Pillars of Governmental Environmental Public Health | A Guide to Scalable Environmental Public Health Programs
ant for maintaining program effectiveness. University partnerships can supplement capacity by providing some additional testing capacity, such as sampling groundwa- ter for contaminants of human metabolites that indicate sewage contamination. Staff numbers are often constrained by available funding through permit fees and supplemental funding sources rather than actual workload needs. Research findings indi - cated efforts to align staffing with demand, particularly during periods of increased permit activity. Some jurisdic- tions indicated having notable increases in new septic per- mits, yet the number of FTEs remained unchanged. Hiring generalist EPH professionals could be easier for flexible staffing allocation between programs during periods of expanding or contracting needs, but at a minimum, staff members should have backups to allow for continuity of duties during staff absences. Education/Training/Certifications Educational requirements for onsite wastewater programs show flexibility, with a bachelor’s degree in science being the preferred qualification. Research participants agreed that the REHS/RS credential provides comprehensive foun- dational knowledge for program duties. For jurisdictions not requiring an REHS/RS credential, a bachelor’s degree in sci- ence with coursework in hydrology, soil science, or geology could provide useful foundational knowledge. EPH departments could send EPH inspectors to the same certificate training that wastewater installers attend, which might be available through state-specific organizations or local colleges or universities. These certifications are desirable in addition to the REHS/RS. The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) provides generally recognized training. Hands-on training in the form of joint inspections with more experienced EPH profession- als that go through various stages of the permitting and construction process might be preferable as well. Research indicates that some jurisdictions use alternate approaches to degree requirements when unable to hire candidates with specific degrees. These jurisdictions focus on skills-based hiring that prioritizes communication abil- ities, learning capacity, and customer service skills over formal education. Participants from these programs noted that inspection skills are primarily acquired through on-the- job experience. They also noted that degree requirements can limit access to the EPH field for individuals who have the aptitude but lack resources for a formal education. Pro- fessional certifications and training programs could offer an alternative educational pathway for individuals without formal degrees.
Programs might choose to balance accessibility with tech- nical competency requirements, potentially establishing tiered qualification systems that allow various entry path - ways while ensuring appropriate expertise for different system types and responsibilities.
Equipment Needs
For EPH professionals evaluating soil, useful tools include soil augers and rock hammers. Tools for inspection include tile probes, engineering scales, tape and optical measures, measuring wheels, lock levels, laser levels, sludge judges for evaluating depth of sludge in septic systems, and U.S. Department of Agriculture soil texture charts. Technology needs can include computers, cameras for doc- umentation, GPS units for system location mapping, and computer-aided design (CAD) software for plan review and system design activities. General program equipment includes some type of reli- able transportation, either through county or state-owned vehicles or personal vehicle reimbursement programs. Cell phones with good coverage in rural areas are important considerations, as onsite wastewater systems are typically installed in more rural areas. Programs can ensure equipment is properly maintained and calibrated to support accurate field assessments and regulatory compliance documentation. The specialized nature of onsite wastewater work requires an investment in quality tools that can withstand field conditions while providing precise measurements important for public health protection. Funding Sources/Barriers Research indicates that onsite wastewater programs are primarily fee-funded for most jurisdictions, with new construction permits generating the most revenue. Juris-
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