Examples of Duties

To be considered for this position you must submit or attach a letter from the California State Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Services Section stating that you meet the minimum educational standards required for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist or a copy of your valid State of California license as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) issued by the State Department of Health Services.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Conduct inspections to secure compliance with state and local environmental health laws and regulations governing food handling establishments, sewage disposal systems, substandard housing, land use, recreational health, water supply system, solid waste management, public nuisances, toxic/hazardous waste/materials, animal confinement facilities, zone changes, general plan element, conditional use permits and environmental impact report review, and underground storage tanks.
Interpret environmental health laws, regulations and sanitation protection methods for the public.
Assist with reviews of plans for new subdivisions and recommends suitable water/sewage installations.
Initiate legal actions resulting from non-compliance.
Plan and develop operating rules and ordinances for certain programs.
Provide consultation and conducts training programs in the area of specialization for staff, other departments, agencies, and the general public.
Coordinate inspection and investigations with other state and local agencies.
Conduct complex or highly technical investigations, preparing cases for prosecution at the State or local level or scheduling an administrative hearing.
Appear in court as an expert witness.
Plan, develop, and/or conduct environmental surveys and studies.
May analyze the effects proposed State and Federal legislation, court decisions on environmental health programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Level I
Experience: None

License:
Appointment as an Environmental Health Specialist I requires eligibility for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist as evidenced by a letter from the California State Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Services Section stating that the applicant meets minimum educational standards.

Level II
Experience:
One (1) year of experience performing environmental health inspections, enforcement or remediation, general environmental resource management, environmental health or solid waste management equivalent to an Environmental Health Specialist I in Merced County.

License:
Possession of Environmental Health registration issued by the State Department of Health Services. Some assignments may require additional certificates or specialized training.

Level III
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in a public health agency performing environmental health inspections, enforcement or remediation, general environmental resource management, environmental health or solid waste management equivalent to an Environmental Health Specialist II in Merced County.

License:
Possession of a valid Environmental Health registration issued by the State Department of Health Services. Some assignments may require additional certificates or specialized training.

All Levels:
Education:
Graduation from college with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in biology, chemistry, environmental health, environmental resource management, microbiology or other related field. Course work must meet the minimum state standards and qualifications for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist under the applicable provisions of state law.

License:
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

IDENTIFIED SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO PRE-EMPLOYMENT, POST-ACCIDENT, REASONABLE SUSPICION, RANDOM AND RETURN-TO-DUTY DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE COUNTY OF MERCED DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY.

Essential Functions

Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
Analyze data, interpret directions and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
Conduct inspections over uneven surfaces under various environmental conditions.
Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of environmental health including water supply, sewage, industrial waste and refuse handling and disposal, housing and recreational sanitation, vector control, food handling and processing, and solid waste management.
State and local laws and regulations governing environmental health.
General principles and practices of public health.
Functions and operations of organizations and agencies involved in environmental health.
Methods and techniques used in investigations, inspections, and resolving environmental health problems.
Environmental sampling techniques and standards.
Principles and practices of environmental health essential to identify and determine the health impact to the public and the actions necessary to protect the public.
Chemical analytical techniques and procedures.
Basic engineering principles, chemistry, biology, epidemiology, microbiology, hydrology and geology.

Ability to:

Conduct investigations, inspections, and resolve environmental health problems.
Understand and interpret laws, rules and regulations.
Analyze situations and take actions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Communicate effective orally with groups, and individuals.
Communicate effectively in writing to prepare reports.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public when representing the county.
Instruct others in the correction of environmental health problems.
Detect unsanitary conditions and public health hazards and secure their corrections through education, voluntary compliance or legal enforcement.
Interpret sample test results.
Conduct difficult investigations, inspections, and resolve environmental health problems.
Perform research and analytical work.
Work with a high degree of independence, exercising a broad scope of judgment and latitude.
Review and evaluate building plans and blueprints.

Merced County

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Environmental Health Specialist I/II/III