ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST III

County of Monterey; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Job summary

The County of Monterey Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau seeks two Environmental Health Specialist III to enforce regulations on unpermitted food vending, auto body/paint operations, and lead complex investigations. The role includes public education, vendor engagement, and disaster response support, with a signing bonus up to $10,000 for regular hires.

These full-time positions require flexibility for evenings/weekends and may involve supervising staff and developing policies.

Qualifications

• Two years performing the duties of Environmental Health Specialist II with Monterey County.
• Education includes a Master's degree in Environmental Health, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or closely related field.
• One year performing a full range of duties in general environmental health inspections and enforcement actions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections, investigations, surveys and studies to ensure compliance with state and local health codes; process permits for water systems, wells, waste sites, housing, septic systems and related activities.
• Serve as subject matter expert to staff and advise on regulations and proposed ordinances or regulations.
• Participate in policy development, procedures and regulations; investigate complaints and evaluate program operations and effectiveness.
• Prepare reports, memoranda and final manuals, grant applications, procedures and forms as directed.
• May supervise Specialist staff, coordinate workload, answer questions, and train employees.

Skills

Report writing

Effective communication

Problem analysis

Technical guidance

Interagency collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Health or related field

Job description

Position Description

An Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace

Invites your interest for the position of Environmental Health Specialist III

$7,036 – $9,604 per Month

Priority Screening Date: May 3, 2026

Exam #: #26/30J31/04MC

Summary Of Position

The County of Monterey Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau is seeking individuals to join a dynamic team of professionals to fill two (2) full-time positions of Environmental Health Specialist III.

The Environmental Health Specialists III positions will support the joint initiative with the County of Monterey District Attorney Department to address unpermitted Environmental Health activities and other complex compliance issues. Given the nature of the role, the ideal candidate must demonstrate flexibility in adapting to changing work schedules, including evenings and weekends as needed.

The primary responsibilities of this position include enforcing regulations related to unpermitted food vending, auto body and paint operations, conducting complex Environmental Health complaint investigations, participating in food and water-borne illness investigations, and leading or supporting environmental health emergency and disaster response efforts.

In addition, this role will promote compliance and protect public safety by engaging directly with vendors and community members, providing educational resources, and increasing awareness of food safety regulations and permitting requirements.

As of September 8th, 2023, the Health Department offers up to a $10,000 signing bonus to candidates hired into regular full-time positions for this classification from this recruitment.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process will be used to fill current and future vacancies, both regular and temporary, as they arise.

This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority in accordance with the Flexible Staffing Program and Guidelines.

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flyer.

Examples of Duties

• Conducts inspections, investigations, surveys and special studies to determine compliance with state and local health codes and regulations; processes permit applications and issues permits related to water systems, water wells, solid waste sites, garbage franchise districts, housing, septic systems, sewage treatment plants, special event food facilities and related activities.
• Serves as subject matter resource to other professional staff providing specialized knowledge and recommending solutions to complex problems that are consistent with program goals; may review and comment on impact of proposed ordinances, legislation and regulations.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, regulations and ordinances related to an area of specialization; investigates complaints and evaluates effectiveness of program operations; determines problem areas, collects and analyzes data and recommends systemic solution.
• Prepares written reports, memoranda and correspondence; as directed, drafts and finalizes specialty program manuals, grant applications, procedures, and forms.
• As directed, may assign, review and coordinate the work of Specialist level staff including monitoring timely completion of workload, answering technical and procedural questions, reviewing work methods and products, and training employees.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Thorough Knowledge Of

• Federal, state and local laws, regulations and procedures governing environmental health.
• Principles, methods, technology and equipment applied in inspection, analysis, and enforcement of environmental health regulation.
• Depending upon assigned position, incumbents must possess a thorough knowledge of elements related to their specialty: land use, water and wastewater systems, solid waste, noise, infectious waste, food establishments and handling, pools and spas, housing and institutions.

Working Knowledge Of

• Relevant technical knowledge of engineering, chemistry, microbiology, biology, epidemiology, hydrology and geology pertaining to specialty area.

Some Knowledge Of

• Basic principles and practices of personnel management including training, motivation, and workload scheduling.

Skill And Ability To

• Write effectively to prepare complex written reports, record inspection/investigation findings, and initiate appropriate correspondence and memoranda.
• Speak effectively to individuals and groups from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
• Define problem areas, collect, analyze and evaluate technical data and use findings to develop recommendations and policy proposals.
• Provide technical guidance, lead, train and plan work of others.
• Establish and maintain effective relations with government officials, the public, business and community representatives and other employees

Desirable Qualifications

• Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English and Spanish.

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

Requirements

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Experience: Two years performing the duties in a class comparable to an Environmental Health Specialist II with Monterey County.

OR

Education: Completion of all core courses leading to a Master's degree in Environmental Health, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or closely related field.

AND

Experience: One year performing a full range of duties in general environmental health inspections and enforcement actions.

Additional Information

Conditions Of Employment

• Successfully complete a background check to include fingerprinting.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Pursuant to Section 514-534 of the California Health and Safety Code, incumbents must possess a valid Certificate of Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the state of California, Department of Health Services.
• Serve on-call nights and weekends as assigned
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekend, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency

Benefits

Monterey County offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Bargaining Unit H Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

Notes

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.