC HEALTH SANITARIAN
(Bilingual)
(General)
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is environmental investigative health work at the entry level inspecting a variety of establishments for conformance to public health regulations and codes.
Employees in this class perform inspections to identify hazards and examine conditions as they affect public health in such areas as food protection, institutional sanitation and safety, hazardous materials, solid and infectious waste handling and disposal practice, vector control, lead poisoning, healthy home evaluations, and environmental health. Employees assigned to the Tobacco Control Program evaluate applications for tobacco retailer permits and enforce local tobacco laws through field inspections.
Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level sanitarian or administrative superior. Physical effort and some disagreeable aspects may be involved in the work.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. Positions in this class must perform the work in the Health Department.
2. Positions in this class must perform entry level environmental health inspectional work to determine conformance to public health regulations and codes.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
BILINGUAL SPECIALTY
Performs the duties described below with English language speaking and designated non-English speaking populations.
BOTH SPECIALTIES
Conducts inspections, checking sanitary conditions, equipment and operating procedures of restaurants, grocery stores, dairy plants, barber and beauty shops, tattoo parlors and body art establishments, institutions such as nursing and boarding homes, schools, and swimming pools along with other establishments and sites as determined by the City health code; conducts post-fire inspections; checks food handling practices of vendors during special events; participates in food and drug recalls; assesses retail store space for determination of the ratio of healthy to unhealthy foods available.
Sets up mosquito light traps; identifies the different species of mosquitoes once collected from the light traps; investigates dog and other animal bites, obtains specimens from animals in order to test for rabies; conducts inspections, checking for vector problems in buildings to be demolished or excavated; ensures pesticide applications are performed according to federal, state, and local laws; ensures that pesticide application equipment is maintained and calibrated; assists in the design, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive integrated pest management plans for city agencies; educates city agencies, as well as outside organizations on pests or pesticides; may appear in court on behalf of the city for non-compliance cases.
Enforces public health emergency response such as epidemics or pandemics in the area of environmental health investigation and response; maintains electronic records in database and address files for all positive lead cases; sets up appointments for subsequent medical treatment through coordination with parents and the various medical providers ; reviews reports of other program inspectors regarding the findings of home inspections; recommends cases for abatement and/or enforcement; reviews completed abatement work for compliance with local regulations; periodically inspects presence of lead paint in paint stores; conducts healthy home evaluations where safety concerns of lead are identified in residences; may appear in court on behalf of the city for non-compliance cases.
Prepares written reports of violations; informs owner and employees of the establishment of steps necessary to correct unsafe conditions found; maintains files of establishments visited; schedules and conducts re-inspections; recommends enforcement action for cases of non-compliance.
Issues warnings or tickets to individuals regarding public nuisances or violations of public health ordinances; provides information to the public regarding health problems or concerns; may give talks to community groups on general or specific topics.
Performs related work as required.
Tobacco Control Program Assignment
Reviews and evaluates tobacco retailer permit applications for completion, accuracy, clarity and compliance with prescribed requirements and relevant municipal laws, regulations and standards; follows up with tobacco retailers to obtain additional information needed to complete permit applications; educates retailers on permit application procedures; enters data into Tobacco Retailer database and assists supervisor with permitting process; makes recommendations regarding the issuance of tobacco retailer permits; prepares written reports of tobacco retailer permit application decisions; educates retailers concerning prohibited sales of tobacco products to minors; ensures retailer permits and signage are appropriately displayed in locations; issues tickets and may participate in appeal hearings related to violations held by the Office of Administrative Review and may prepare reports of appeal decisions; conducts outreach activities to retailers, community groups and business associations.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Both Specialties:
• the federal and state environmental laws and regulations applicable to environmental health
• the laws, rules, regulations applicable to the Health and Administrative codes related to environmental health ordinances
• the methods, principles and techniques of environmental health
• the objectives of public health regulatory activities
• the basic principles of microbiology and laboratory practice as related to the analysis of milk products, food, food products, and water (other than the water contained in the city of Philadelphia's water distribution system) if required by work assignment
SKILL IN:
Both Specialties:
• reviewing environmental data and information for completeness and accuracy
• the use of database, word processing and spreadsheet applications
• communicating with diverse audiences, including City departments, members of the community and small business owners
• knowledge and awareness of cultural sensitivities without assigning value to difference(s)
ABILITY TO:
Both Specialties:
• interpret and explain regulations and enforcement policies
• enforce regulations with firmness and tact
• maintain satisfactory relationships with operators of establishments inspected, associates and community organizations
• make clear and concise reports and recommendations
• learn and perform the duties of each environmental health program
• speak, read and write fluently in the designated non-English language and English language for the bilingual specialty
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
Tobacco Control Program Assignment:
• learn local tobacco permit requirements
• learn local tobacco laws prohibiting sales to minors
• learn the health effects of tobacco use
• pay attention to detail in reviewing permit applications
• follow up with tobacco retailers to acquire additional information needed to complete applications
• determine eligibility for issuance of permits
• understand and employ applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to permitting and enforcement.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 12/15.)
EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in dairy or food technology, environmental, agricultural, life or physical science, public health or a bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours in any combination of the above.
Or
Any combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included any bachelor’s degree.
NOTE: Certification to fill positions in the Tobacco Control Program assignment will be made of the two highest ranking eligible candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree program in life or physical sciences or public health through Selective Factor Certification (see below).
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with one or more of the required degrees to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from of the two highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified degree.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE BILINGUAL SPECIALTY
Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in English and the designated non-English language.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a current certificate as either a Certified Public Applicator or a Registered Pesticide Applicator from the Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania if required by work assignment.
Possession of a current certificate as a Lead Inspector and Risk Assessor by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania if required by work assignment.
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to and during tenure of employment as a Sanitarian if required by work assignment.
Class Established – 4/53
Spec Revision: 05/07
Spec Revision:
CSC – 11/12
Ad. Board – 12/12
Spec. Revision:
CSC- 11/15
Ad. Board – 12/15
Latest Spec. Revision and change in pay rate:
CSC – 6/21
Ad. Board – 7/21
SA