The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

12/24/2025, 1/7/2026, 1/21/2026 (final)

Level 1 - $6,493.68 /month
Level 2 - $6,989.58 - $8,496.42 /month

Environmental Specialists apply scientific theory and methods to identify, research, and resolve environmental issues in the areas of regulatory compliance, public health, environmental health and pollution prevention.

Environmental Specialist is a single class with two levels: Environmental Specialist (Level II) and Environmental Specialist (Level I). The level at which initial appointments are made and when advancements occur are at the discretion of the appointing authority. Incumbents may advance from Level I to Level II, if they have: (1) met the minimum and special qualifications, and (2) have demonstrated the ability to perform the responsibilities required at the higher performance level.

The County of Sacramento’s Environmental Management Department consists of two divisions, Environmental Compliance and Environmental Health. Candidates on the eligible list may be considered to fill vacancies in either division. To be considered for a position with Environmental Health, you must either possess written proof of acceptance of education required by the State of California Environmental Health Services (i.e., the Environmental Health Specialist Trainee letter), or possess a valid certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by the State of California. Other departments within the County also employ Environmental Specialists but may not require the Environmental Health Specialist Trainee letter or the REHS.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

Principles of environmental compliance assurance
Principles of environmental sciences
Mathematical compilation and analysis
Principles of chemistry and chemical reactions
Effects of waste material on water quality and land quality and the interactions of waste with the environment
Environmental practices with special reference to their general effect on public health and the quality of the environment
Laws, codes, regulations, and policies affecting the department’s operations and programs
Applicable tools, equipment and materials
Principles and procedures of interviewing and fact-finding
Principles, practices and techniques of customer service

Ability to

Read English at a level necessary to examine, interpret, and apply scientific, legal, technical, and complex guidelines, documents, records and reports
Speak English at a level necessary to communicate clearly and effectively
Write English at a level necessary to produce concise, accurate and impartial reports, narratives, summaries and recommendations
Communicate, verbally and in writing, scientific and technical terminology into terms understandable to the general public
Locate, research, interpret, and apply environmental laws and regulations
Work independently within established guidelines, prioritize and coordinate activities, and meet critical deadlines
Perform work assignments related to environmental inspections, compliance, monitoring, regulation, and research
Work cooperatively with others; build and maintain constructive relationships with those encountered during course of work; respond effectively and tactfully to hostility, confusion or concerns expressed by others
Collect, process, evaluate, and summarize scientific and technical data and ideas to make effective decisions and develop appropriate solutions
Develop, prepare, and present studies and reports to governmental boards, civic organizations and other groups
Effectively represent the department in contacts and relationships with the public, local business community and other government agencies
Use sound judgment and personal initiative to accomplish assignments
Use appropriate interpersonal style and approach to ensure team cohesiveness and cooperation

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Specialist (Level I)

Either: 1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with major in health science, public health, natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field

Or: 2. Written proof of acceptance of education required by the State of California Environmental Health Services. Incumbents assigned to positions requiring State Certification must achieve certification/registration within the period prescribed by State Law or be subject to dismissal under applicable Civil Service Rules.

Note: Applicants interested in Environmental Health positions are required to provide the acceptance letter mentioned above.

Environmental Specialist (Level II)

Either: 1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with major in health science, public health, natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field.

- and -

One year of professional experience in environmental regulation, analysis, or environmental research performing duties and responsibilities equivalent to the Environmental Specialist (Level I) class in Sacramento County service.

Or: 2. Possession of valid certification as Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by State of California.

Or: 3. Possession of valid certification as Registered Dairy Inspector by State of California.

Or: 4. Possession of a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in health science, public health, natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field.

Note: Applicants interested in Environmental Health positions are required to provide documentation of the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)

Note: Up to one year of the required education may be substituted by full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience similar to that described on the basis of 173.6 hours = 21.7 days = 1 work month = 3 semester or 4.5 quarter units.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

Special Requirements

Physical Requirements: Ability to stoop and kneel to conduct inspections, take water and other environmental samples, and inspect equipment; climb fences, stairs, and ladders; walk rough terrain and muddy fields; work in an underground environment; climb in and out of swimming pools under construction; wear protective clothing; normal hearing; normal verbal communication ability; visually distinguish between colors; calibrate and use technical and monitoring instruments; read gauges and meters; and see in dimly lit areas.

Work Schedule and Conditions: Incumbents are subject to work in adverse weather conditions, emergency situations, and perform duties outside of normal working hours, as necessary.

Professional Certification/Registration Requirements: Failure to maintain required certification/registration constitutes cause for suspension or termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

Some positions, allocated to Environmental Specialist (Level II) and higher levels, require possession of a valid certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) issued by the State of California. (Registration as a REHS is not required for appointment to Level I positions.)

Some positions, allocated to Environmental Specialist (Level II) and higher levels, require possession of a valid certification as a Registered Dairy Inspector, issued by the State of California.

Some positions, allocated to Environmental Specialist (Level II) and higher levels, may require possession of valid certifications, as deemed necessary by legislative mandate or appropriate regulatory authority in the State of California.

General License Requirements: All classes in this series require possession of, or ability to obtain a valid California Driver’s License, Class C or higher, before the date of appointment. Failure to obtain and maintain a valid California Driver’s License constitutes cause for suspension or termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

Special Skills: Some positions in the series may require the ability to speak, read, and/or write a language, in addition to English, or working knowledge of a specific culture, such as Black Culture, Mexican/Spanish Culture, or Asian Culture.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification issix (6)months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here to apply.

County of Sacramento

Department of Personnel Services

Employment Services Division

700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.net

Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

www.SacCountyJobs.net

Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For information regarding County jobs:

www.saccountyjobs.net

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at dco@saccounty.gov or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Job Applicant Instructions

County of Sacramento

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Environmental Specialist Level I/II