Environmental Health Specialist at FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES RISING INC – Durham, North Carolina

Families and Communities Rising, Inc. (FCR, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization that has provided early education and resources to families for over 50 years! FCR Head Start/Early Head Start programs are currently seeking an environmental health specialist in Durham Co. The Environmental Health Specialist is responsible for maintaining and supporting the ongoing cleanliness of the buildings and surrounding grounds, including adherence to local, state, and national sanitation and health standards, and reporting requirements, to ensure quality program standards are maintained. In addition, the Environmental Health Specialist is responsible for maintaining program operations data in required and necessary databases to monitor program service and compliance with applicable requirements and regulations. All work must be aligned to requirements outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards (HSPS), FCR Mission and Vision, and in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) regulations. While the Environmental Health Specialist may work outside of regular operating hours when staff and families are not present, the Environmental Health Specialist is excepted assure collaboration with staff, families, and community partners to build positive relationships to meet program needs. Major Duties/Functions/Responsibilities: 1. Conduct general cleaning of the building(s) including wet mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting or wiping of floors, doors, walls, glass, furnishings and equipment as required 2. Maintain regular building maintenance schedule, ensuring classrooms, restrooms, offices and other areas are cleaned as required between times used by staff, students, or visitors 3. Ensure restrooms are properly stocked with necessary supplies for use by students, staff or visitors 4. Ensure proper use and storage of cleaning supplies as required by HSPS, manufacturers requirement, and or childcare health and safety sanitation standards 5. Removal of trash, recyclables and other items for daily pick-up or for special disposal as required or arranged based on need and regulations 6. Perform minor repairs if within scope of work and capability 7. Report facility repair needs into the ChildPlus work order system. 8. Maintain cleanliness of building exterior grounds, in particular ensuring building entrances and exits are free of trash and debris 9. Provide required maintenance of building interior and exterior grounds, e.g., floors, and walkways based on weather requirements such as proper application of ice melt during wintery weather 10. Apply proper signage as required when work is being performed or otherwise needed, such as wet floor, caution, or other such signage 11. Ensure all entrances, exits or other doors are properly secured when not in use, at the end of the day, or after an event that may extended beyond regular hours 12. Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment and ensure timely replenishment of needed supplies 13. Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor. 14. Will accompany the Center Director with weekly walk through to discover any issues needing possible repair to include the following: playgrounds, classrooms, bathroom, kitchen, offices, and storage closets. 15. Will work closely with FCR Environmental Health & Safety Manager by responding with status of updates relating to work orders. 16. Will conduct daily checks of water, lights, heating and air conditioning daily to ensure compliance with North Carolina Early Childhood Facility requirements. Qualifications and Knowledge/Skills Required: • Minimum of a High School Diploma • Minimum 3 years working knowledge and experience in building maintenance, building repairs, cleaning, sanitation, and other janitorial work • Prefer relevant experience and direct work in diverse communities • Ability to lift at least 25 pounds • Ability to use and operate basic cleaning equipment • Proven written, verbal communication, and basic math skills • Ability to work independently, with limited supervision • Proven data management and record keeping ability • Relevant software and technology skills including word processing, excel, and internet use for business purposes, and preparation of relevant reports • Ability to actively participate in long-and short-term planning for service area and program needs • Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards (HSPS), local, state, and national childcare, building maintenance and other applicable guides and standards, including OSHA standards • Ability to relate effectively to children, families, community members and staff of diverse backgrounds • Impeccable attention to detail to identify maintenance issues and experience in general building maintenance. • A valid driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience to perform the job safely • A clean driving record to add to company’s insurance.