Senior Environmental Health Specialist

Under direction, to perform direct, highly specialized, complex duties within a specific environmental health field enforcing applicable regulations, laws, codes, policies and procedures.

The Environmental Health Branch is currently recruiting for one (1) full-time Senior Environmental Health Specialist position in the Land Use Program. This position will act as a program lead for alternative onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), drinking water systems, joint enforcement investigations for noise and land use violations, and coverage in the Planning Department.

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.
 

• Conducts specialized and complex studies, investigations and inspections and makes recommendations;
   
• Assists in the development of new programs, methods, and techniques related to the area of specialty; recommends program goals, policies and procedures;
   
• Reviews new laws and their implications and communicates these to staff;
   
• Serves as staff consultant in area of specialization and provides orientation and in-service training;
   
• May provide lead duties based on individual assignments or may serve as a lead environmental health specialist in the area of specialty;
   
• Mentors journey and entry level staff;
   
• Serves as County's consultant in area of specialty by attending and participating on task forces, commissions and committees;
   
• Maintains liaison with Federal, State and local agencies;
   
• Recommends program goals, policies and procedures; updates and edits sections of County Ordinance Code relating to specialty area;
   
• Works in partnership with industry and other government agencies to develop and implement training programs pursuant to new laws and regulations; develops procedures manuals and provides training in area of specialty;
   
• Conducts food safety certification classes for food facility owners/managers;
   
• Reviews environmental impact studies regarding noise, land use, solid waste and water projects to determine compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
   
• Inspects and investigates difficult environmental health conditions including water supplies, food establishments, certified farmers' market, sewage disposal, solid/medical waste facilities, body art establishments, pumper and refuse collection vehicles, correctional institutions, food vehicles, and temporary events. Reviews noise monitoring studies, noise reduction plans and manure management plans;
   
• Participates in joint investigations with Federal, State and local agencies including police, fire, zoning, public health, code enforcement, building and other agencies; investigates consumer product tampering incidents;
   
• Reviews and approves plans for the construction of swimming pools, food establishments and other projects;
   
• Analyzes and interprets the impact of legislative changes on area of specialty. Interprets and applies laws and regulations related to area of specialization; proposes methods for compliance;
   
• Determines program funding needs either within budget constraints or by obtaining outside funding; writes funding requests and grant proposals and administers approved grant programs; prepares contracts and implements, monitors and evaluates compliance of contract terms;
   
• Advises on a wide variety of health practices and enforces compliance with laws, regulations and ordinances;
   
• Investigates complaints and suspected violations of environmental health laws, regulations and ordinances and ensures abatement of such violations;
   
• Confers with and advises engineers, architects, planners, contractors, building officials, developers and others on review of major building, remodeling plans and closed landfill sites;
   
• Gathers evidence of violations of applicable laws and prepares investigative reports for court actions; testifies as an expert witness in depositions/appeals cases with County Hearing Officer and other judicial proceedings; 
  
  
• Issues citations and appears as issuing officer in court; 
  
  
• May prepare cases for referral to County Counsel/District Attorney for prosecution;
  
  
• Executes enforcement actions such as closures, impounds, and embargos;
   
• Keeps abreast of new science, technologies and trends; develops an understanding of new environmental laws and regulations related to the area of specialization;
   
• Participates in continuing education as required by departmental needs and assignments or state regulations;
   
• Conducts training on environmental health issues;
   
• Updates and edits department web site to reflect new information in area of specialty;
   
• Collects samples of water, food, beverage, potentially hazardous substances and other specimens for laboratory tests;
   
• Organizes and sets the agenda items or attends meetings and confers with community groups and governmental officials;
   
• Keeps records and prepares written and oral reports;
   
• Issues ministerial and discretionary permits; collects fees for same when required;
  
  
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
   
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through three (3) years of recent full-time Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) work experience related to enforcement of Federal, State, and/or Local Government health/environmental regulations.
 

and
 

Possession and maintenance of a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification issued by the California Department of Public Health for the duration of employment in this classification.
 
Special Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Environmental health provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and California Code of Regulations, California State Public Resources Codes, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA processes), and provisions of the California Penal Code relating to public nuisances;
   
• Environmental Justice Proceedings as it relates to land fill permits and other public notices;
   
• The principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary sciences;
   
• The techniques used in conducting environmental and epidemiological investigations;
   
• The methods and procedures used in inspecting and correcting unsanitary conditions;
   
• Common computer systems and applications.
  
  

Ability to:

• Perform high level technical assignments requiring possession and application of knowledge and skills in a designated specialty area(s);
   
• Interpret and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to environmental health;
   
• Mentor, coordinate, evaluate, train and direct the work of lower-level employees;
   
• Provide guidance to journey level and entry level staff in designated specialty program areas;
   
• Deal tactfully and effectively with members of policy boards, commissions, elected, appointed public officials, media and the general public;
   
• Keep accurate records;
   
• Prepare clear, concise reports;
   
• Gather and present data effectively;
   
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
  
  
• Represent division or department as an expert in area of specialty; 
  
  

•  Use computer systems and applications;
   
• Meet respiratory protection program requirements.

• (Prolonged) Sitting, standing, and/or walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces;
  
  

• Frequent movements including but not limited to (bending, crawling, squatting, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead; 
  
  
• Lift, drag, push and carry objects up to 50lbs;
  
  
• Working in a variety of different environments (indoor and outdoor) with various factors including but not limited to different temperatures, humidity, sanitary conditions, exposure to odors, loud noise, chemicals and working in, with and around potential hazardous materials;
  
  
• Wear protective clothing and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.