Careers

Description:

Under general direction, performs progressively complex professional environment health activities within the Environmental Health Division’s CUPA Program involving investigation, inspection, data collection and analysis, enforcement action, report preparation and public contact; assists in environmental health program administration; and performs related duties as required.

The ideal candidate will be able to act as a project team leader and program coordinator; able to work with a diverse group of stakeholders in challenging situations with a high degree of tact and diplomacy; be innovative and enthusiastic; and have strong communication and interpersonal skills.   This person will also be highly motivated; self-directed and possess strong organizational skills; be able to identify and solve problems; interpret and administer various laws, regulations and ordinances, and exercise good judgment.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Performs inspections of various facilities and properties to determine conformance with applicable hazardous materials and hazardous waste federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Serves as the program team leaders and coordinator for one or more programs. Acting as the subject matter expert and primary trainer for each assigned program.
• Researches, compiles, synthesizes, analyzes, and interprets information and data necessary to meet environmental health objectives.
• Prepares written reports and makes recommendations for completion of environmental health projects.
• Coordinates environmental health projects, defines problems and alternative solutions, and sets objectives.
• Conducts field investigations of various sites to have first-hand knowledge of the location under study.
• Coordinates and/or negotiates with other individuals, developers, groups, sections, divisions, departments and agencies on various technical or legal aspects of environmental programs, some of which may be controversial or politically sensitive.
• Provides general information to the public in response to questions about projects, environmental health programs, applicable ordinances, policies and procedures.
• May participate in enforcement activities which include civil or criminal cases and may involve issuance of citations, collection of evidence and court appearances.
• Makes oral presentations to public groups and governmental bodies to explain and clarify environmental health reports and recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Eligibility:

Extensive experience in environmental health which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities. The required knowledge and abilities also can be obtained by completion of a Bachelor’s degree in environmental health science or a related field and five (5) or more years of progressively responsible environmental health experience. 

Substitution:

• A Master’s degree in environmental health science or a related field, and/or registration as an Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) in California may each substitute for one year of experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid California driver license.
• Effective written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
• Ability and willingness to work in Ventura and Simi Valley. 
• A California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector certification issued by the International Code Council is required within six (6) months of appointment.
• A passing score on the Above Ground Petroleum Storage Tank Act (APSA) course and exam, approved by the California Office of State Fire Marshall is required within six (6) months of appointment.
• Respond to emergency incidents involving hazardous materials. 

DESIRED:

• Experience as project manager/lead Environmental Health Specialist is highly desired.
• Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) in California is highly desired.
• Experience with Environmental Health program development.
• Experience with developing, evaluating and updating policies and procedures.
• Experience in effectively communicating program goals, administrative policies, and technical information to staff and the general public.
• Experience with database maintenance and process development. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:  

Comprehensive Knowledge of:

• Chemistry, microbiology and environmental health science.
• State, federal, local laws and regulations relating to assigned environmental health programs and functions. 

Thorough knowledge of: 

• Environmental research and statistical methods.
• Interagency relationships and program area.
• Field tests and analytical procedures within environmental health program areas.
• Investigative techniques and sample collection.

Working ability to: 

• Perform inspections by collecting, analyzing and interpreting data within program areas, including data entry and creation of reports.
• Solve problems at increasingly complex levels and formulate recommendations.
• Speak and write clearly and concisely, including preparation of technical reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and staff of other agencies.
• Provide information and coordinate environmental health efforts.
• Coordinate projects and programs.
• Train staff and the public.