Environmental Health Specialist III

County of Monterey; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 78,521 - 107,180; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to $10,000 signing bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A local government body is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist III in Salinas, California. This full-time role involves conducting inspections, enforcing environmental regulations, and supporting public safety initiatives. Candidates must possess a master's degree in Environmental Health or a related field and have relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary of $7,036 – $9,604 per month, a potential $10,000 signing bonus, and a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience comparable to an Environmental Health Specialist II.
• Experience performing environmental health inspections and enforcement actions.
• Ability to conduct inspections and investigations of varied environmental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and investigations to determine compliance with health codes.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource to professional staff.
• Participate in the development of policies and regulations.

Skills

Environmental health regulation enforcement

Written communication

Data analysis

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Education

Master’s degree in Environmental Health or related field

Job description

Monterey County invites applicants for the position of Environmental Health Specialist III at $7,036 – $9,604 per Month.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The County of Monterey Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau is seeking individuals to join a dynamic team and fill two full‑time positions of Environmental Health Specialist III.

These specialists will support a joint initiative with the County of Monterey District Attorney Department to address unpermitted Environmental Health activities and other complex compliance issues. The role requires flexibility to adapt to changing schedules, including evenings and weekends.

Primary responsibilities 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.

Additionally, the specialist 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 for candidates hired into regular full‑time positions for this classification from this recruitment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct inspections, investigations, surveys, and special studies to determine compliance with state and local health codes and regulations; process permit applications and issue 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.
• Serve as a subject‑matter resource to other professional staff, providing specialized knowledge and recommending solutions to complex problems consistent with program goals; may review and comment on the impact of proposed ordinances, legislation and regulations.
• Participate in the development of policies, procedures, regulations and ordinances related to a specialization area; investigate complaints, evaluate program effectiveness, determine problem areas, collect and analyze data, and recommend systemic solutions.
• Prepare written reports, memoranda and correspondence; as directed, draft and finalize 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.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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 regulations.
• Depending on assigned position, a thorough knowledge in areas such as land use, water and wastewater systems, solid waste, noise, infectious waste, food establishments and handling, pools and spas, housing and institutions.

Working Knowledge of:

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

Some Knowledge of:

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

Skills and Abilities:

• Write effectively to prepare complex written reports, record inspection and 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.

Any combination of training, education, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Examples of how these requirements might be acquired:

Experience: Two years performing duties comparable to those of an Environmental Health Specialist II with Monterey County.

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

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

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Successfully complete a background check including fingerprinting.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license, or provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.
• Maintain a valid Certificate of Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the California Department of Health Services.
• Serve on‑call nights and weekends as assigned.
• Be available for a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during disaster or emergency times.

BENEFITS

Monterey County offers a comprehensive benefits package. Information about benefits is available on the County’s website.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Monterey County is a drug‑free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can contribute in a culturally diverse environment. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities. To request accommodation, contact Michelle Cazola, Human Resources Analyst I, at (831) 755‑4502 or [e-mail].