What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Environmental Health Specialist - Retail Food Program position at County of Humboldt?
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including;
- Provide senior-level oversight and support to the Retail Food program.
- Administer inspector field training in retail food facility inspections consistent with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standardization Program.
- Program development: develop forms, processes, procedures, informational handouts, etc. and lead program improvements.
Where You'll Do It:
This position is located at 100 H St., Eureka, CA 95501
A typical schedule for this position is M-F; 8-5
Please note: This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, may assign, direct and review the work of a small staff of Environmental Health Specialists involved in the investigation and enforcement of public health and environmental health laws; performs professional inspection and enforcement work in a complex environmental health program; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is either the working lead level in the Environmental Health Specialist series, with responsibility for providing direction to a group of Environmental Health Specialists performing public and environmental health inspection and enforcement duties, or the specialist level which performs difficult, technical, complex and specialized health enforcement duties, but does not have ongoing lead responsibilities.
- Provides lead direction, training and work review to a small staff; organizes and assigns work, sets priorities and follows up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work.
- Provides input into selection decisions, performance evaluations and disciplinary matters.
- Acts as a specialist in difficult or highly technical areas of environmental or public health work requiring specialized training or experience such as solid waste inspection, food inspection, land use inspection and dairy inspections.
- Performs administrative work involved in handling an inspection and enforcement program; reviews and issues permits; interprets state laws and regulations; establishes budget and allocates funds; sets program parameters and recommends staff and budget. May staff the environmental health office for Del Norte County and perform the full range of inspection and enforcement activities with only remote supervision.
- Conducts inspections and investigations and prepares written and oral reports related to public health communicable diseases investigations.
- Makes recommendations on sewage disposal and water availability requirements as related to land division projects in the County.
- Conducts and interprets the results of soil, water quality and water quantity tests.
- Conducts investigations of proposed and current sewage treatment and waste disposal sites; issues permits for individual surveys and waste disposal systems; performs site checks and final inspections of such systems.
- Inspects restaurants, food stores, food manufacturing and storage facilities, food crops and food vending machines for compliance to applicable health codes; instructs food serving workers in the proper handling of food; investigates reported cases of food-related illness.
- Responds to non-agricultural hazardous material spills to assume proper handling, clean-up and disposal of material; inspects hospitals and medical facilities to assure proper disposal of infectious waste.
- Inspects residential dwellings, hotels, motels, mobile home parks, schools, organized camps and family care homes for compliance with public health laws; issues citations for violations of public health and environmental laws and regulations.
- Investigates animal bite cases and advises medical follow-up when needed; participates in rabies and other clinics to educate the public on protection from diseases transmitted by animals.
- Issues permits for the installation, modification or closure of Underground Storage Tanks; ensures that state guidelines are followed; identifies areas where unauthorized releases have occurred, documents condition of site.
- Administers the Market Milk Inspection program; inspects cow herds and commercial dairy sites for conformance to regulations and for proper sanitation; directs the laboratory testing of raw and processed milk; inspects processing plants and retail outlets for proper processing, sanitation and storage practices.
- Prepares comprehensive reports related to inspections, investigations and studies completed in the public health areas.
- Basic supervisory principles and practices.
- Principles and practices of environmental sanitation, including water supply, sewage and refuse disposal, housing, recreational and industrial sanitation and vector control.
- Principles and practices of sanitary food production, processing and handling.
- Principles and techniques of sampling and analysis of varied specimens.
- Local, state and federal environmental health and safety regulations and requirements.
- Office administrative practices and procedures.
- Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals, often in difficult situations.
Skill in:
- Planning, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of others.
- Training others in work procedures.
- Analyzing and solving varied complex environmental health problems.
- Making thorough inspections and investigations.
- Analyzing and evaluating the results of sampling studies.
- Exercising sound, independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Educating the public in matters of effective sanitary measures.
- Interpreting and enforcing sanitation regulations and guidelines.
- Representing the County as an expert witness in court cases involving sanitation violations.
- Reviewing construction blueprints to ensure health and safety compliance.
- Maintaining accurate records and files.
- Preparing clear, concise and accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Other Requirements:
- Must possess a valid California driver's license.
- Must possess registration by the State of California as an Environmental Health Specialist.
Desirable Education and Experience
- A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Two years of experience in the investigation and enforcement of public health and environmental laws at a level equivalent to the County class of Environmental Health Specialist II.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
- You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
- No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
- You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
- Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
Salary : $61,318 - $78,686
