Environmental Health Specialist - (Open Until Filled)

Under general supervision performs professional work involved in the inspection and enforcement or an assigned environmental health program area which may include land use, food safety, housing and institutions, recreational health, water quality, solid, liquid, and medical waster, certified unified programs, hazardous materials, childhood lead investigation, and emergency response; interprets, implements, and enforces federal, state, and local codes as they pertain to environmental health programs, provides education, reference, and assistance; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.


The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law..

• Performs regulation and enforcement of environmental health safety laws, rules, and regulations; interprets the more specialized environmental health regulations, rules, and policies related to an assigned program area.
• Inspects retail food establishments, as defined by State stature for compliance to applicable health codes, investigates reported cased of food-borne illness.
• Inspects organized camps and body art facilities for compliance with public health laws; issues citations for violation of public health and environmental laws and regulations.
• Conducts inspections of proposed on-site wastewater treatment sites; reviews plans and issues permits for systems; performs site checks and final checks of such systems.
• Issues permits for the installation, modification, and closure of underground storage tanks; ensures that State guidelines are followed; identifies areas where unauthorized releases have occurred; documents site conditions.
• Reviews information and makes recommendations regarding wastewater disposal and water availability requirements.
• Performs inspections of small water systems; visually inspects for conformance with applicable codes and regulations; takes water samples and interprets laboratory results.
• Inspects public swimming pools and spas for conformance with codes and regulations; takes and interprets water samples; inspects construction detail and proper use and maintenance of filters and chemicals.
• Inspects, permits, investigates,  and enforces upon hazardous materials facilities for conformance with regulations and statute.
• Assists Madera County Public Health Department by performing inspections and investigations related to public health communicable disease investigations.
• Determines the need for closing of public eating and other establishments.
• Performs plan review and approval of food facilities, body art facilities, commercial swimming pool and spa facilities, septic systems, and water wells. 
• Responds to emergency situations as assigned.
• Prepares comprehensive reports related to inspections, investigations, and studies completed in the assigned program area.
• Provides general information to the regulated community and public regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations; receives and responds to inquiries, request for assistance, concerns, and complaints from the public regarding division activities and programs.
• Compiles data for and prepares a variety of records and reports related to environmental health investigation, inspections, studies, and projects.
• Participates in community education and public information efforts.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to citations and violation; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principle and practices of environmental sanitation, including water supply, sewage and refuse disposal, housing, sanitation, and hazardous materials and waste.
• Principles and practices of sanitary food production, processing, and handling.
• Principles and techniques of sampling and analysis of varied specimens.
• Principles and practices of physical, biological, and social sciences as they relate to public health and environmental quality control.
• Research practices.
• Investigative techniques and principles of evidence.
• Proper use and operation of field-testing equipment and materials used in environmental health inspections, investigations, and warrants.
• Functions and operations of organization and agencies involved with environmental health activities.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendor, contractors, and Count staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed.

Ability to:

• Conduct thorough routine and special environmental health inspections and investigations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to enforcing environmental health regulations and guidelines.
• Perform site analysis for waste and septic systems to identify determine location suitability.
• Detect unsanitary conditions, isolate causes, and take appropriate action to ensure compliance.
• Simultaneously conduct multiple inspections and investigations, and accurately document findings and maintain appropriate records.
• Responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service.
• Collect and interpret field and test data accurately.
• Review construction specifications and plans bl to ensure health and safety compliance.
• Perform mathematical computations and statistical analysis.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written material.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgement within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to the work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in environmental health, biology, chemistry, or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California Driver’s License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, a letter of verification issued by the State of California Department of Public Health (CDPH) verifying completion of allStaterequiredcoursespursuanttoSection106625ofthe Health and Safety Code.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculate and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 20 pounds.

When assigned to a field environment:
Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; to climb and descend ladders or into and out of spaces; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work around machines; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may working the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, vermin, insects, and parasites, biologic/infectious agents, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to travel to different worksites and locations.The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications.  In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.
 
Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process which may be administered by a written examination, oral interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for the assessment listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100%. To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/maderacountyca. All job postings are also included via the TDD phone at 559-675-8970 and the 24-hour job line at 559-675-7697. Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded), licenses, and certificates to your application or your application may be considered incomplete.  Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.  
 
For an open recruitment, applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 form along with the application. Candidates who attain ranking on an eligible list and are involuntarily called to active duty may be considered for eligibility reinstatement upon their return.
 
PLACEMENT ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST:
The Civil Service Commission may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the examination process. If two or more candidates have the same total final score on an examination, they shall be ranked in order of their scores in that portion of the examination which has the greatest weight.  The names of two or more eligibles having final ratings which are identical shall be grouped on the eligible list as tie names with equal rank for certification and appointment purposes.
 
Candidates who are successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list, in rank order based on a calculation of their total score from the examination process. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of six (6) months or one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to section 6-4 (b) and may be extended for up to an additional year by the Commission.  
 
PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
As a condition of employment with the County of Madera, a candidate must submit to a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, and related follow up testing as necessary. Designated classifications* are also subject to a medical examination, which includes a review of medical history. TB screenings and medical exams are administered by the Madera County Public Health Department and/or health care professional designated by the County.
 
Designated classifications required to submit to an employment medical examination generally include those that are physical in nature or as may be required by law. If you have any questions about the pre-employment requirements, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (559) 675-7705 or hr@maderacounty.com.
 
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT:
You will be required to submit verification of your identity and citizenship or legal right to work in the United States at the time of and as a condition of an offer of employment.
As a condition of employment, all prospective employees shall be required to be fingerprinted.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Madera County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by Federal or State law.

Salary : $29 - $35