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Notice of Job Opening – Environmental Health Scientist
     Price or Moab Office

The Southeast Utah Health Department is hiring an Environmental Health Scientist in our Moab or Price office to work full time (32-40 hours per week). Responsibilities will include conducting sanitation inspections of eating establishments, commercial facilities, and public buildings, inspect onsite sewage disposal systems and water systems, respond to and investigate complaints related to public health, and conduct public education trainings.
 

Starting wage is $20-$28/hour depending on licensure/experience, including full benefits with State retirement.
 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a field of study that meets criteria for licensure as a Registered Environmental Health Scientist in the state of Utah is required (agronomy, biology, botany, chemistry, environmental health science, geology, microbiology, physics, physiology, sanitary engineering or zoology). Must be familiar with word processing and spreadsheet software. Must be available for occasional overnight travel. 
 

Drug test and background check is required. Must be able to verify work eligibility through the Federal E-Verify System and have a valid Utah driver’s license and a good driving record.  To review the full job description click here.
 

Please send your application, cover letter and resume to SEUHD, P.O. Box 800, Price, UT 84501, Attention Delia or email to: dpaletta@utah.gov 
 

Contact: Delia 435-636-1152.  
 

Open until filled.

Notice of Job Opening – Community Health Worker
     Castle Dale

The Southeast Utah Health Department is hiring a Community Health Worker in the Castle Dale office to work full time (32-40 hr/week). This position is funded through June 2023, then dependent on continued funding. Responsibilities will include identifying community health disparities, health equity infrastructure needs, and health capacity needs of underserved populations. Connect local community members with resources addressing prevention and control of diseases within the community.
 

Starting wage is $18-$20/hour depending on experience, including full health and dental benefits.
 

Bachelor's degree in public health or related field from an accredited university or college is preferred. Proficiency in Spanish and English languages preferred. Experience in community outreach is preferred. Must be familiar with word processing and spreadsheet software. Must be available for occasional overnight travel.   
 

Drug test and background check is required. Must be able to verify work eligibility through the Federal E-Verify System and have a valid Utah driver’s license and a good driving record. To review the full job description and application visit https://www.seuhealth.com/whats-new.

Send your application, cover letter, and resume to SEUHD, P.O. Box 800, Price, UT 84501, Attention Delia or email to: dpaletta@utah.gov. 
 

Contact: Delia 435-636-1152.  
 

Open until filled.

Notice of Job Opening – Community Health Worker
     Green River

The Southeast Utah Health Department is hiring a Community Health Worker in Green River, Utah to work Part-time (15-20 hr/week). Position funded through July 2023, then dependent on continued funding. Responsibilities will include identifying community health disparities, health equity infrastructure needs, and health capacity needs of underserved populations. Connect local community members with resources addressing prevention and control of diseases within the community. Engage community partners in discussions about social determinants of health and health equity.

Wage is $18-20/hour depending on experience and does not include health or dental benefits.

Bachelor's degree in public health or related field from an accredited university or college is preferred. Proficiency in Spanish and English languages preferred. Experience in community outreach is preferred. Must be familiar with word processing and spreadsheet software. Must be available for occasional overnight travel.
 

Drug test and background check is required. Must be able to verify work eligibility through the Federal E-Verify System and have a valid Utah driver’s license and a good driving record. To review the full job description and application visit https://www.seuhealth.com/whats-new.

Send your application, cover letter and resume to SEUHD, P.O. Box 800, Price, UT 84501, Attention Delia or email to: dpaletta@utah.gov.
 

Contact: Delia 435-636-1152.
 

Open until filled.

Please take extra precautions while outdoors by using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and making sure to have good window screens or use a screened tent if sleeping outside. 

If a person is infected by West Nile virus, the risk of serious disease is low. Most of those affected will have a mild to severe flu-like illness with muscle aches, fever, rash, and headache that usually lasts a few days but can last months. Less than one in a hundred will get meningitis or encephalitis. Those at greatest risk of serious disease are those with weakened immune systems, diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. The elderly are at greatest risk for severe complications. 

Although not all mosquitoes carry disease, people should avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and long pants that are brightly colored. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients DEET: Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and Icaridin outside the US), IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), 2-undecanone. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is especially important to prevent mosquito bites by having good window screens or by using a screened tent if sleeping outside. Additionally, drain all the standing water around your property, keep roof gutters clear of debris, ensure that all door and window screens are in good repair, and keep weeds and grass cut short.

Algal Bloom Confirmed at Scofield Reservoir

Recreators asked to take steps to protect themselves while recreating on the water

Scofield, Utah – Health officials have confirmed a cyanobacteria bloom, or harmful algal bloom, at Scofield Reservoir. Residents visiting Scofield Reservoir are asked to follow all posted warnings.

The SEUHD encourages everyone recreating at or on Scofield reservoir to be alert to the signs of a harmful algal bloom and avoid those areas as much as possible.

Initial sample results indicate the presence of microcystis algae, which is known to make toxins. There is not currently any evidence of toxins in the water.

ABOUT HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS

Harmful algal blooms appear when stagnant, nutrient-rich water warms up in the summer and becomes the ideal breeding ground for cyanobacteria — commonly known as blue-green algae. Under these circumstances, bacteria can reproduce quickly, and begin to produce cyanotoxins that most commonly cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal illnesses, although some toxins can cause liver, neurological or respiratory problems.

Even in the absence of these toxins, the cyanobacteria can cause gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation. These blooms can also pose serious health risks to pets, and livestock.

Take Steps to Protect Water Recreation

Utah’s waters offer unparalleled recreational opportunities and are generally safe. Water recreators, however, can take a few simple steps to protect themselves, their families, and their pets while enjoying Utah’s waters:

• Visit habs.utah.gov before heading out to check water conditions

• Follow all posted warnings

• Don’t swallow water when swimming

• Avoid areas of scum when boating

• Wash hands with clean water before eating or preparing food

• When fishing, clean fish well and discard the guts

• Don’t let pets drink from scummy water

Recognize the Signs of a Bloom

Because cyanobacteria blooms can appear quickly — sometimes in hours — and shift locations based on weather conditions, water recreators are asked to avoid:

• Water that resembles spilled paint, antifreeze, or grass clippings

• Surface scum or film

• Discolored or streaking water

• Green globs on or below the surface of the water

For concerns about possible human exposure, call Utah Poison Control at 800-222-1222, or your physician. For concerns about possible animal exposure, contact a local veterinarian. For concerns about possible livestock exposure, contact the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food at 801-538- 7100. To learn more about harmful algal blooms, or to report a bloom, visit habs.utah.gov.