Internship Training Program

 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the internship training program is to provide the intern/s an overview of all the Environmental Health (EH) programs and hands-on field work with the guidance of a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS). The training will enable the students identify which programs they are interested in which may help them decide which career path to take.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The internship announcement will be sent to the University Internship Coordinator one month before the school interim begins. The standard announcement will describe the duties, qualifications, benefits and other information pertaining to the internship. (See Exhibit 1)

SELECTION

The student must submit a resume, schedule of classes and a cover letter prior to the given deadline for evaluation. The selection will be based on the students’ commitment to the given time schedule, resume and a phone interview. If selected, the student must submit a ‘Volunteer Form’, a copy of a driver’s license and social security card to Human Resources which are necessary for a background check. It includes inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information and driving record. The student will then be notified for eligibility. Up to two students may be selected during the fall, spring or summer terms. Once eligible, the EH Internship Coordinator will contact the University Internship Coordinator to finalize the selection.

DUTIES OF THE INTERN COORDINATOR

It is the duty of the coordinator to ensure the best quality of education EH could possibly provide to the interns. The coordinator arranges all program orientations and field inspections with a REHS. The coordinator also assigns special projects to complete a total of 180 internship hours throughout the semester. At the end of the semester, the coordinator prepares the intern for the written and oral examinations given by any Environmental Health Agency.

PROGRAM SPECIALIST AND SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

The internship coordinator will send an email to the supervisors and program specialists regarding the internship schedule. It is their responsibility to complete the master calendar schedule prior to the due date. In addition, all program specialists are required to provide an overview or presentation covering their program and a field inspection when possible.

INTERN RESPONSIBILITY

An Intern’s responsibility is to perform in a professional and ethical manner consistent with the EH Standards. The intern’s evaluation will be based on these expectations:

• The intern is required to maintain a record of total hours worked during the internship by using the training log.
  
  
• The intern shall follow through on commitments.
  
  
• The intern is encouraged to communicate with the Internship Coordinator of any questions, potential problems or areas of concern during his/her internship period.
  
  
• The intern shall dress in an appropriate manner in business casual attire with sturdy close toed shoes.
  
  
• Interns are required to adhere to their working schedule and arrive punctually. In the event of possible tardiness or absence, interns must call and/or e-mail the Intern Coordinator and/or Supervisor to notify their late arrival or absence.
  
  
• The intern must abide to the employee technology use policy.
  
  
• The intern must learn to accept constructive criticism and strive to improve and grow professionally.
  
  
• The intern must learn to be observant, note how employees organize their ideas and ask questions relating to the EH program.
  
  
• The intern must be fair, considerate, honest, trustworthy, and cooperative when dealing with colleagues.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Researches, compiles, synthesizes, analyzes and interprets information and data necessary to meet EH objectives
  
  
• Prepares reports and makes recommendations for completion of environmental health projects
  
  
• Observe an environmental health specialist when conducting field inspections and investigations at a variety of sites to gain first-hand knowledge from various EH programs
  
  
• Complete educational outreach public displays pertaining to EH for public viewing
  
  
• Provide three Environmental Health-related articles to share with EH staff weekly

Terms of internship

Interns are required to complete at least one term of internship of 90 hours if they are completing two internships, or a total of 180 hours if the students only complete one internship.

 

PROGRAM ORIENTATIONS

Program orientations and field inspections are scheduled in the following programs (exact hours are subject to changes and modification):

Programs	Time Allocation
Community Services
First Day Orientation	8.0 hours
Food Protection – field observation	32.0 hours
Mobile Food Facilities (MFF)	2.0 hour
Temporary Food Facility Orientation (course)	3.0 hours
Food facility Plan Check Orientation	2.0 hours
Foodborne Illness Investigations/ HACCP Orientation	3.0 hours
Pool Program – Orientation and field inspection	8.0 hours
Cross Connection Control Program Orientation/ field	3.0 hours
REHS requirements & information	0.5 hour
Hazardous Waste Management
Hazardous Materials Program & UST Orientation	3.0 hours
Haz Mat field inspection	16.0 hours
Medical Waste program Orientation	8.0 hours
Technical Services
Water Supply/ Systems Orientation/ field inspection	4.0 hours
Solid Waste Orientation/ field inspection	4.0 hours
On-Site Sewage Disposal Orientation/ field inspection	8.0 hours
Ocean Water Monitoring Orientation	4.0 hours
Ocean Water Monitoring Orientation/field inspection	8.0 hours
Vector Control Program Orientation	1.5 hours
Vector Control Program/field inspection	8.0 hours
Land Use Program Orientation	1.0 hour
Special Projects
Community Outreach Posters	32.0 hours
Other Program Special Projects	21.0 hours
TOTAL HOURS	180 hours

Optional Orientations: If time permits and the availability of EH staff allows, orientations may also be provided for the following:

• Mussel Sampling Program
• Vector Control – Encephalitis study/ sample collection
• Biosolids Composting tour
• Wastewater Facility tour
• Ocean Water Sampling

 

FIRST DAY ORIENTATION

The interns will be given a presentation regarding the contents of the intern folder, schedule, office procedures, protocols, EH expectations and dress code. The interns will be introduced to the entire EH staff and will need to obtain an identification badge from Human Resources (HR). The County Technology Policy and signature form will be provided to the interns to review, sign and submit to HR. The intern folder contains the following:

Intern Folder

1. Intern Schedule
   
   
2. County Technology Policy
   
   
3. Office Map
   
   
4. Contacts
   
   
5. Intern Responsibilities and Duties
   
   
6. Student internship/volunteer Critique Form

LAST DAY OF INTERNSHIP

On the last day of the internship, a mock interview is scheduled to assess the student intern’s skills for the actual interview. After the interview, feedback is given by the panel and giving the student the best advice. After the interview, a written examination is followed to assess the student’s writing skills.

The student intern is required to submit the Student Internship/Volunteer Critique Form to give EH Division feedback regarding the internship program. The critique form will be sent to the EH Director and Managers. The EH Intern Coordinator must fill out the employer’s evaluation form which will be sent to the University Intern Coordinator. A verification form will be given to the student stating the completion of the internship. The student is required to return the identification badge prior to dismissal.

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Exhibit 1

 

The County of Ventura, Environmental Health Division is seeking 1-2 student interns for the Summer 2019 semester to gain first-hand knowledge and experience in various Environmental Health programs. If interested, submit a cover letter, a resume with two references, schedule of classes and email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by (date). Resumes that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline may not be accepted. 

Examples of Duties:

• Researches, compiles, synthesizes, analyzes and interprets information and data necessary to meet environmental health objectives
• Prepares reports and makes recommendations for completion of environmental health projects
• Observe environmental health specialist when conducting field investigations at a variety of sites to gain first-hand knowledge of various environmental health programs
• Complete educational outreach displays pertaining to Environmental Health for public viewing at the Government Center

Qualifications:

• Student must be enrolled in the undergraduate or graduate program in Environmental Science or Environmental and Occupational Health.       Proof of enrollment must be provided
• Must have good communication skills, both oral and written
• Must be able to commit to the given schedule throughout the semester
• Must have computer skills including Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint
• Comprehensive knowledge of: basic biological and environmental health science courses

Benefits:

This non-paid internship provides hands-on field work and excellent education in a wide variety of Environmental Health programs that will help the student capitalize on their professional background.  

Background Check:

Students applying to this internship may be subjected to a thorough background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information and driving record.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment and in the field and may require occasional exposure to hazardous conditions and moderate physical demands while conducting inspections.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Paolo Quinto at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..