Careers

Description:

Under general supervision (Environmental Health Specialist I) or direction (Environmental Health Specialist II), performs professional work involved in the inspection and enforcement of an assigned environmental health program area; program areas include, but are not limited to, consumer protection, drinking water sanitation, solid waste disposal, wastewater disposal, and land use; interprets, implements, and enforces federal, state, and local codes as they pertain to environmental health programs; provides education, technical consultations and assistance; and performs related duties as assigned. 

Environment Health Specialist I: This is the entry-level, non-registered classification in the professional Environment Health Specialist series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine environmental inspection and enforcement duties while working toward a State of California Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently.  Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Environmental Health Specialist II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.   Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. 

 Environmental Health Specialist II: This is the journey-level registered classification in the professional Environment Health Specialist series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Environmental Health Specialist I level by possession of a Registered Environmental Health Specialist certification issued by the State of California and performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  

 This class is distinguished from the Environmental Health Specialist III in that the latter is the advanced journey-level which performs the most complex and specialized inspection and enforcement duties, including program oversight. 

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Performs regulation and enforcement of environmental health safety laws, rules, and regulations; interprets the more specialized environmental health regulations, rules, and policies related to an assigned program area.
• Inspects retail food establishments and special event vendors, as defined by State statute for compliance to applicable health codes; instructs food serving workers in the proper handling of food; investigates reported cases of food-borne illness.
• Inspects organized camps and body art facilities for compliance with public health laws; issues citations for violations of public health and environmental laws and regulations.
• Conducts inspections and monitors operations of proposed and current alternative and large community sewage disposal and treatment systems; performs plan checks; issues permits for systems; performs site checks and final checks of such systems.
• Reviews information and makes recommendations regarding wastewater disposal and water availability requirements related to land division projects in the County.
• Performs inspections small water systems; visually inspects for conformance with applicable codes and regulations; takes water samples and interprets laboratory results; communicates lab results and explains disinfection requirements if necessary.
• Inspects public swimming pools and spas for conformance with codes and regulations; takes and interprets water samples; inspects construction detail and proper use and maintenance of filters and chemicals.
• Determines the need for quarantine or closing of public eating and other establishments.
• Performs plan review and approval of food facilities, body art facilities, commercial swimming pool and spa facilities, septic systems, and water wells.
• Examines applications and conducts onsite inspections for special events; contacts event organizers and meets with vendors; disseminates public health information, regulations and requirements to food handlers.
• Prepares comprehensive reports related to inspections, investigations, and studies completed in the assigned program area.
• Provides general information to the regulated community and public regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations; receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns, and complaints from the public regarding division activities and programs; provides education related to environmental health issues and code violations.
• Compiles data for and prepares a variety of records and reports related to environmental health investigations, inspections, studies, and projects.
• Participates in community education and public information efforts.
• May provide guidance, assistance, and training to unregistered staff in preparation for licensing.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to citations and violations; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills/Eligibility:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of environmental sanitation, including water supply, sewage and refuse disposal, housing, and sanitation.    
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to environmental health programs. 
• Principles and practices of sanitary food production, processing, and handling.   
• Principles and techniques of sampling and analysis of varied specimens.   
• Principles and practices of physical and biological sciences as they relate to public health and environmental quality control. 
• Research practices. 
• Investigative techniques and principles of evidence. 
• Proper use and operation of field-testing equipment and materials used in environmental health inspections, investigations and warrants.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 Ability To:

• Conduct thorough routine and special inspections and investigations.  
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to enforcing environmental health regulations and guidelines.   
• Perform site analysis for waste and septic systems to identify determine location suitability. 
• Detect unsanitary conditions, isolate causes, and take appropriate action to ensure compliance. 
• Simultaneously conduct multiple inspections and investigations, and accurately document findings and maintain appropriate records. 
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner. 
• Collect and interpret field and test data accurately. 
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written material.   
• Review construction specifications and blueprints to ensure health and safety compliance. 
• Perform mathematical computations and statistical analysis. 
• Educate the public in matters of effective sanitary measures.   
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.   
• Maintain accurate files and records. 
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. 
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: