JOB SUMMARY

The Environmental Health Branch (EHB) is responsible for implementing Ontario’s Public Health Standards (OPHS) with a focus on environmental health protection, infectious diseases and outbreak management, as well as relevant regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). The EHB develops, implements and evaluates inspection services and programs, and is responsible for enforcement of relevant provincial and municipal legislation and public health policy.

Acting under the authority of the local Medical Officer of Health, you are responsible for inspecting, monitoring and enforcing the maintenance of provincially and municipally legislated standards of public health protection and environmental sanitation for helping to prevent and control the occurrence of communicable diseases, exposure to toxic chemicals and physical agents in the environment, and for promoting optimal health in our community.

You will communicate with Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and City of Ottawa staff and the general public, and liaise with external partners on federal, provincial, and local levels to promote, protect, preserve health, and prevent disease and injury to the public, which involves supporting 24/7 public health response. You will review architectural plans to ensure compliance with OPHS requirements and will prepare reports which may be used in legal proceedings. You will work in diverse settings and collaborate with internal and community partners on program development and implementation, professional education, and research activities. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of a 4 year university degree in a program of instruction approved by the Board of Certification with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors 

Minimum of 3 years of related experience in the field

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of Public Health Issues related to Environmental Health and Inspection
• Knowledge of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, related regulations, Ontario Public Health Standards, protocols, guidelines, and reference documents, and understanding of their applicability in the employee’s duties 
• Knowledge and understanding of the local environment, including relevant municipal by-laws with respect to public health, political climate, and population needs (e.g., social determinants of health)  
• Knowledge of enforcement processes as a Provincial Offences Officer 
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control practices, mechanisms of transmission, methods of control for communicable diseases, and related epidemiologic concepts 
• Knowledge of evidence-informed decision-making practices
• Knowledge of health education and promotion techniques related to needs assessments, data analyses, research, resource development, and dissemination of information
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to manage time effectively by prioritizing tasks, focusing on solutions, and responding to change in operational priorities 
• Ability to utilize conflict resolution skills to establish and maintain good public relations, handle sensitive discussions with tact, and deescalate tense interactions while maintaining professional response with clients in challenging situations
• Ability to utilize creative approach to decision-making and problem-solving in risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication 
• Ability to explain complex public health concepts in various mediums to support different learning styles, comprehension levels, and differing degrees of receptiveness to the information 
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs  
• Ability to manage and maintain documentation, including presentations and reports, in corporate-specific software programs and online provincial databases to form official business records
• Ability to conduct inspections and investigations in different physical environments (e.g., indoors, outdoors) with consideration for personal safety (e.g., biological, chemical, electrical, environmental, and physical hazards).  
• Ability to work flexible hours or support time-sensitive work priorities (e.g., after hours, overtime, evenings, and weekends on a rotational basis) 
• Ability to demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias

Core Behaviours

Core behaviours define the City’s expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work.  They are reflective of the City’s culture and values and guide all our present and future activities.  Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours.