Environmental Health Specialist Under immediate supervision (Environmental Health Specialist I), general supervision (Environmental Health Specialist II), or general direction (Environmental Health Specialist III), performs progressively complex professional environmental health activities involving investigation, inspection, data collection and analysis, enforcement action, report preparation, and public contact; assists in environmental health program administration; and performs related duties as required. Distinguishing Characteristics: There are four levels (I-IV) in the Environmental Health Specialist series. Each level performs increasingly responsible public contact; interaction with public and private entities; conflict resolution; and a wider range of environmental health projects at a higher level of complexity (i.e., understanding concepts relating to environmental, biological, water, wastewater, etc.). Those at the Environmental Health Specialist IV level may act as project team leaders and program coordinators. Each succeeding step in the job series is expected to function at a higher level of individual initiative, creativity, self-direction, and independent judgment. Approximate Salaries: Environmental Health Specialist I: $29.02 - $40.62 Hourly Environmental Health Specialist II: $2,760.33 - $3,854.45 Biweekly Environmental Health Specialist III: $3,063.54 - $4,297.90 Biweekly
Note:
If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department. Environmental Health Specialist I is represented by the Services Employees' International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation. Environmental Health Specialist II/III are represented by the Services Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are not eligible for overtime compensation. Examples Of DutiesDuties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Inspection and Environmental Health Program Management:
Drives to and performs inspections at various facilities and properties to ensure compliance with applicable state laws and county ordinance code sections related to hazardous materials, hazardous waste, underground storage tanks, and above-ground petroleum storage tanks. Researches, compiles, synthesizes, analyzes, and interprets hazardous material information and data submitted through the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) in order to meet environmental health objectives. Coordinates environmental health projects, defines problems and alternative solutions, and sets objectives. Prepares written reports and makes recommendations for the completion of environmental health projects.
Field Investigation, Enforcement, and Emergency Response:
Conducts field investigations and complaint investigations of various sites in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the location under study.
May participate in enforcement activities, which include civil or criminal cases, and may involve the issuance of citations, report writing, collection of evidence, and court appearances.
If assigned to the Hazardous Materials emergency response team, may be required to respond to emergency incidents involving hazardous materials.
Project Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:- Coordinates and/or negotiates with other individuals, developers, groups, sections, divisions, departments, and agencies on various technical or legal aspects of environmental programs, some of which may be controversial or politically sensitive.
- Makes oral presentations to public groups and governmental bodies to explain and clarify environmental health reports and recommendations.
- Provides general information to the public in response to questions about projects, environmental health programs, applicable ordinances, policies, and procedures related to the Hazardous Materials, Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA).General Support
- Performs other duties as required.
- Typical Qualifications
Typical Qualifications:
Education, Training, and Experience Environmental Health Specialist I (EHS I) - Some experience in environmental health which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities. The required knowledge and abilities also can be obtained by completion of a Bachelor's degree in environmental health science or a related field. Environmental Health Specialist II (EHS II) - Some experience in environmental health that has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities. The required knowledge and abilities can also be obtained by completion of a bachelor's degree in environmental health science or a related field AND one (1) or more years of progressively responsible environmental health experience. Environmental Health Specialist III (EHS III) - Considerable experience in environmental health that has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities. The required knowledge and abilities can also be obtained by completion of a Bachelor degree in environmental health science or a related field and three (3) or more years of progressively responsible environmental health experience. Substitution: For EHS II/III: A master's degree in environmental health or a related field, and/or registration as a REHS in California may each substitute for one (1) year of experience Necessary Special Requirements Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment. Depending on assignment, must be willing and able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays throughout Ventura County including the Simi Valley office may be required on occasion. California UST Inspector certification issued by International Code Council must be obtained within six (6) months of hire. Must pass an Above Ground Petroleum Storage Tank Act course and exam approved by the California Office of State Fire Marshal within six (6) months of hire.
Desired:
Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) from the State of California Department of Public Health.
Experience conducting audits or inspections to determine compliance with hazardous waste, hazardous materials, or underground storage tank laws and regulations.
Three (3) or more years of experience in Environmental Health
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office environment and in the field and may require occasional exposure to hazardous conditions and moderate physical demands while making inspections.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Some to comprehensive (depending on level in series) knowledge of: Chemistry, microbiology, and environmental health science. Techniques of urban and regional water and land use planning. State, federal, local laws and regulations relating to environmental health programs and functions, such as above ground and underground storage tanks. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to hazardous waste and hazardous materials. Leaking Underground Fuel Tank Program requires some knowledge of geology and hydrology. Working to thorough (depending on level in series) knowledge of: Environmental research and statistical methods. Field tests and analytical procedures within hazardous material program areas. Interagency relationships. Investigative techniques. Sample collection. Some to Working ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and staff of other agencies. Perform inspections at various facilities and properties. Solve problems at increasingly complex levels. Speak and write clearly and concisely. Collect, analyze, and interpret data. Formulate recommendations. Prepare technical reports. Provide information and coordinate environmental health efforts. Coordinate projects and programs. Train staff.
