DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to perform education, inspection, investigation and enforcement activities intended to prevent, detect, control, and eliminate environmental health hazards; to administer and enforce pertinent federal, state and local statutes, ordinances, codes and regulations governing environmental health and sanitation; and to function as a positive and cooperative team member.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Environmental Health Specialist Trainee is the entry and trainee level in the class series. This class is distinguished from the journey by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level. Employees in this class are not required to be registered as an Environmental Health Specialist, but should possess an acceptance letter from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) stating that CDPH has reviewed their college transcripts, they have met the coursework requirements, and that they are able to be hired as a trainee.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY AND SCOPE
Environmental Health Specialist Trainee receives immediate supervision the Environmental Health Director, Deputy Director or from an Environmental Health Specialist III; may receive technical or functional supervision from other technical or professional staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Makes routine inspections of food processing and handling establishments, trailer courts, swimming pools, schools, sewage disposal systems, waste water installations, water wells, garbage facilities and other installations to determine compliance with sanitary laws and regulations and to identify public health hazards.
Inspects pools, water wells, and wastewater installations; access inspection site; collect water samples and prepare samples for laboratory testing; interpret sampling results and determine appropriate response to problematic results; educate public.
Inspects food facilities to include restaurants, schools, hospitals and other public eating establishments to ensure compliance to all Federal, State and local regulations, codes and laws; pulls samples for testing; observes utensil washing and sanitizing procedures; tests water, oven, refrigerator and freezer temperatures; inspects cleanliness of food equipment and cooking environment.
Interprets provisions of sanitary laws and regulations, advises on methods of meeting and maintaining sanitary requirements, and attempts to obtain voluntary conformance;
Investigates complaints regarding overflowing septic tanks and sewers, waste disposal, animal bites, insect problems, and food poisoning cases; and obtains facts, evidence, and samples needed in determining abatement and control requirements.
Reviews plans of proposed septic tanks, swimming pools, and food establishment installations to ensure conformance with acceptable standards and codes.
Inspects residences to evaluate sanitary condition of building, plumbing, lavatory facilities, and adequacy of lighting, ventilation and water supply.
Collects and compiles data; maintains records and prepares reports of daily and periodic inspections and violations, and prepares correspondence and reports relating to the work; performs necessary research.
Attends meetings with community groups to establish rapport and provide education on environmental health topics for the purpose of improving environmental health compliance and awareness.
Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:
- At least one year of progressively responsible work performing public health and/or environmental protection inspection and/or administrative support duties.
- Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, environmental health science, geology, hydrology, natural science, chemistry or a related field with 30 semester or 45 quarter units of college coursework involving chemistry, biology, physics, calculus and algebra as approved by the State of California Department of Health.
Must possess an acceptance letter from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) stating that CDPH has reviewed your college transcripts, you have met the coursework requirements, and that you are able to be hired as a trainee. Details here: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/pages/emb/rehs/rehs.aspx
Must obtain a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist within three years of appointment to the Environmental Health Services Trainee job class.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Basic principles and practices of a variety of science applications such as: geology, hydrology and soils science relative to sewage disposal, well construction, contaminated soil, and groundwater investigation and remediation.
Basic principles and practices of engineering, chemistry, biology and bacteriology.
Basic principles and practices for the proper disposal of sewage on site.
Basic water well drilling practices and procedures.
Health and Safety Code of the State of California with reference to safe food handling and preparation, sewage disposal and water and local land development ordinances and other applicable ordinances.
Basic principles of public health as related to potential environment impact.
Standard and accepted office procedures methods and computer equipment.
Basic principles and practices of work safety.
Standard and accepted English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Basic statistics and statistical analysis and advanced mathematical calculations.
Skill to:
- On a continuous basis, learn and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information.
- Learn to interpret relevant codes and regulations and apply County policies and procedures.
- Learn to plan and conduct the more routine inspections; read and review blue print/blue lines and plans; and maintain accurate case records.
- Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
- Obtain information through interviews; work fairly and courteously with the public; and work effectively with interruption.
- Analyze situations quickly and objectively; identify and recommend proper course of action.
- Utilize general and designated office machines and technology in a manner to successfully perform assigned functions.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Use a computer, calculator, typewriter, telephone, facsimile machine, photocopy machine microfilm reader printer, thermocouple, and various field monitoring devices.
- Prioritize assigned work effectively for successful job performance.
- Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform required duties in a safe and effective manner for self and others.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

PHYSICAL:

While performing the essential functions of this job class, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a variety of objects, tools, equipment, computer keyboard, vehicles, and other specialized equipment
Flexibility and endurance to stand, climb, stoop, kneel, crawl, bend, walk, reach, and crouch
Talk and hear clearly and concisely to communicate with co-workers, general public, County staff and management, consultants and outside agencies and organizations on a continuous basis
Employee may be required to lift and/or carry and/or move moderately heavy to heavy objects in the performance of required duties

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employee performs assigned duties both indoors and outdoors in a variety of climatic conditions including exposure to hot and cold temperatures
May work in rough terrain and remote locations on occasion
Continuous contact with other staff and management, other agencies and organizations and the general public is also required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

You may be required to drive a motor vehicle in the course of employment and must possess a valid operator’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles
Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation
Position may be required to serve as a Disaster Service Worker during a County emergency

SUPPLEMENTAL & AGENCY INFORMATION

APPLICATION:
It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Beginning with your present or most recent job, show a complete record of your employment. Describe in detail any aspects of your experience or activities that are particularly appropriate for the position for which you are applying. You may not submit resume in lieu of completing the Employment Record fields. We will evaluate your qualifications based solely on the information entered into the Employment Record form.

It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements like “See/Refer to resume” or “See attached”.

IMPORTANT: If requesting Veteran's preference, you must attach a copy of your DD214 with your application

SELECTION:
Selection procedures will be determined by the number and qualifications of applicants and may include a qualification screening, written examination, and oral interview.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH QUALIFYING DISABILITIES:
Inyo County will make reasonable efforts in the examination process on a case-by-case basis to accommodate persons with disabilities. If you have special needs, please contact (760) 878-0377 prior to the examination process.

CITIZENSHIP/IMMIGRATION STATUS:
Inyo County hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-citizens in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

WORK LOCATION:
The County of Inyo has work sites located throughout the Owens Valley (Independence, Bishop, Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Olancha) and the Death Valley area (Death Valley, Tecopa, and Shoshone). All Inyo County positions are considered Countywide. Positions are assigned to a work site based upon the needs of the County. Positions may be temporarily or permanently reassigned to another work site as deemed necessary by the Department Head and/or County Administration.

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Environmental Health Specialist Trainee