Environmental Health Specialist 2 (HPC/EH 7)

Position: Environmental Health Specialist 2 (HPC/EH 7)

Unit: (Water, Waste Management, Pollution, Plans and Sub-Divisions)

Job Purpose

To develop policies, regulations and national guidelines on drinking and recreational water quality, wastewater treatment and disposal, solid waste management and hazardous waste management. 

To provide technical advice on environmental control factors and to ensure that all approved subdivision and development projects meet the Ministry’s criteria for environmental health.

Qualifications

• Sc. in Civil Engineering, majoring in Environmental or Sanitary Engineering.
• Sc. in Chemical Engineering – plus
• Six (6) years progressive working experience in the field of engineering – plus
• Membership in a professional engineering association – or
• Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Key Responsibbility Areas

• Collaborates with the Director, Environmental Health in the formulation of policies and short and long term objectives for the maintenance of domestic and recreational water quality standards, waste management, pollution control and land development.
• Develops national guidelines for island wide programmes for the monitoring and abatement of pollution to surface and ground water sources, waste water treatment and disposal, solid waste management, air pollution, industrial hazards, oil spills, and the transportation and storage/disposal of hazardous materials.
• Develops criteria for subdivision and land development.
• Reviews plans and proposals for subdivisions and land development submitted by developers in both public and private sectors and ensure consistent application of relevant laws and regulations.
• Collaborates with the Standards and Regulation Branch in the development of norms, criteria, standards and regulations for domestic water quality, waste management and pollution control.
• Develops guidelines for the preparation and implementation of preventive and control measures for industrial and other activities, specifically for those having discharges potentially dangerous to the environment. Recommends changes to existing facilities or processes, as necessary.
• Coordinates activities relating to environmental pollution control with other Governmental Agencies or Departments such as Natural Resources Conservation Authority, Town Planning Department, National Water Authority and the Water Commission. Participate as a member on committees established by these agencies concerning environmental matters.
• Collaborates in the development of an information system for environmental pollution control, including collection processing and distribution of data for public and technical information.
• Formulates and implements, through the environmental control laboratory research relevant to the Jamaican environment such as treatability studies for various wastes generated and recommends appropriate treatment processes and facilities.
• Coordinates research programmes relating to environmental pollution with relevant government departments (Ministry of Mining and Natural Resource etc.), statutory bodies (National Water Authority, Water Commission etc.) and educational institutions (U.W.I, UTECH).
• Develops programmes for ensuring operability of facilities re: water supply, waste facilities and emission control and advice on the operation procedures and maintenance required to keep these facilities in good operating conditions.
• Carries out assessment of pollution damage, baseline pollution reports and feasibility studies for pollution abatement by:
• Assesses the effects of pollution on wild-life
• Institutes procedures for the determination of organic and inorganic volumetric discharges.
• Prepares technical documentation necessary to institute legal proceedings for non-compliance to established regulations for pollution control and waste management.
• Reviews and recommends engineering plans and specifications for domestic supply systems, waste water treatment and disposal facilities and facilities for the disposal of solid waste and hazardous materials.
• Participates in the revision/update of laws and regulation relating to waste management and pollution control.
• Provides advice and assistance to the Regional Health Authorities in the preparation and implementation of comprehensive plans and programmes for the control of existing pollution and provides preventive programmes.
• Serves as technical advisor to the Director, Environmental Health, Local Government Authorities developers and field staff on matters relating to land development, domestic and recreational water quality, waste management and pollution control.
• Serves as counterpart to local and overseas Consultants dealing with environmental protection and water resources development.
• Provides consultation to Government Town Planner regarding the Ministry’s requirements for subdivisions and land development.
• Collaborates with the Health Promotion and Education Section in promoting public participation in the implementation of pollution prevention/control programmes. Promotes within the manufacturing sector the principle of minimizing pollution and increasing economic productivity through the most efficient use of process materials within industries.
• Represents the Ministry at national and international conferences/fora on Environmental Pollution Control and Prevention.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Director, Environmental Health.

Educational requirements

• In-depth knowledge of Public Health Laws and Regulation.
• In depth knowledge of environmental pollution control principles and techniques.
• Sound knowledge of environmental protection and control laws, practices and issues locally and internationally.
• Expertise in the conduct of environmental impact studies.
• Knowledge of National and Health policies and how these impact on environmental health.
• Knowledge of Hydrology and Water Resources Management.
• Knowledge of trends and developments in regional and international waste management and pollution control.
• Knowledge of social, cultural, behavioural and economic factors impacting on the environment.

Note

Interested persons may apply in writing, accompanied by resumes. Applications must be submitted no later than April 11, 2017.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

Director

Human Resource Management & Development

Ministry of Health

10A Chelsea Avenue

Kingston 10

Base Salary: Undisclosed