Environmental Health Specialist I

Buncombe County Government

. Conduct state-mandated inspections of facilities under BCHHS Environmental Health jurisdiction .

Posted 9/16/2026full-timeAsheville • North Carolina • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $28 - $33 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in conducting environmental health inspections, enforcing regulations, and providing consultation on water supply and wastewater systems. Possesses strong analytical skills to interpret technical information and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's Degree In Environmental HealthRegistered Environmental Health SpecialistKnowledge Of Environmental Health LawsOn-Site Wastewater Treatment System DesignEnvironmental Health Inspection Methods

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Conducting InspectionsInterpreting Test ResultsDesigning Wastewater Disposal SystemsEvaluating Soil And SitesCollecting Water SamplesEnforcing Laws And OrdinancesMaintaining Inspection RecordsInvestigating Environmental ComplaintsAnalyzing Technical RegulationsPerforming Manual Dexterity Tasks

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationSound JudgmentTactful Public Interaction

Certifications & Qualifications

Registration By N.C. State Board Of Environmental Health Specialist ExaminersREHS ExamNEHA Certification

Industry Keywords

Environmental HealthPublic Health LawWastewater SystemsWater Supply ProtectionFood SanitationVector ControlSolid Waste Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct state-mandated inspections of facilities under BCHHS Environmental Health jurisdiction
Enforce laws, rules, and ordinances governing well installations, private water supplies, and on-site wastewater systems
Inspect new wells, well repairs, on-site wastewater systems, and system repairs
Evaluate soil and sites for sewage disposal system suitability and well locations
Assist with inspections of engineered septic tank systems
Inspect private water supplies and collect water samples and other materials for laboratory testing
Interpret test results, inform applicants, and take appropriate action
Maintain accurate and detailed inspection records
Advise applicants on maintenance and protection of water supplies
Investigate environmental complaints, health-related nuisances, and water-supply illness outbreaks
Provide recommendations and implement enforcement procedures and corrective actions
Serve as consultant and primary contact for well drillers, wastewater installers, homeowners, contractors, realtors, and the public
Design compliant wastewater disposal systems, issue permits, conduct final inspections, and authorize system use
Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree in Environmental Health from a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council; or bachelor’s/postgraduate degree plus 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences; or bachelor’s degree in public health
Diploma, degree, or transcript must be presented upon hire
Registration required by the N.C. State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners under Chapter 90A
Required to attend and pass centralized training provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Must pass state authorization evaluations and tests for specific program areas
Must pass the REHS exam and NEHA within the timeframe established by the Board
Must obtain annual educational requirements under Chapter 90A to renew registration and maintain Registered Environmental Health Specialist status
Ability to work within physical requirements including lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly
Ability to bend, reach, squat, perform manual dexterity and repetitive motion, distinguish colors, and stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
Ability to auger a minimum of four feet and remove the auger and contents for evaluation
Knowledge of environmental health laws, rules, procedures, and public health law
Knowledge of on-site wastewater treatment system design, food sanitation, foodborne and communicable diseases, vector control, water supply protection, solid waste management, and institutional sanitation as applicable
Knowledge of environmental health inspection methods and investigation techniques
Ability to interpret and enforce state and local laws, rules, and ordinances
Ability to understand engineering, technical, and specialized information
Ability to analyze technical and administrative regulations, records, and reports
Ability to communicate concerns and corrective measures to owners and the public
Ability to exercise sound judgment and deal tactfully with the public
Equivalent combination of education and experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

NC Local Government Retirement System contributions from day one
Employee Assistance Program
Two days of PTO from day one
Accrued sick and annual leave
Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first day of the following month
Supplemental life insurance after six months
Short-term disability after six months
401(k) enrollment after six months