Environmental Health Specialist I/II/III

County of Mono; California; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Environmental Health Specialists to ensure compliance with state and local health regulations. This role involves conducting inspections, preparing reports, and working closely with various departments to maintain public health standards. Ideal candidates will possess a strong foundation in environmental health principles and demonstrate the ability to analyze data and communicate effectively. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to community health and safety while developing your expertise in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of environmental health regulations and inspection processes.
• Ability to conduct inspections and prepare technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections for compliance with health and safety laws.
• Prepare reports and assist with investigations of health issues.

Skills

Environmental Health Knowledge

Inspection Techniques

Analytical Skills

Report Writing

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health

Certification in Environmental Health

Tools

Computers and Software

Job description

Statement on Remote Work Policy – Mono County, California

Mono County does not permit out-of-state remote work for its employees. All employees must perform their job duties within the state of California to ensure compliance with state labor laws, tax regulations, and operational needs. Any remote work arrangements must be conducted within California, subject to department approval and county policies.

Description

First Review of Applications - May 15, 2025

Description of the EHS Classes I, II, III:Examples of work and descriptions are meant to progress through the levels. For example, an employee at level II may also perform work listed within the previous level.

Note: Factors that may distinguish between entry and journey levels include the degree of independence in performing the work, the complexity of the work, the scope of responsibility, and the employee’s related experience, and education, and certifications. Other factors may include the type, nature, scope, and complexity of the assigned work. Employees at the journey level may independently perform the full range of work listed in the examples or may assist others in that work.

About the role

EHS I:

Under direct supervision, to assist with and learn to conduct inspections and investigations in the enforcement of State and local environmental health, safety, and hazardous materials laws, rules, regulations, and standards; to prepare studies and reports and to do related work as required; obtain necessary training hours in chosen environmental health programs to be eligible to sit for REHS exam.

EHS II:

Under supervision, to conduct inspections and investigations in the enforcement of State and local environmental health, safety, and hazardous materials laws, rules, regulations, and standards; to prepare studies and reports and to do related work as required.

EHS III:

Under direction, to conduct inspections and investigations in the enforcement of State and local environmental health, safety, and hazardous materials laws, rules, regulations, and standards; to prepare studies and reports; to provide lead training and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

EHS I:

This is the entry level in the Environmental Health Specialist class series. Incumbents assist Registered Environmental Health Specialists and learn to conduct inspections and investigations under the supervision of the Environmental Health Manager and REHS staff. Incumbents are expected to attain State Registration within 3 years of initial employment. After attaining registration and sustained work proficiency has been demonstrated, they are eligible for promotion to Environmental Health Specialist II.

EHS II:

This is the journey-level in the Environmental Health Specialist class series. Incumbents in this class are Registered Environmental Specialists and conduct inspections and investigations on an independent basis.

EHS III:

This is the lead level in the Environmental Health Specialist class series. Incumbents in this class are Registered Environmental Specialists, have worked as an EHS II for a minimum of two years, and conduct inspections and the full scope of investigations on an independent basis. Incumbents in this class may be assigned lead responsibilities in one or more Environmental Health programs.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED:

EHS I & II:None.

EHS III:May provide lead training under the direction of the Environmental Health Manager.

REPORTS TO

Environmental Health Director

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONISBILITIES(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

EHS I:

1. Under supervision, conducts inspections, and receives necessary training, to secure compliance with State and local health and safety laws and regulations pertaining to food establishments, individual onsite sewage disposal systems, land use, public swimming pools and spas and other recreational health facilities, small public water systems, solid waste disposal facilities, hazardous waste and materials management, underground storage tanks, and other areas.
2. Provides instruction and directs corrective action for deficiencies and violations related to regulated facilities.
3. Under supervision, investigates complaints regarding foodborne illness outbreaks, illegal solid waste dumping, water quality issues and others; assists with investigations of vector-borne diseases and insect infestations.
4. May assist other departments with housing inspections to determine health and safety compliance with appropriate laws, regulations and standards.
5. Takes food, water or soil samples and may assist in interpreting data.
6. May assist in conducting site evaluations for appropriate sewage disposal and/or water sources.
7. Completes reports of findings.
8. Maintain confidentiality.

EHS II:

1. Conducts inspections and provides guidance to secure compliance with State and local health and safety laws and regulations pertaining to food establishments, individual onsite sewage disposal systems, land use, public swimming pools and spas and other recreational health facilities, small public water systems, solid waste disposal facilities, hazardous waste and materials management, underground storage tanks, and other areas.
2. Provides instruction and directs corrective action for deficiencies and violations related to regulated facilities.
3. Investigates complaints regarding foodborne illness outbreaks, illegal solid waste dumping, water quality issues and others.
4. Works with and advises other agencies and departments on a variety of environmental health issues.
5. Assists with investigations of vector-borne diseases and vermin infestations and complaints.
6. Inspects solid waste facilities for compliance with solid waste regulations and permitting requirements,
7. Assists other departments with housing inspections to determine health and safety compliance with appropriate laws, regulations and standards.
8. Takes food, water or soil samples and may assist in interpreting data.
9. Reviews plans for new subdivisions and other development projects and provides recommendations to the planning agency with regard to environmental health related regulations and standards.
10. Conducts site evaluations for appropriate sewage disposal and/or water sources.
11. Completes reports of findings; initiates legal actions, including violation notices, administrative hearings or court orders, resulting from non-compliance with state and local laws, regulations and ordinances.
12. Assists with the development of policies and procedures.
13. May conduct educational meetings with the public as needed.
14. Testifies in court as an expert witness.
15. Maintain confidentiality.

EHS III:

1. Performs duties described for EHS II class but addresses more complex issues and higher responsibility in program development.
2. Assists with the development of policies and procedures.
3. Assists Environmental Health Manager in the development of more complex program policies and procedures and the development and updates of ordinances pertaining to environmental health programs.
4. May conduct educational meetings with the public as needed.
5. Testifies in court as expert witness.
6. May provide lead training and direction as requested.
7. Maintain confidentiality.

Typical Qualifications

EHS I:

Knowledge of:

1. Environmental Health, chemical, biological, physical, and environmental sciences.
2. Basic principles and practices of environmental health and familiarity with regulatory requirements of various environmental health programs.
3. Sampling techniques and standards.
4. Computers and common software programs.
5. Functions and operations of organizations and agencies that interface with environmental health programs and issues.
6. Methods and procedures of investigation, inspection, and compliance related to environmental health program oversight.

Ability to:

1. Assist with and learn to perform a variety of environmental health investigations and inspections.
2. Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data, reaching valid conclusions.
3. Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures regarding environmental health inspections and compliance.
4. Prepare a variety of technical reports.
5. Perform research and analytical work.
6. Operate a variety of office equipment and computers.
7. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
8. Represent the Public Health Department to the public in a professional manner.
9. Maintain confidentiality.

EHS II & EHS III:

Knowledge of:

1. Environmental Health, chemical, biological, physical, and environmental sciences.
2. Basic principles and practices of environmental health and the regulations pertaining to environmental health programs that they oversee.
3. Sampling techniques and standards.
4. Computers and software used in environmental health inspections, investigations and reporting.
5. Functions and operations of organizations and agencies that interface with environmental health programs and issues.
6. Methods and procedures of investigation, inspection, and compliance related to environmental health program oversight.

Ability to:

1. Perform a variety of environmental health investigations and inspections.
2. Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data, reaching valid conclusions.
3. Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures regarding environmental health inspections and compliance.
4. Prepare a variety of technical reports.
5. Perform research and analytical work.
6. Operate a variety of office equipment and computers.
7. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
8. Represent the Public Health Department to the public in a professional manner.
9. Maintain confidentiality.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

All three classes:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities might be:

EHS I:

1. Some previous experience or knowledge of practices pertaining to environmental health investigations and inspections is highly desirable.
2. Graduation from a four (4) year college or university with a major in environmental health, biology, chemistry, physics, or a closely related field is required.

EHS II:

1. Graduation from a four (4) year college or university with a major in environmental health, biology, chemistry, physics, or a closely related field is required.
2. A minimum of one (1) year experience variedexperienceinthe?eldofEnvironmental Healthperforming the duties of an EHS I and successfully passing the REHS examination.

LevelIII

1. Graduation from a four (4) year college or university with a major in environmental health, biology, chemistry, physics, or a closely related field is required.
2. A minimum of two (2) years variedexperienceinthe?eldofEnvironmental Healthperforming the duties of an Environmental Specialist II.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Standing and walking between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals on a case-by-case basis.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; crawl through various areas on hands and knees; stand, walk, or crouch on narrow and slippery surfaces; climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move object weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance and greater than 50 pounds with assistance; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX; ability to operate audio-visual equipment; ability to use testing and various field equipment. Ability to operate an automobile.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Possession of a driver’s license valid in California.
2. Possession of a valid Environmental Health Registration (REHS) issued by the California Department of Public Health. [Or the ability to obtain REHS for EHS I class within thirty six (36) months of initial employment.]
3. Some positions may require special training and/or certification.
4. Bi-lingual skills a plus but not a requirement.

Supplemental Information

The examination process will consist of a review & competitive evaluation of the required knowledge & abilities as demonstrated on submitted applications. Those successful in this evaluation will be invited to an oral examination (weighted 100%), which also may include a related work performance exercise. If a large number of applications are received for this recruitment, only the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

These questions are designed to assist you in presenting your qualifications for this position. Your answers to these questions & your employment application will be thoroughly evaluated in order to determine the most suitably qualified applicants to be invited to the oral examination. It is expected that you will be as complete & specific as possible. Your answers should be submitted on 8½” x 11” paper, preferably typed, & submitted with your completed employment application.

Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire will not be considered.

1. Describe how you qualify for this position.
2. Describe your direct experience conducting water system inspections. Describe any experience you have in permitting and review of plans of SPWS and appurtenant facilities. Describe any other experience or training you have in the LPA or other water program .
3. Describe work experience that you have in environmental health programs other than the LPA program.