Environmental Health Specialist IV – Consumer Protection Programs

County of San Mateo; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in San Mateo is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist IV to lead various consumer protection programs, including food and pool safety. The ideal candidate will have experience with inspections and regulatory processes, as well as strong leadership and communication skills. Key responsibilities include conducting inspections, leading projects, and providing guidance to staff. The role requires travel throughout San Mateo County to ensure compliance and safety within the community.

Qualifications

• Leadership and experience in environmental health programs.
• Knowledge of California Retail Food Code and sanitation laws.
• Ability to conduct inspections and investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead specialized environmental health programs.
• Conduct compliance inspections.
• Investigate citizen complaints.
• Train and supervise staff.
• Interpret regulations and provide advice relating to area of specialization to city officials and others.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Inspections

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Three years as Registered Environmental Health Specialist

California certificate as Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Job description

Job Overview

NOTE: This recruitment was amended on November 10, 2025 to include the tobacco program under the Consumer Protection Programs.

San Mateo County Health is seeking a well-qualified individual for the position of Environmental Health Specialist IV - Consumer Protection Programs. The position provides general supervision and lead direction within countywide environmental health inspection and enforcement activities in specialized technical areas including food sanitation, recreational water, tobacco, and housing. There is currently one regular vacancy that will function as a Food/Pool/Tobacco Program lead within the Environmental Health Division Consumer Protection Program located in San Mateo. The position requires travel throughout the county.

Duties within the Consumer Protection Programs

• Lead specialized programs such as Food and Pool Program, Tobacco, Cottage Food Operations, MEHKO, Temporary Food Events, Mobile Food Facilities, and Certified Farmers Markets.
• Lead quality assurance, quality control and standardization functions.
• Conduct compliance inspections of programs and projects.
• Lead or provide direction in investigations of citizen complaints.
• Lead and implement special projects.
• Set program standards, coordinate activities with County and City Departments, collaborate with California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health ad hoc committees and stakeholders.

Ideal candidates will possess

• Forward thinking and use of innovation for program improvement and implementation.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, communication and technical skills across all programs served.
• Experience leading and motivating a team.
• Experience working with diverse community members and other government agencies.
• Understanding of retail food construction design and facility requirements; inspections of retail food facilities, temporary event/certified farmer's market booths and pools/spas.
• Working knowledge of FDA Standards, California Retail Food Code, California Department of Food Agriculture Guidelines, and Title 22 and 24 of the California Building Code.
• Experience performing inspections, investigations and research for an environmental health or sanitation program in a regulatory agency.
• Ability to travel to different sites in San Mateo County to conduct inspections and investigations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Examples of Duties

• Provide lead direction, training and work review to assigned staff; organize and assign work, coordinate complex projects, and follow up to ensure completion of assigned work.
• Provide input into selection decisions, performance evaluations and disciplinary matters.
• Serve as technical expert and staff consultant in area of specialization.
• Inspect establishments and properties for compliance with environmental health laws and regulations.
• Conduct specialized studies, program audits, investigations and inspections and make recommendations; maintain a program of code compliance and implementation in the area of specialization.
• Develop, standardize, and update staff inspection techniques.
• Investigate and resolve citizen complaints, acting as a liaison with community groups, government agencies and private businesses.
• Compile data, evaluate procedures and draft proposed legislation and guidelines; may review and make recommendations on environmental impact reports.
• Plan and conduct in-service and public education training programs.
• Interpret regulations and provide advice relating to area of specialization to city officials, citizen groups, business owners and others.
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence.
• May act as expert witness in court proceedings.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of

• The area of specialty, including its scientific background, technology, principles, methods, investigative techniques and problems.
• Laws, regulations and codes governing the assigned area of specialization.
• Sanitation provisions in the Health and Safety Code.
• Government agencies, community organizations and business establishments as they relate to environmental health.

Skill/Ability to

• Plan, direct and coordinate a program of research, study, investigation and enforcement in the specialized area of responsibility.
• Interpret laws, regulations and data.
• Define difficult problem areas, analyze complex data and make valid recommendations.
• Advise and instruct others on compliance requirements in specialized area.
• Enforce local ordinances and state law.
• Work independently.
• Keep complex and accurate records.
• Speak effectively and make public presentations.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Three years of journey level experience as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, including one year of experience in a regulatory agency in the designated option: Option 1 - Water, Sewage, Land Use and Cross Connection Control; Option 2 - Vector Control and Solid/Infectious Waste; Option 3 - Housing and Institutions; Option 4 - Food Sanitation and Consumer Protection.

Licensure/Certification

• Possession of a California certificate as Registered Environmental Health Specialist.

Application / Examination

Open & promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra‑help/limited‑term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the Apply button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted 5 days in advance in the County of San Mateo Human Resources Department. Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

About the County

San Mateo County provides a wide range of services to residents and businesses in a diverse and dynamic community with a strong commitment to quality, accessibility, and innovation.