Environmental Health Specialist IV - Solid Waste and Body Art Programs (Open & Promotional)

County of San Mateo; San Mateo (CA); Presencial; USD 100.000 - 140.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

County of San Mateo is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist IV to lead the Solid Waste and Body Art Programs. This role will supervise staff, provide expert guidance, review permits, and conduct inspections across the county to ensure compliance and public safety.

The position requires licensure as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, strong leadership, and proven experience in regulatory enforcement, with travel across San Mateo County to inspect facilities and practices.

Formación

• Three years of journey level experience as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, including one year in a regulatory agency (designated option: Vector Control and Solid/Infectious Waste).
• Possession of a California certificate as Registered Environmental Health Specialist.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California driver license or equivalent.

Responsabilidades

• Provide lead direction, training, and work review to assigned staff and coordinate complex projects.
• Serve as technical expert in Solid Waste and Body Art programs and review permitting documents.
• Conduct routine inspections of solid waste facilities and body art facilities and practitioners.
• Investigate and resolve public complaints and liaise with community groups and agencies.
• Prepare reports, data analyses, and recommendations; may serve as expert witness.

Conocimientos

Lead direction

Inspection experience

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Public speaking

Educación

California Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Descripción del empleo

Environmental Health Specialist IV – Solid Waste and Body Art Programs

On October 11, 2026, this classification will receive a cost-of-living (COLA) increase of up to 4.5%. San Mateo County Health is seeking a well-qualified individual for the position of Environmental Health Specialist IV for the Solid Waste and Body Art Programs. This Environmental Health Specialist will receive general supervision and provide lead direction in performing the responsibilities of the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA).

The current vacancy is in the Environmental Health Division, located in San Mateo, CA. The position will include travel/driving throughout the county to perform the duties of the job; this is essential to the position. Environmental Health Services ensures a safe and healthful environment in the County's 20 cities and unincorporated areas through education, monitoring, and enforcement of a variety of regulatory programs, as well as ongoing services to the community.

San Mateo County is designated by CalRecycle as the LEA to ensure the correct operation and closure of solid waste facilities in our jurisdiction and has responsibilities for regulatory oversight of proper storage and transportation of solid wastes. Also, San Mateo County has authority to implement the California Safe Body Art Act and County Ordinance for Body Art and Piercing.

Primary 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.
• Serve as technical expert and staff consultant in Solid Waste and Body Art programs.
• Review and approve solid waste facility permitting documents.
• Approve construction of new body art establishments.
• Conduct routine inspections of solid waste facilities such as Landfills, Transfer Station/Materials Recovery Facilities, Closed Landfills, Compost Facilities, and body art facilities and practitioners.
• 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 procedures.
• Investigate and resolve public 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 applicable laws, regulations, and codes 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.

Ideal Candidate

• Forward-thinking; use of innovation for program improvement goals and implementation.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, communication, and technical skills in all programs served.
• Experience leading and motivating a team.
• Experience conducting inspections of solid waste facilities and approving permitting documentation under the LEA oversight.
• Experience reviewing applications for new body art facilities and practitioners and conducting routine inspections and implementing enforcement provisions.
• Working knowledge of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14 and 27, and California Health and Safety Code Division 104, Part 15, Chapter 17.
• At least three years of experience related to performing inspections, investigations, and research for an environmental health 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.

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 2 - Vector Control and Solid/Infectious Waste.

Licensure and Certification

• Possession of a California certificate as Registered Environmental Health Specialist.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California driver license or equivalent.

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.

Benefits

We invite you to explore our Benefits‑at‑a‑Glance page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you’ll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.

Contact

Talent Acquisition Contact: Debbie Kong ( 0908026) (Environmental Health Specialist IV – J037)