Job Summary
Excellent Career Opportunity
County of San Diego - Department of Environmental Health and Quality
Environmental Health Specialist III-Hazardous Materials Division
Interviews will take place the week of August 3, 2026
Future Salary Increases
** June 2027 – 4.23% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.23% Market Adjustment)
***Employees in this job class that possess a current valid registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) are eligible for an additional 5% to their base pay.
The County of San Diego is currently accepting job applications for Environmental Health Technician in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ). This is the lead level class in the Environmental Health Specialist series. Incumbents may provide technical guidance and training to Environmental Health Specialists or may perform the most difficult inspection, investigation, enforcement, community outreach or other program services and education activities. Incumbents may also be directed to independently perform studies and develop or lead special projects based on areas of expertise.
Please read the Environmental Health Specialist IIIjob description for more information.
Please visit Department of Environmental Health and Quality for additional information on the department.
Hiring Process and Timeline:
i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
- All Environmental Health Specialists (EHS) in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Hazardous Materials Division (HMD) must either possess the certifications or obtain such certifications within 180 days after hire. All EHS employees who transfer to HMD must either possess the certifications or obtain such certifications within 180 days of transfer.
- Current ICC "California UST Inspector" certification. This certification must be renewed every 24 months.
- Current APSA "Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act" certification.
- All Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) positions that are assigned responsibilities as Rural Generalists, require possession of a current ICC "California UST Inspector" certification.
- All Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) positions that are assigned responsibilities to perform cross connection inspections and testing for the Recycled Water Program are required to have a current Cross Connection Control Specialist certification issued by the American Water Works Association.
AND,
A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency with at least 30 semester units of basic biological, physical, or environmental science courses including at least one laboratory course in one of the following fields: chemistry, physics, microbiology, biology, and a mathematics course of college algebra or higher; AND,
- Four (4) years of experience investigating and enforcing environmental, public health or sanitary laws and regulations for a recognized public health agency or private company, OR,
- Two (2) years of experience as an Environmental Health Specialist II with the County of San Diego.
Note: A master's or doctoral degree from an accredited U. S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in a science field such as: biology, chemistry, environmental health, environmental engineering, ecology, or geology, may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.Conditions of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provide is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please see the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
Strategic Plan
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader). Disaster Service WorkerUnder California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Diversity & Inclusion
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
