Environmental Health Technician (Cross Connections)

The City of Pasadena is currently seeking an Environmental Health Technician (Cross Connections) to perform tasks related to environmental health regulatory activities. The primary job duties for this position are field inspections and office work in the cross connections program (approximately 85% of work time). The position also conducts work in one or more secondary programs such as tobacco retail, swimming pools, leaf blowers, or local enforcement related to smoking and vermin complaints, and has opportunities for cross training. This class differs from the Assistant Environmental Health Specialist in that the latter receives the on-the-job training hours necessary to meet State of California licensure requirements to qualify as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate possesses knowledge of environmental health science principles and theory and has familiarity with plumbing systems, cross connection hazards, and backflow prevention assemblies. This is an in-person assignment with field-based job duties that place them in a new location each day. They must have strong critical thinking skills, an investigative sense, and the ability to communicate complex and technical information both orally and in writing.  An understanding of the technical aspects of cross connection prevention including assembly types, installation, and testing, degrees of hazard, and water systems is a must to excel at this role. 

The City of Pasadena has had its own Public Health Department for over 125 years. We are excited about serving our community and we hope you are too! Come join our team and grow with us!

Please note: This examination is authorized as Promotional and Open Competitive, with the promotional eligibility list taking precedence. 

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more information, please review the job description.

• Performs inspections of water systems at commercial, institutional, medical, and residential properties for actual and potential cross connections; issues written reports with corrective actions; conducts follow up inspections to verify compliance.
• Reviews backflow prevention device test results; updates backflow assembly records, tester certifications, and customer accounts in an electronic data management system.
• Conducts surveys of public swimming pools to identify critical violations that pose immediate health or safety risks to pool users.
• Conducts inspections of tobacco retail facilities for compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Investigates complaints related to tobacco use, vector control, vermin, sewage, and general sanitation. 
• Performs annual certification of leaf blowing machines.
• Performs simple maintenance and calibration of testing equipment.
• Writes inspections reports, complaint investigation reports, and correspondence.
• Issues warning notices and administrative citations.
• Regularly performs physical activities including sitting, walking, standing, climbing ladders and stairs, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, and crawling. Must work comfortably in various environments including rooftops, underground tunnels, and confined spaces.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Attention to Detail - Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
• Informing - Proactively obtaining and sharing information.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing.
• Handling Conflict - Managing interpersonally strained situations.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding and using written information.
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation - Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Two years of college credit in environmental health, public health, environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, ecology or a related field; OR
• Two years of experience working as a vector control technician or providing direct support in an environmental health program.

DESIRABLES

• Two or more years of experience working with plumbing systems
• Training or certification in cross connections administration or backflow prevention device testing 
• Experience in interpreting and/or enforcing laws, rules, or regulations

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will consist of a training and experience evaluation, interview panel, department-level interview and possibly an online assessment.

VACANCY INFORMATION

There are currently two full-time vacancies in the Environmental Health division of the Public Health Department. The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future. Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one-year probationary work period.

Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment.

PC 832 certification must be completed within one year of appointment to the position as a requirement of continued employment.