Description

Under general supervision, to conduct inspections, investigations, permitting activities, consultations, enforcement activities, and educates the public in the enforcement of state health and safety codes, regulations, laws, and local ordinances along with policies and procedures aimed at the prevention, mitigation, and abatement of safety and environmental health hazards; and to perform related work as required.

The Environmental Health Specialist will perform duties in the Solid & Medical Waste Division of Department of Environmental Health. Primary duties include inspections, investigations, and oversight of solid and medical waste facilities, working as the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) on behalf of CalRecycle, and other program related activities such as pumper vehicles program.

This position requires possession of a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification issued by the California Department of Public Health.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

Maintains inventories and conducts inspections and investigations of environmental health conditions including but not limited to food facilities, public swimming pools, land development, water systems, solid/medical waste facilities, refuse collection and septage pumper vehicles, body art establishments, and the control of vectors;
Establishes instructions conditions, compliance expectations and time frames for correction of environmental health and safety hazards;
Gathers evidence of violations of applicable laws and prepares statements of evidence for court actions;
Testifies as an expert witness in depositions/appeals cases with the County Hearing Officer and other judicial proceedings;
Issues citations and appears as issuing officer in court;
May prepare cases for referral to County Counsel/District Attorney for prosecution;
Executes enforcement actions such as closures, impounds and embargoes;
Interprets and applies laws and regulations related to all aspects of environmental health;
Investigates complaints and suspected violations of state and local health and environmental laws and ensures in the abatement of such violations;
Reviews and approves plans for new septic systems and for repair of failing systems;
Conducts advanced percolation and wet weather soils testing; determines site suitability for septic system installations;
Conducts standardized food facility inspections;
Conducts specialized inspections such as epidemiological investigations and hazard assessments; and security assessments; develops risk control plans;
Instructs food handlers in food safety principles during performance-based inspections;
Confers with engineers, architects, builders, contractors and others on building and remodeling plans for land use projects;
May review and approve plans for limited remodeling of food establishments and closed landfill sites;
Issues ministerial permits; assists in issuing discretionary permits;
Participates in joint investigations with Federal, State and local agencies including police, fire, zoning, public health, code enforcement, building and other agencies; investigates consumer product tampering incidents;
Participates in continuing education as required by departmental needs and assignments or state regulations;
Conducts training on environmental health issues;
Keeps abreast of new science, technologies and trends; develops an understanding of new environmental laws and regulations;
Consults with and advises individuals on proper methods of improvement and implementation of corrective action for unsanitary conditions;
Collects samples of water, food, beverages, potential hazardous substances, lead-containing items and other specimens for laboratory tests;
Attends meetings and confers with governmental groups; communicates with culturally diverse local community groups;
Trains and mentors new hires and Associate Environmental Health Specialists;
Keeps records and prepares written and oral reports;
May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession and maintenance of a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification issued by the California Department of Public Health for the duration of employment in this classification.

Special Requirements

Some positions may require the possession of appropriate tests, training, and certifications, including Certified Lead Inspector/Assessor in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, Blood Borne Pathogen training and certification, and any others that may be necessary to perform duties assigned.

Possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

*As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSQ is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
Environmental health provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and the California Code of Regulations, California State Public Resources Codes, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA processes), and provisions of the California Penal Code relating to public nuisances;
The principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary science;
The techniques used in conducting environmental and epidemiological investigations;
The methods and procedures used in inspecting and correcting unsanitary conditions;
Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications;
Interpret laws and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to environmental health;
Deal tactfully and effectively with members of policy boards, commissions, elected, appointed public officials, media and the general public;
Keep accurate records and prepare clear, concise reports;
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
Work well without close supervision;
Represent division or department as an expert in area of specialty;
Use computer systems and applications;
Meet respiratory protection program requirements.

Physical Requirements

(Prolonged) Sitting, standing, and/or walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces;

Sitting, standing, and/or walking for extended periods of time;

Frequent movements including but not limited to bending, crawling, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead, and etc;

May be required to lift and carry objects up to 50lbs;

Working in a variety of different environments (indoor and outdoor) with various factors including but not limited to different temperatures, humidity, sanitary conditions, exposure to odors and chemicals and other potential hazardous materials;

Wear protective clothing and use personal protective equipment (PPE).

County of Santa Clara

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Environmental Health Specialist - Solid and Medical Waste Program