Summer is a busy time at the Department of Health. Along with the usual facility inspections, environmental health staff are also tasked with inspecting children’s camps, public pools, and regulated swimming beaches to ensure safety for county residents. Planning for more than two dozen children’s camps inspections and providing these operators with important information starts months before the season commences. At pre-operational inspections, public health sanitarians review safety plans, lifeguard certifications, counselor-to-camper ratios, and more, at every camp. One of the public health sanitarians who routinely inspects summer camps and other regulated facilities is Emily Olenius. Continue reading to learn more about Emily and her work at the Department of Health.  

What is your favorite part of working at the health department? 

My favorite part about working at the health department is going out into the field and working directly with operators and the community across various programs. Every day and every season are different; you can’t ever anticipate what’s going to happen during the day.  

Is there a particularly rewarding experience you’d like to share? 

The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that my work has a direct impact. It’s fulfilling to work with operators to identify issues or hazards before it potentially impacts the public.  

What does your day-to-day work look like? 

Every day is a little different depending on the season. I may be out in the field most of the day for inspections of a children’s camp, beach, restaurant, or another program. When I’m in the office I may be taking calls about potential rabies exposure, giving information to a new restaurant owner, or answering questions from operators.  

What do you wish the public knew about your job? 

I wish the public knew more about the programs that we regulate in the environmental division of the health department. People are always surprised to learn how many different types of programs we have.   

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?  
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and it’s ok not to have all the answers. It’s always better to ask the question even if you think you know the right answer because there’s always more to learn.  

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career? 

I learned quickly when working with the public that kindness and understanding go a long way. Being kind helps build trust with the public and operators.  

County residents interested in learning more about the programs in the environmental services division of the health department can visit putnamcountyny.gov/health/environmental#Residents