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Environmental Health Specialist I/II

Multiple vacancies with the Health and Human Services Agency in Visalia. Vacancies may be filled at Level I or the Level II. This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and future vacancies. The anticipated life of the list is six months. 
Typical Duties
Conduct inspections of food handling and industrial establishments, water supply systems, sewage disposal systems, lead, solid waste disposal sites, organized camps, schools and public buildings, recreational and bathing facilities, underground storage tank systems, biomedical waste management, and air pollution sources to ensure compliance with state and local laws and regulations governing environmental quality control; recommend changes and provide instructions for correction of deficiencies; note violations and secure voluntary compliance; issue written notices of violation or take steps to initiate legal action to enforce compliance; collect food, water, air, soil, and effluent samples for laboratory analysis; investigate violations and complaints regarding insect, rodent, animal and other public health nuisances; check for violations of agricultural and open burning regulations; instruct, educate, and make recommendations to individuals and groups in methods of control and effectively communicate the principles of a safe and healthy environment; review and approve permits, building plans, and specifications of water, sewage, pool, underground tank control systems, emergency response plans and procedures, and waste handling systems; gather, organize and analyze information; prepare reports and correspondence; maintain files on inspections and investigations; manage the investigation of food and vector borne disease; use and maintain a variety of scientific precision measuring instruments; interpret laws and regulations, and act as a resource person for private and public agencies; keep records, prepare reports and participate in special studies and surveys; perform related duties as assigned.
Employment Standards
Education/Experience:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in environmental health or related fields of science; or possess alternate qualifications per Title 17, Article 1, Section 7941 of the California Administrative Code. Level II: Requires one (1) year of experience in an approved environmental health program.

Knowledge of:  General principles of environmental quality control, sanitation and public health; principles and practices relating to safe food production, processing and handling; principles of chemistry, biology, microbiology and environmental health sciences; advanced math including algebra, geometry and statistical analysis; proper sampling procedures for laboratory analysis; relevant scientific and technical terminology; safety practices of the industry. Level II: In addition will require field test procedures; methods and techniques for interviewing, investigating and conducting inspections and resolving pollution problems and health threats; environmental research and statistical methods.
 
Skill/Ability to: Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes and behaviors of both clients and co-workers; read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations and technical documents; detect unsanitary conditions and public health hazards; analyze situations accurately, and take effective action; communicate and explain technical and legal terms to people from various educational and socioeconomic backgrounds; use patience, tact, and courtesy to deal with people under various circumstances; write clear, concise, grammatically correct reports, memos and letters; give and follow complex verbal and written instructions; make scale drawings and plot plans; determine alternative solutions to complex problems and select the most appropriate solution; coordinate work with others; adjust to changes in workload; establish priorities and meet deadlines within a fast-paced work environment; perform duties under stressful conditions; maintain confidentiality; read and understand operational and mechanical procedures of source sampling equipment; work outdoors; operate a personal computer and other office equipment; work a flexible schedule including evening, overnight, and weekend hours. Level II: In addition maintain confidentiality; oversee investigations; implement new policies and procedures; establish and maintain records; present technical information in graphic form; read and interpret numbers on dials, gauges and meters; instruct in the methods and procedures of sanitary inspection and correction of unsanitary conditions.

License/Certificate: 
LEVEL I:  Possession of a letter from the State Department of Health Services, Office of Local Environmental Health Programs, stating that the applicant is capable of meeting minimum standards for admission to the examination for registration according to California Administrative Code, within three years from date of appointment. LEVEL II: Requires Certificate of Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the California State Department of Health Services. 
 
DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
License/Certifications: CC; Lead inspector assessor; Vector; Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
Additional Information
Conditions of Employment
Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
 
College Cost Reduction Access Act
This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER