Environmental Health Specialist I/II/Senior

JOB Recruitments for County positions are typically conducted to establish eligibility lists to fill countywide vacancies that occur during the active status of those lists (approximately 3 -12 months).
Any person on a promotional eligibility list will be considered first by the hiring department(s) before persons on an open eligibility list.
The County of Lake only accepts applications for permanent positions when actively recruiting.
Only online applications are accepted.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.
The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer.
Veteran's Preference.
To apply for County examinations - All applications for County examinations must be submitted through the County's online application system.
A completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each online application.
All permanent County recruitments will be posted at www.
co.
lake.
ca.
us with a link to the online application.
The County of Lake reserves the right to limit the number of applications that will be accepted for any open recruitment, and any such limit will be included on the job posting.
When a limit is posted, the recruitment is subject to close at any time prior to the final filing date.
Completed online application packets must be submitted by the close of business on the date that the recruitment closes.
All relevant experience must be included on the application to be considered – resumes and other attached documents will not be used to qualify an applicant.
Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted at a ratio of 2 to 1 for the purpose of meeting minimum qualifications and applicants should contact the Human Resources department for details.
Important Notice - The provisions listed on job postings, job descriptions, or other recruitment materials do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
Benefits may vary between bargaining units.
Any provisions contained within job postings, job descriptions or other recruitment material may be modified or revoked without notice.
All County of Lake applicants who are given a conditional employment offer must comply with the County's pre-employment medical review program before they may be appointed to the County position.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I DEFINITIONUnder direct supervision, assists with and learns to conduct sanitary inspections and investigations in the environmental health conditions to enforce of federal, state, and local environmental health, safety, and hazardous materials laws, ordinances, and regulations; obtains compliance or corrective action; educates the public concerning environmental health and safety; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is the trainee/entry level non-registered classification in the Environmental Health Specialist series.
Incumbents in this class assist registered Environmental Health Specialists while learning to perform environmental health inspections and enforcement functions.
Incumbents are expected to attain state registration within three (3) years of initial employment.
After obtaining state registration as an Environmental Health Specialist, and as experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult.
This class is distinguished from Environmental Health Specialist II in that incumbents are working in a training and learning capacity.
Positions in the Environmental Health Specialist series are flexibly staffed.
Incumbents may advance to higher classifications after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives direct supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff.
Exercises no supervision over staff.
May provide technical and functional direction to assigned staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIESClass specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Assists with inspections to secure compliance with federal, state, and local sanitation laws and regulations governing food handling establishments, sewage disposal systems, substandard housing, land use, swimming pools, recreational health facilities, water supply systems, solid waste management, public nuisances, toxic/hazardous waste materials, zoning, underground storage tanks, and other areas.
Assists with recommending changes and provides instruction for deficiency and violation corrections.
Assists with advising food handlers and restaurant operators on correct sanitation methods.
Assists with special investigations of public complaints.
Assists in conducting investigations of insect nuisances or infestations.
Works with solid waste issues and problems, including illegal garbage dumping.
Makes inspections of public and private recreational facilities and swimming pools.
Assists with conducting a variety of health and safety compliance inspections.
Inspects facilities to minimize future health threats.
Takes water, soil, and waste samples and assists with interpreting data.
Learns to interpret environmental health laws and regulations for the public.
Reviews and assists with recommending changes in building plans to comply with environmental health regulations and standards.
Conducts on-site evaluations of sewage disposal systems.
Assists with reporting findings.
Assists with the initiation of non-compliance legal actions, filing criminal complaints in court, or scheduling an administrative hearing, as appropriate.
Learns to make abatement recommendations for environmental health problems.
Learns to issue permits for wells, food handling establishments, septic systems, and hazardous and medical waste facilities.
Develops technical reports.
Prepares correspondence regarding a variety of issues.
Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of: Chemical, biological, physical, and environmental sciences.
Basic principles and practices of environmental health, including inspection, review, compliance, and consultation methods and practices.
Basic knowledge of the functions and operations of state and federal environmental health agencies.
Sampling techniques and standards.
Basic investigative techniques and principles of evidence.
Computers and software used in environmental inspections and investigations.
Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Applicable business equipment and software applications.
Customer service principles and techniques.
Written and oral communications skills.
Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Computers and software programs (e.
g.
, Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.
Ability to: Learn the policies and procedures of the Environmental Health Division of the Health Services Department.
Learn the laws, rules, regulations, requirements, and procedures governing environmental health inspection and enforcement.
Assist with and learn to perform a variety of environmental health and hazardous waste investigations, inspections, and enforcement.
Learn to conduct thorough routine and special inspections and investigations.
Learn to use various test sampling, monitoring, measuring, and laboratory supplies and equipment, and specialized protective gear as needed.
Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data, reaching valid conclusions.
Read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures regarding environmental health inspections, compliance, and enforcement.
Prepare a variety of technical reports.
Perform research and analytical work.
Effectively represent the Environmental Health Division of the Health Services Department in contacts with the public, other County staff, and other government agencies.
Regularly work well under pressure, meeting critical deadlines.
Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned.
Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, customers, clients, and the public.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Licensing and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.
Documentation showing application to the California Department of Health Services/Environmental Health Specialist Registration Program must be submitted with a County of Lake employment application.
Ability to obtain a valid Environmental Health registration issued by the State Department of Public Health within three (3) years of initial employment with the county.
Education and Experience: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in biological or physical sciences, environmental health science, engineering, or a closely related field.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST II DEFINITIONUnder direct supervision, conducts sanitary inspections and investigations in the environmental health conditions to enforce federal, state, and local environmental health, safety, and hazardous materials laws, ordinances, and regulations; obtains compliance or corrective action; educates the public concerning environmental health and safety; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is the journey level registered classification in the Environmental Health Specialist series.
Incumbents in this class conduct investigations in a broad range of environmental inspection and enforcement duties.
This class is distinguished from the Environmental Health Specialist I by the fact that incumbents are expected to be fully registered.
It is further distinguished from the Environmental Health Specialist, Senior in that the latter is the advanced journey level and incumbents are expected to perform a broader range of more complex work, as well as exercise lead and work coordination responsibilities when necessary.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives direct supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff.
Exercises no supervision over staff.
May provide technical and functional direction to assigned staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Conducts inspections to secure compliance with federal, state, and local sanitation laws and regulations governing food handling establishments, sewage disposal systems, substandard housing, land use, swimming pools, recreational health facilities, water supply systems, solid waste management, public nuisances, toxic and hazardous waste materials, zoning, underground storage tanks, and other areas.
Recommends changes and provides instruction for deficiency and violation corrections.
Advises food handlers and restaurant operators on correct sanitation methods.
Assists with special investigations of public complaints.
Conducts investigations of insect nuisances or infestations.
Works with solid waste issues and problems, including illegal garbage dumping.
Makes inspections of public and private recreational facilities and swimming pools.
Conducts a variety of health and safety compliance inspections.
Inspects facilities to minimize future health threats.
Takes water, soil, and waste samples and interprets data.
Interprets environmental health laws and regulations for the public.
Reviews plans for new subdivisions, conducting on-site inspections to ensure suitable water and sewage facilities.
Reviews and recommends changes in building plans to comply with environmental health regulations and standards.
Conducts on-site evaluations of sewage disposal systems.
Completes reports of findings.
Assists with the initiation of non-compliance legal actions, filing criminal complaints in court, or scheduling an administrative hearing, as appropriate.
Makes abatement recommendations for environmental health problems.
Issues permits for wells, food handling establishments, septic systems, and hazardous and medical waste facilities.
Develops technical reports.
Prepares correspondence regarding a variety of issues.
Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of: Principles and practices of environmental health, including inspection, review, compliance, and consultation methods and practices.
Laws, rules, regulations, requirements, and procedures governing environmental health inspection and enforcement.
Chemical, biological, physical, and environmental sciences.
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, biological, and social sciences as they relate to public health and environmental quality control.
Investigative techniques and principles of evidence.
Functions and operations of state and federal environmental health agencies.
Sampling techniques and standards.
Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Applicable business equipment and software applications.
Customer service principles and techniques.
Written and oral communications skills.
Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Computers and software programs (e.
g.
, Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.
Ability to: Perform a variety of environmental health and hazardous waste investigations, inspections, and enforcement.
Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data, reaching valid conclusions.
Conduct thorough routine and special inspections and investigations.
Analyze, interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies.
Read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures regarding environmental health inspections, compliance, and enforcement.
Use various test sampling, monitoring, measuring, and laboratory supplies and equipment, and specialized protective gear as needed.
Prepare a variety of technical reports.
Exercise sound, independent judgment within established guidelines.
Effectively represent the Environmental Health Division of the Health Services Department in contacts with the public, other County staff, and other government agencies.
Regularly work well under pressure, meeting critical deadlines.
Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Licensing and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.
Possession of a valid Environmental Health registration issued by the State Department of Public Health.
Education and Experience: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in biological or physical sciences, environmental health science, engineering, or a closely related field.
AND One (1) year of full-time experience performing or assisting with environmental investigations and inspections duties comparable to that of the Environmental Health Specialist I with the County of Lake.
Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST, SENIOR DEFINITIONUnder general direction, conducts sanitary inspections and investigations in the enforcement of federal, state, county, and local environmental health, safety, and hazardous materials laws, rules, regulations, and standards; assists with program development and improvement; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is the fully experienced, advanced journey level in the Environmental Health Specialist series.
Incumbents are Registered Environmental Health Specialists and conduct investigations in a broad range of Environmental Health areas on an independent basis.
In addition, incumbents in this class are expected to participate in program development and improvement of existing programs.
They may also provide some work coordination and direction for other Environmental Health Specialists and Environmental Health Technicians.
This class is distinguished from Environmental Health Specialist II by the performance of a broader range of more complex work, as well as the assignment of lead and work coordination responsibilities when necessary.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives immediate or general supervision from the assigned supervisor.
Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
May provide technical and functional direction to assigned staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Conducts the full scope of inspections and performs the most complex work to secure compliance with federal, state, and local sanitation laws and regulations governing food handling establishments, sewage disposal systems, substandard housing, land use, swimming pools, recreational health facilities, water supply systems, solid waste management, public nuisances, toxic/hazardous waste materials, zoning, underground storage tanks, and other areas.
Recommends changes and provides instruction for deficiency and violation corrections.
Advises food handlers and restaurant operators on correct sanitation methods.
Conducts special investigations in response to public complaints.
Conducts investigations of insect nuisances or infestations.
Works with solid waste issues and problems, including illegal garbage dumping.
Makes inspections of public and private recreational facilities and swimming pools.
Makes housing inspections to determine health and safety compliance with appropriate laws and standards.
Inspects facilities to minimize future health threats.
Takes water, soil, and waste samples.
Interprets environmental health laws and regulations for the public.
Conducts on-site inspections to ensure suitable water and sewage facilities.
Conducts on-site evaluations of sewage disposal systems.
Conducts studies and evaluates information regarding underground storage tanks and other hazardous materials storage, treatment, disposal, reduction, and reuse.
Completes reports of findings.
Initiates non-compliance legal actions, filing criminal complaints in court, or scheduling an administrative hearing, as appropriate.
Develops abatement recommendations for environmental health problems.
Issues permits for wells, food handling establishments, septic systems, and hazardous and medical waste facilities.
Develops and writes technical reports.
Prepares correspondence regarding a variety of issues.
Participates as needed in program planning, development, and implementation.
Trains and supervises other Environmental Health Specialists and Technicians.
Assist in disaster recovery, including site safety assessments during disaster, generally wildfires, occasionally floods, and provide environmental health presence at the local disaster recovery center.
May be assigned lead direction and work coordination responsibilities for other staff.
Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of: Policies and procedures of the Environmental Health Division and the Health Services Department.
Program development and implementation principles.
Laws, rules, regulations, requirements, and procedures governing environmental health inspection and enforcement.
Chemical, biological, physical, and environmental sciences.
Principles and practices of environmental health, including inspection, review, compliance, and consultation methods and practices.
Functions and operations of state and federal environmental health agencies.
Sampling techniques and standards.
Computers and software used in environmental inspections and investigations.
Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Applicable business equipment and software applications.
Ability to: Perform a variety of environmental health and hazardous waste investigations, inspections, and enforcement.
Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data, reaching valid conclusions.
Read and interpret and apply policies, regulations, and procedures regarding environmental health inspections and compliance.
Prepare a variety of technical reports.
Perform research and analytical work.
Operate a variety of office and technical equipment and computers in the performance of environmental health inspections and investigations.
Provide instruction, guidance, and consultation on environmental problems.
Effectively represent the Environmental Health Division of the Health Services Department in contacts with the public, other county staff, and other government agencies.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Regularly work well under pressure, meeting critical deadlines.
Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned.
Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, customers, clients, and the public.
Licensing and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.
Possession of a valid Environmental Health registration issued by the State Department of Public Health.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or a closely related field.
AND Two (2) years of experience as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist performing a variety of environmental investigations and inspections.
Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Incumbents are subject to shift work as assigned, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Standby duty is also required.
Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field.
As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions.
Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.
A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment.
Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).
Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.
The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment.
The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein.
The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice.
Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.