Environmental Health Specialist I

County of Mendocino•Ukiah, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Health Specialist I supports the consumer protection program by conducting food, pool, and body art inspections and advising members of the public, designers, and facility operators. Under general supervision, the position performs basic technical functions to help ensure compliance with local, state, and federal public health and environmental laws and regulations. Duties include investigating complaints, carrying out enforcement activities, preparing reports, inspecting facilities, reviewing plans and applications, and issuing permits. The current vacancy is in Ukiah. The recruitment list may also be used for regular full-time and part-time open or promotional positions throughout Mendocino County. Employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or Covelo are eligible for a 5% assignment premium under applicable bargaining unit agreements. Bilingual English/Spanish applicants are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, including 30 semester units of basic sciences, or equivalent from a four-year college in Biology, Environmental Health, or a related field; and notification from the California Department of Health Services that the candidate has met minimum standards as an environmental health specialist trainee.
Alternatively, with notification from the California Department of Health Services of trainee eligibility, an equivalent combination of higher education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.
Valid driver's license.
Possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain within specified timeframes, applicable licenses, certifications, registrations, and other stated requirements.
Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, codes, laws, regulations, and legislative issues.
Knowledge of basic physical, biological, and social sciences related to public health and environmental quality control; microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, statistical analysis, hydraulics, hydrology, soil morphology, and physics.
Knowledge of inspection and investigation methods for hazardous-material handlers, facilities, and criminal violations; vector control; proper food handling; and pool and spa equipment design and operation.
Knowledge of hazardous materials and waste, including their generation, use, treatment, storage, disposal, release, and cleanup, and of fuel delivery station design and operation.
Knowledge of English usage, departmental policies and procedures, related governmental agencies, computer applications and hardware, business arithmetic, records management, report preparation, and general office procedures and equipment.
Skill in using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines; using a computer to enter and retrieve information accurately and quickly; and communicating courteously with staff and the public.
Skill in operating and performing routine maintenance on office machines, telephone systems, and two-way radio base stations.
Ability to compile and evaluate data, make recommendations, interpret laboratory results, and prepare clear reports.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and other documents; follow written and oral instructions with attention to detail and accuracy; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and address problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
Regularly perform the essential job functions involving sitting, standing, walking, handling objects, reaching, speaking, hearing, and pushing, pulling, moving, or lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds above and below the neck.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.

Responsibilities

Meet with and advise the public, contractors, business representatives, designers, and facility operators about public health and environmental issues, applicable requirements, fees, and business plans.
Investigate routine complaints by collecting evidence and food, soil, and water samples; reviewing laboratory results; preparing reports; making referrals; and forwarding information to law enforcement or legal officials.
Prepare routine and non-routine reports, work reports, and summaries using relevant software; relay and interpret administrative decisions, policies, and instructions.
Review and approve underground storage tank operations certificate submissions and other environmental and public health documents.
Investigate illegal handling, storage, disposal, or release of hazardous materials and monitor safety practices during underground storage tank removal and closure work.
Inspect businesses that handle or store hazardous materials and businesses that generate or treat hazardous waste.
Review applications, issue permits, and conduct field inspections involving hazardous materials, underground storage tanks, wells, and other projects within the division's jurisdiction.
Review applications and building plans and conduct construction inspections for new or remodeled food facilities and public pools and spas.
Inspect public food facilities, small public water systems, and public pools and spas; document violations and compliance requirements in written reports.
Review quarterly monitoring reports and plans for small public water systems, septic systems, food facilities, and public pools and spas for regulatory compliance.
Inspect housing for vermin, vectors, refuse, poor water quality, and other health and safety concerns; follow up on compliance or refer cases to law enforcement or legal entities.
Process and comment on coastal permits, verify that projects meet County water and septic service requirements, review applications and reports, and notify senior staff about satisfied conditions.
Review building permits and applications and collect related information from other agencies.
Review well applications, issue permits, and conduct well inspections.
With senior staff assistance, develop on-site sewage disposal system designs for repair situations; review calculations and soil reports, conduct field checks, issue construction permits, and inspect work for compliance with approved designs.
Collect shellfish samples and send them to the state laboratory for testing for paralytic toxins.
Inspect organized camps and special events for compliance with applicable requirements.
Review hazardous materials business plans for completeness and compliance.
Conduct routine inspections of solid waste facilities and inspect and issue permits for septic tank cleaning and refuse disposal trucks.
Draft underground storage tank permit compliance guidelines and procedures under state and federal laws, and review and implement new laws and regulations.
Maintain and calibrate equipment and meters, schedule maintenance, and inventory supplies and equipment.
Maintain computer database information, documents, records, and files.
Maintain and develop professional knowledge and skills through seminars, meetings, training, and professional publications.
Report administrative or operational problems to a supervisor and distribute information and reports to agencies, divisions, and departments.
Provide backup for other department positions as needed and perform other related duties as assigned.