Chief Environmental Health Practitioner Grade 1
Job Details
- Job Title: Chief Environmental Health Practitioner Grade 1
- Reference Number: H/C/22/2026
- Post Number: 32/176
- Department: Department of Health
- Location: Lejweleputswa District, Free State
- Salary: R575,250 – R638,856 per annum
- Benefits: 13th Cheque, Housing Allowance and Optional Medical Aid, subject to prescribed requirements
- Enquiries: Ms. NF Gigi – (057) 352 2706
Job Description
The Chief Environmental Health Practitioner will be responsible for managing and supervising Environmental Health Practitioners within the Lejweleputswa District.
The successful candidate will oversee the delivery of environmental health services, develop and implement environmental health strategies, support primary healthcare facilities, coordinate training programmes and provide expert advice on environmental health risks.
The role also involves responding to environmental health emergencies and outbreaks, supporting food safety investigations, monitoring compliance with health standards, maintaining quality systems and providing strategic environmental health advice to district management.
Responsibilities
Environmental Health Management
- Manage and supervise Environmental Health Practitioners within the district.
- Develop staff and oversee effective staff development programmes.
- Plan and implement Environmental Health Strategies.
- Oversee and coordinate environmental health services across district units and facilities.
- Liaise with stakeholders on environmental health matters.
- Support ideal clinics and primary healthcare facilities.
- Coordinate environmental health training programmes.
- Monitor healthcare facilities in accordance with national norms and standards.
- Develop, implement and review environmental health policies and SOPs.
- Align Primary Health Care environmental health practices with national health regulations.
- Contribute to PHC strategic planning and quality improvement programmes.
Emergency and Outbreak Response
- Lead environmental health responses during emergencies and disease outbreaks.
- Participate in disaster and emergency preparedness planning.
- Advise district leadership during environmental health crises.
- Assist in developing emergency response plans for food-related incidents.
- Respond to foodborne illness outbreaks, contamination incidents and product recalls.
- Investigate food safety complaints, outbreaks and violations in collaboration with Municipal Health Services.
- Participate in malaria control activities.
Food Safety and Environmental Health
- Review food-related incident investigations and reports.
- Provide expert advice on environmental health risks and controls.
- Advise on chemical safety, hazardous substances and spill management.
- Promote environmental health awareness at senior management level.
- Ensure ongoing training for PHC staff.
- Participate in community environmental health awareness campaigns.
- Monitor environmental health trends, incidents and performance indicators.
Reporting and Administration
- Prepare high-level reports for District Management.
- Ensure relevant data is captured on DHIS and other applicable systems.
- Advocate for appropriate resources, staffing and infrastructure improvements.
- Liaise with Provincial Environmental Health Services.
- Ensure implementation of departmental environmental health strategies.
- Provide support to the District Environmental Health Manager or Assistant Director: Environmental Health.
- Perform other duties and activities delegated by the supervisor or manager.
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 / Senior Certificate.
- A degree in Environmental Health.
- Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent practitioner.
- A minimum of 6 years’ appropriate experience after registration with the HPCSA and completion of community service.
- At least 3 years’ experience in Environmental Health.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Knowledge and Skills
Candidates should have:
- Knowledge of legislation relating to environmental health.
- Knowledge of project management.
- Knowledge of stakeholder engagement.
- Knowledge of the International Health Regulations.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Planning and organisational skills.
- Supervisory skills.
- Research and analytical skills.
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Computer literacy, particularly MS Office.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Willingness and ability to work irregular hours when required.