Environmental Health Specialist II

County of Mendocino•Ukiah, CA

About The Position

This position supports the consumer protection program by conducting food, pool, and body art inspections and advising the public, designers, and facility operators. Daily assignments include complaint investigations, enforcement activities, report writing, reviewing applications, and issuing operating permits for food, pool, body art, campground, and state small water system facilities. The current vacancy is in Ukiah. The recruitment list may also be used for open and promotional, regular full-time and part-time positions throughout Mendocino County during a limited period. Employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or Covelo are eligible for a 5% assignment premium under current bargaining unit agreements. Under general supervision, the Environmental Health Specialist II performs complex technical work to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal public health and environmental laws and regulations. Work includes advising the public, investigating complaints and releases, preparing reports, inspecting facilities, reviewing plans and applications, issuing permits and citations, and following up on violations. The position may work across environmental health programs involving food facilities, public pools and spas, small public water systems, hazardous materials and waste, underground storage tanks, wells, septic systems, solid waste, housing, camps, and other regulated settings. The role requires a California Registered Environmental Health Specialist certificate and a valid driver's license. The minimum education and experience pathway includes a bachelor's degree with 30 semester units of basic sciences (or equivalent from a four-year college in Biology, Environmental Health, or a related field) and one year of progressively responsible related experience, or an alternative combination of higher education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 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 one year of progressively responsible related experience; alternatively, a combination of higher education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) in the State of California.
Valid driver's license.
Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules, regulations, and legislative issues.
Knowledge of physical, biological, and social science principles related to public health and environmental quality control; microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, hydraulics, hydrology, soil morphology, physics, and vector control.
Knowledge of inspection and investigation methods; food handling; pool and spa equipment; hazardous materials and waste; fuel delivery stations; and sewage systems.
Knowledge of English usage, departmental policies, related governmental agencies, computer applications and hardware, business arithmetic, record keeping, report preparation, filing, records management, and office procedures.
Ability to use tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines; accurately and rapidly enter and retrieve data; and communicate courteously with staff and the public.
Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on office machines, including copiers, fax machines, telephone systems, and two-way radio base stations.
Ability to compile and evaluate data, make recommendations, interpret laboratory results, prepare clear reports, read and interpret technical documents, and follow written and oral instructions with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and perform arithmetic and problem-solving involving several variables in standardized situations.
Ability to perform the physical functions of the job, including standing, walking, sitting, handling objects, reaching, speaking, hearing, and pushing, pulling, moving, or lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds above and below the neck.
Maintain all required licenses, certifications, registrations, and other qualifications within specified timeframes as conditions of continued employment.
Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must submit unofficial transcripts with the application; applicants with foreign education must submit an evaluation stating the U.S.-equivalent coursework units.
Complete all application sections and provide contact information for supervisors and at least three non-relative references.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills are encouraged.

Responsibilities

Meet with and advise the public, contractors, business representatives, designers, and facility operators about public health and environmental issues, applicable laws, regulations, fees, and hazardous materials business plans.
Investigate complaints, environmental crimes, hazardous material and waste incidents, foodborne illness, childhood lead poisoning, animal bites, and potential rabies exposures; collect samples and evidence, review laboratory results, prepare reports, make referrals, and issue notices or citations as appropriate.
Prepare routine, non-routine, and complex reports; analyze and summarize information; relay administrative decisions and instructions; and maintain related records, databases, documents, and files.
Review and approve underground storage tank operations certificate submissions and other public health and environmental documents, reports, and certificates.
Inspect hazardous materials handlers, hazardous waste generators and treatment businesses, underground storage tank removal and closure work, and facilities or projects within the division's jurisdiction.
Review applications, issue permits, and conduct field inspections related to hazardous materials handling and treatment, underground storage tanks, wells, and other regulated projects.
Review applications and building plans and conduct construction inspections for new or remodeled food facilities, public pools, and spas.
Inspect public food facilities, small public water systems, public pools and spas, camps, institutions, schools, labor camps, special events, housing units, and solid waste facilities for compliance; document violations and compliance requirements and conduct follow-up inspections.
Review quarterly monitoring reports and plans for small public water systems, septic systems, food facilities, and public pools and spas for compliance with state and local requirements.
Review coastal permits, building permits, and applications; collect information from other agencies; recommend permit conditions; review reports addressing those conditions; and notify senior staff.
Diagnose failing septic systems, develop repair designs for on-site sewage disposal systems, review calculations and soil reports, issue construction permits, and inspect work against approved designs.
Collect shellfish samples and submit them to the state laboratory for paralytic toxin testing.
Investigate lead hazards and foodborne illness according to state protocols, collect samples, prepare reports, and work with responsible parties to abate hazards.
Prepare notifications of contaminated sites for press release and review hazardous materials business plans for completeness and legal compliance.
Inspect and issue permits for septic tank cleaning and refuse disposal trucks.
Draft underground storage tank permit compliance guidelines and procedures, review and implement new laws and regulations, and issue legal notices or abatement letters for violations.
Develop workshops and educational classes, plan curriculum, make presentations, and/or oversee examinations.
Review environmental impact reports and conduct studies related to environmental health; prepare reports on findings.
Maintain and calibrate equipment and meters, schedule maintenance, and inventory supplies and equipment.
Attend seminars, meetings, and training programs and read professional publications to maintain and improve job knowledge and skills.
Report administrative or operational problems to a supervisor and disseminate information and reports to agencies, divisions, and departments.
Perform other related duties as assigned.