Environmental Health Specialist I

Position overview

The City of Albuquerque is hiring a customer-oriented Environmental Health Specialist I for its Vehicle Pollution Division. In this role, you will carry out vehicle emissions inspections for members of the public to help maintain compliance with air quality rules. The position also calls for clear communication, accurate documentation of inspection results, and public education on emissions requirements and testing steps.

This job summary is meant to describe the main duties linked to the classification, but it may not include every task assigned.

Core duties and functions

• Support compliance in assigned environmental health areas by applying relevant laws, rules, and regulations tied to environmental health protection and related services.
• Identify environmental health risks in the community using scientific knowledge and training, then develop suggested policies and action plans.
• Independently inspect assigned facilities, enforce standards, and issue citations or secure facilities when code compliance is not met.
• Create survey tools, carry out surveys, interpret findings, and adjust program practices based on results.
• Receive, review, and investigate environmental complaints related to the assigned area.
• Carry out surveillance work to verify code and regulatory compliance.
• Work with parties that are not meeting codes or regulations, recommend practical alternatives, and create and deliver workshops for the area of responsibility.
• Review permit applications for the assigned area and support approval or denial decisions.
• Keep records and prepare reports on new or continuing programs and their effectiveness.
• Use specialized monitoring equipment, interpret the information it produces, and apply it appropriately.
• Coordinate environmental health work with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
• Collect, research, and analyze data, then prepare statistical reports using word processing and spreadsheet tools.
• Review standard operating procedures and recommend or follow updates.
• Maintain and operate vehicle emissions analyzers used to gather emissions data, retest vehicles that failed earlier checks, and ensure calibration is correct.
• Perform special investigations and routine audits of certified emissions testing stations to confirm compliance with vehicle pollution codes and regulations.
• Train certified automotive technicians and air care inspectors on vehicle emissions testing and repair procedures.
• Attend professional meetings and keep current on trends and new developments in environmental health.
• Complete related duties as assigned.
• Use, maintain, and monitor an electronic database for quality assurance purposes.

Education and experience

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, chemistry, mathematics, geology, ecology, biology, public health, or a related discipline is required, along with four years of experience monitoring and enforcing ordinances, codes, or regulations. Education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Experience with environmental ordinances, codes, or regulations is preferred.

Additional requirements

• You must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license, or be able to obtain one by the hire date.
• A City Operator’s Permit (COP) must be obtained within 6 months of starting employment.
• Depending on the assignment, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician certification in Engine Repair or Engine Performance must be earned within 1 year of hire.

Working conditions

The role may involve work in an office, shop, or field setting, with travel between sites. You may be exposed to severe weather, hazardous chemicals, smoke, fumes, gases, and pathogens carried by insects or animals.

The job can require climbing ladders, standing, walking, and sitting for long periods, as well as medium to heavy lifting and carrying of monitors and equipment.

For staff assigned to the Vehicle Pollution Management Division, the work also includes opening and lifting car hoods, repeatedly kneeling to inspect under vehicle chassis and dashboards, and inserting analyzer probes into vehicle tailpipes.