Environmental Health Specialist I/Ii

Summary

This recruitment is for Level I and Level II. The current vacancy is in the Land Use Program and Hazmat Program.

The salary rage for level I is $1987.20 - $2663.20 biweekly ($24.84 - $33.29 per hour). The salary range for level II is $2195.20 - $2941.60 biweekly ($27.44 - $36.77 per hour).

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Environmental Health Specialist I) or direction (Environmental Health Specialist II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

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.

Positions in the Environmental Health Specialist class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii)satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typicalfunctions 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental health, public health, sanitation, or a related field; and

Environmental Health Specialist I: None.

Environmental Health Specialist II: One (1) year of professional environmental health program experience equivalent to the class of Environmental Health Specialist I with Butte County.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

• Environmental Health Specialist I: Possession of a letter/certificate confirming acceptance by the California Department of Public Health as an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee.

• Environmental Health Specialist II: Must possess and maintain valid registration by the State of California as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.

• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When assigned to field inspections:

• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel and bend, to climb and descend ladders and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.

• Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

• Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.

• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, tight workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.

• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes computer, fax machine, printer and standard office equipment, motor vehicles, lead and gas detection meters, thermometers, spectrometers, flashlights, measuring tapes, GPS units, soil probes, picks, and buckets.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.