Environmental Health Specialist III

County of Orange; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Orange is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist III to manage complex inspections and provide training within the Environmental Health Division. This advanced role demands strong knowledge of environmental health, critical thinking skills, and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Qualifications include a valid California driver’s license and certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. The position supports public health goals and emphasizes leadership in challenging situations.

Qualifications

• Valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Valid certificate of registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) issued by the State of California.
• Advanced skills in safety and environmental health concepts.

Responsibilities

• Implement skills training for environmental health staff.
• Execute public health law enforcement and handle complex inspections.
• Build and maintain compliance relationships with facility operators.

Skills

Environmental risk assessment

Public health safety

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Education

Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)

Tools

Modern technologies

Job description

JOB OVERVIEW

The Environmental Health Specialist III (EHS III) is an advanced level position within the Environmental Health Division of the County of Orange, Health Care Agency. The incumbent works independently on complex assignments, manages sensitive inspections and investigations, and provides technical direction and training to other environmental health staff. The EHS III may be assigned to a specialized program and can act in the absence of the Supervising Environmental Health Specialist.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement skills training and professional development for environmental health staff, ensuring they stay current on procedures, laws, and service quality.
• Execute advanced public health law enforcement, handling complex assignments and sensitive inspections in areas such as restaurants, mobile food, public pools, spas, water, and body art facilities.
• Review data and triage inquiries to prioritize and assign work to team members.
• Build and maintain relationships with facility operators, business owners, and the public to support compliance efforts and public health goals.
• Address challenging situations professionally, delivering corrective action plans that may involve resistance or confrontation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

• Advanced skills and knowledge in safety and environmental health concepts; lead specialized field inspections and investigations.
• Comprehensive understanding of environmental risk assessment, public health safety, and disease prevention; provide staff training and public education.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate inspections and documentation.
• Proficient with modern technologies, including word processing and database systems.

Adaptability/Flexibility

• Maintain composure under high-pressure situations and implement solution‑oriented approaches.
• Quickly adjust to changes, reassess situations, and develop effective strategies.
• Set clear goals, meet deadlines, and remain productive during shifting priorities.
• Seek guidance, feedback, and apply coaching for continuous improvement.

Communication/Customer Service

• Engage clients and stakeholders courteously, supporting enforcement activities.
• Listen actively, address concerns, and resolve issues to prevent health hazards.
• Produce clear, concise written documents and reports.
• Communicate complex information confidently to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate and build positive relationships with establishments and operators.

Critical Thinking/Judgement

• Use common sense and good judgement in decision‑making within agency limits.
• Analyze facts, consider alternatives, and evaluate impacts before acting.
• Pose effective questions and gather sufficient information for quality recommendations.

Leadership

• Manage crises, tackle challenges, and troubleshoot effectively.
• Create new guidance and directives based on environmental health principles.
• Plan and organize priorities, delegate appropriately to foster staff growth.
• Prioritize critical work and align team effort with departmental objectives.

LICENSES AND REGISTRATION

• Valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Valid certificate of registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) issued by the State of California.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Eligible candidates must hold the required licenses and certifications listed above and demonstrate the competencies and responsibilities described in this posting.

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.