Placer Employment Opportunities

Environmental Health Specialist - Registered - Assistant

Consumer Protection - Extra-Help Assignment

Recruitment #2020-14519-01

POSITION INFORMATION

The Department of Health and Human Services – Environmental Health Division is currently accepting applications for the assignment of Extra-Help* Registered Environmental Specialist Assistant for the Consumer Protection programs. Under supervision, the Registered Environmental Specialist Assistant performs scientific and professional level office and field work to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The primary responsibility of staff assigned to the Consumer Protection programs are to ensure compliance with regulated food facilities, body art facilities and swimming pools.  

*Temporary/Extra Help assignments are limited to working 28 hours per week with a cap of 999 hours or 960 hours for CalPERS retired annuitants in a fiscal year and are not eligible for benefits. Extra-help appointments made from this eligible list may transition to permanent status, should vacancies arise. This recruitment may be used to fill extra help vacancies in the division as they arise, subject to specific position requirements.

This recruitment may be used to fill other vacancies as they arise, subject to specific position requirements.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Professional benefits

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer please visit Placer County’s Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To administer and enforce Federal, State and local statutes, ordinances and regulations related to public health and sanitation; to encourage sound sanitary and environmental health practices; and to protect the environment and the public.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level in the Registered Environmental Health Specialist series. Positions in this class are distinguished from the Environmental Health Trainee by the possession of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the State of California Department of Health Services. This class is distinguished from the Associate level by the performance of the less complex 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 Associate level.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Supervising Environmental Health Specialist and may receive technical and functional supervision from the Associate and/or Senior Registered Environmental Health Specialist.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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

  • Inspect and evaluate restaurants and other retail food establishments, public bathing, spa and other recreational and institutional facilities that are of a more complex nature; provide food handling education and other relevant public health and sanitation information; and participate in State-mandated food recalls.
  • Conduct plan checks of new or remodel construction plans for restaurant, pool and spa facilities, and hazardous materials storage and monitoring systems relative to regulatory compliance; investigate complaints about sewage and various public health nuisances; conduct epidemiological investigations; handle housing and vector complaints; and investigate food borne illnesses.
  • Conduct site evaluations of proposed developments, including soils testing, to determine site capability for sewage disposal; evaluate submitted designs and proposed septic systems relative to site conditions; evaluate feasibility of proposed subdivisions and set conditions for approval; and recommend approval or denial of variances and appeals.
  • Evaluate existing sewage disposal and water treatment installations and facilities for regulatory compliance; evaluate need for expansion or replacement of treatment systems; evaluate well sites and well construction for code compliance and acceptance as domestic water supply; and test and assess public drinking water potability.
  • Conduct compliance inspections of public drinking water systems and evaluate laboratory testing data related to state and federal safe drinking water standards.
  • Evaluate solid waste handling and disposal facilities; review and recommend approval of or note exceptions to engineering reports regarding construction, operation, monitoring and closure/post closure maintenance and use; and respond to complaints and inquiries from the public regarding solid waste handling and disposal.  
  • Participate in environmental review process of assigned projects; identify and evaluate concerns regarding discretionary entitlement applications;  process environmental assessment questionnaires and environmental impact reports; provide information regarding public health and sanitation issues involved in projects to proponents, the public and public hearing bodies.
  • Conduct site assessments as part of environmental review process; develop recommendations for approval or denial; make environmental health findings to County Planning Department and draft comments as opinion from Environmental Health Division; and represent the Division in public hearings as directed.
  • Inspect and evaluate facilities that handle hazardous materials and hazardous wastes; review hazardous materials business plans for regulatory compliance; inspect above ground containers and underground storage tanks; and approve plans for and monitor underground storage tank removal and installation.
  • Conduct investigations and assessments and respond to complaints involving issues of environmental health and sanitation; work with affected parties in resolution of problems and issues; prepare cases for referral to the District Attorney or conduct immediate enforcement actions; and coordinate with other County divisions and departments and other public agencies and jurisdictions to protect the public health.
  • Provide information to the public regarding more complex environmental health and sanitation issues and respond to questions and inquiries in the office, by telephone, in person at field sites, or through educational presentations; prepare staff and regulatory reports and correspondences; and establish and maintains appropriate and accurate files and records.
  • Provide collection and information services for household hazardous waste; respond to hazardous materials release/threatened release and provide technical assistance as part of an emergency response team; and respond to complaints or requests for service from public regarding hazardous materials/waste storage, use, or disposal in business, institutional, or private residential settings.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in an indoor office and/or out in the field with varying environments, including inclement weather.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training:

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

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

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in any of the biological or physical sciences, environmental health science, engineering or a related field. 

Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

License or Certificate: 

Possession of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Principles of environmental sanitation and the sanitation sciences.
  • Public health methods and procedures used in inspection and correction of unsanitary conditions and in prevention and control of diseases.
  • Sanitation provisions of the California Health and Safety Code.
  • Physical and biological sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, hydrology and soils science.
  • Principles of higher mathematics, engineering and hydraulics.
  • Principles and practices of scientific research and statistical methodology.
  • Computer software, including word processing, spreadsheet, data base, and various statistical analysis applications.
  • Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  • Principles and practices of work safety.
  • English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Ability to:

  • Simultaneously conduct multiple inspections and investigations and accurately document findings and maintain appropriate records.
  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job. Intermittently observe, identify and analyze public health and sanitation problems and develop solutions; analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; interpret, enforce and explain statutes, regulations, policies and procedures; and maintain awareness of safety at all times.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk or in vehicle for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, kneel, climb, bend and reach while conducting field inspections and investigations, or making various tests; see to observe field conditions; differentiate colors on charts, maps, or identification shields, in soil or food, or as part of testing; hear to evaluate proper functioning of various kinds of equipment; use a telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; and lift moderate weight.
  • Compile, analyze and evaluate technical information and prepare recommendations regarding further action.
  • Perform mathematical computations and statistical analysis.
  • Interpret plans, drawings and specifications.
  • Use various test sampling, monitoring, measuring and laboratory supplies and equipment and specialized protective gear as needed.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Obtain information through interview and work firmly and courteously with the public.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action.
  • Work unusual and prolonged work schedules in the event of an environmental or public health emergency.
  • Use a computer, calculator, typewriter, telephone, two-way radio, camera, facsimile machine, and photocopy machine.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation:

  • All permanent appointments from open eligible lists to open positions in the classified service shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit:

  • Professional

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.



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