County of san diego department of environmental health

San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (CA) Reviews

Current Employee, more than 8 years

Recommends

Positive Outlook

Pros

Great people, great training, supportive supervisors, and positive vibes.

Cons

Sometimes management can be authoritarians when making decisions. Less communication with lower staff (including senior staff) regarding decision making.

Advice to Management

Communicate with staff, ask for their opinions on matters that may affect them rather than take a decision and deal with the consequences and complaints later.

See All 3 Reviews

San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (CA) Awards & Accolades

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CLASSIFICATION PURPOSE AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

To protect the environment, public health, and safety of San Diego County residents through permit, inspection, consultation, planning, investigation and enforcement activities in a wide variety of program areas including food, housing, water quality, recreational health, land use, site assessment and mitigation, solid waste, hazardous materials and vector control surveillance; and to perform related work as required.

Environmental Health Specialist is a professional class series responsible for implementing program activities related to the protection of the environment and the public health and safety of San Diego County residents through permit, inspection, education, consultation, planning, investigation and enforcement activities. Positions in this class are allocated only to the Department of Environmental Health and Quality to permit, inspect, consult and advise industrial and commercial establishments, residents, property owners, and solid waste transfer and disposal facility managers regarding their conformance and compliance with federal, state, and local environmental health, safety and sanitation laws, codes, and regulations.

This is the first working-level class in the Environmental Health Specialist series. Under direct supervision, an Environmental Health Specialist I may provide program services and/or perform routine field inspections and investigations on a limited range of establishments and sites within an assigned program. As more experience is gained, incumbents at this level will be expected to carry out assignments with greater independence.

The complete Environmental Health Specialist series includes the following:

Environmental Health Specialist Trainee (Class No. 004705)
Environmental Health Specialist I (Class No. 004721)
Environmental Health Specialist II (Class No. 004722)
Environmental Health Specialist III (Class No. 004723)
Supervising Environmental Health Specialist (Class No. 004726)

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The examples of functions listed in this class specification are representative but not necessarily exhaustive or descriptive of any one position in the class. Management is not precluded from assigning other related functions not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

Essential Functions (General):

1. May assist in staff training.
2. Coordinates and participates with work groups and technical committees at the state, local and national level.
3. May be required to perform the functions of the lower level class in this series. 

Food and Housing Option

In addition to the general essential functions listed above:

1. Conducts compliance investigations of food facilities, apartment houses, hotels/motels, private premises, boarding homes, theaters, stores, boats, swimming pools, spas, massage parlors, and body art facilities.
2. Issues official notices of corrective action and abatement and makes follow-up investigations to ensure compliance.
3. Reviews and investigates reports of food or water-borne disease complaints, and reports of food handlers with infectious diseases.
4. Orders the removal of ill food handlers from work. Collects food and related samples for laboratory analysis. Samples and tests water and creates records and reports.
5. Assists in the preparation of legal documents for administrative hearings and further legal action against repeat violators. Provides information and expert testimony during court hearings and trials.
6. Performs compliance on a wide variety of new and existing residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. Investigates substandard buildings; prepares legal documents, orders repairs and condemnation or demolition.
7. Evaluates remodeled or newly constructed food facilities and public pools for compliance with construction standards.
8. Instructs food handlers on sanitary methods and principles.

Hazardous Materials Option

In addition to the general essential functions listed above:

1. Conducts inspections of hazardous waste generators and hazardous materials establishments to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations pertaining to waste storage, treatment, handling, transporting, disposal and record keeping.
2. Conducts tiered permitting inspections of establishments that treat hazardous waste.
3. Conducts hazardous materials business plan and disclosure inspections to ensure proper accounting of hazardous materials.
4. Inspects medical waste and bio-hazardous waste generators for proper management.
5. Reviews risk management prevention plans and audits sites with regulated substances.
6. Inspects underground storage tanks (UST) and monitoring equipment for compliance.
7. Inspects petroleum storage facilities for compliance with the Aboveground

   Petroleum Storage Act and for the preparation of and compliance with Spill Prevention Control and Counter Measures Plans.

8. Collects evidence and samples.
9. Handles detection and safety equipment and ensures that sufficient inventories of up-to-date equipment are available for use/deployment on a regular basis, and in the event of emergency or non-emergency responses.
10. Maintains records of inspections and investigations.
11. Promotes and educates businesses on the benefits of pollution prevention.
12. Responds to public complaints.
13. Explains laws and regulations and provides informal one-on-one explanations of regulations.
14. Prepares court cases and other formal enforcement actions.
15. Prepares reports.

Land and Water Quality Option

In addition to the general essential functions listed above:

1. Reviews installation plans submitted by customers for the construction of on-site sewage disposal systems and inspects sites throughout installation process; reviews percolation tests and approves/disapproves test results submitted.
2. Conducts inspections of mobile home parks and organized camps including housing, food services, recreational waters, water supply and sewage disposal.
3. Reviews installation plans submitted by customers for the construction of recycled water distribution systems and performs functional shutdown tests for recycled water users.
4. Performs sampling, data analysis, investigations, and posting of advisories and closures at recreational beaches.
5. Reviews reports and performs inspections for assessment and mitigation of contaminated underground storage tank sites and other sites contaminated with hazardous materials/wastes.
6. Reviews installation plans and performs site inspections of private drinking water wells.
7. Reviews construction activities and conducts inspections of small drinking water systems.
8. Participates in court proceedings or abatement actions and provides public testimony at public hearings and meetings.
9. Reviews hydro-geologic reports, grading plans and designs for compatibility of sewage and water system construction, tentative parcel maps, use permits, boundary adjustments, variances and administrative permits for land use development projects.
10. Prepares legal notifications and enforcement actions.
11. Responds to citizen complaints.
12. Evaluates substandard housing and health hazards.

Community Health Option

In addition to the general essential functions listed above:

1. Performs inspections.
2. Reviews permitting documents.
3. Investigates complaints and carries-out related duties and activities regarding solid waste facilities and enforcement of State regulations and laws.
4. Evaluates illegal landfill activities, agricultural waste and composting operations, and the impact of solid waste facilities to surrounding land use.
5. Measures and reports program efficiency and conducts staff training.
6. Coordinates with all divisions in providing service in department-wide programs.
7. Assists the public in obtaining services and information from County departments.
8. Gathers technical evidence.
9. Prepares compliance orders, and participates in court proceedings, public meetings and hearings.
10. Coordinates customer service activities, student intern programs and departmental newsletters.
11. Conducts a resource preservation educational program in the business community, develops county preferable purchase policies.
12. Monitors, analyzes and reports State and Federal legislation, and coordinates activities with County legislative analysts.
13. Develops departmental Geographic Information System (GIS) capability through implementation of geographic software systems, development of spatial data systems, and deploying GIS data systems compatible with Department of Environmental Health and Quality and County Strategic Plans.
14. Develops and delivers outreach programs, materials and events.

In addition to the general essential functions listed above:

1. Assists in vector-borne disease, population, and area surveys.
2. Assists in vector habitat remediation program including project review and implementation.
3. Monitors and plans for impacts of emerging vector-borne diseases.
4. Provides information to agencies on a variety of issues related to vector-borne diseases
5. Participates in work groups and on technical committees at the local, state, and national level.
6. Participates in court proceedings or abatement actions and provides public testimony at public hearings and meetings.
7. Prepares legal notifications and enforcement actions.
8. Assists in preparation of regulatory compliance reports for a variety of agency permits
9. Measures and reports program efficiency and conducts staff training.
10. Coordinates with all divisions in providing service in department-wide programs.
11. Assists the public in obtaining services and information from County departments.
12. Gathers technical evidence.
13. Prepares compliance orders, and participates in court proceedings, public meetings and hearings.
14. Coordinates customer service activities, student intern programs and departmental newsletters.
15. Monitors, analyzes and reports State and Federal legislation, and coordinates activities with County legislative analysts.
16. Develops departmental Geographic Information System (GIS) capability through implementation of geographic software systems, development of spatial data systems, and deploying GIS data systems compatible with Department of Environmental Health and Quality and County Strategic Plans.
17. Develops and delivers outreach programs, materials and events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Industrial manufacturing processes and waste management practices
• Principles of chemical properties, ecology, toxicology, chemical waste and biostatistics
• Environmental health principles and practices
• Principles, practices and techniques relating to the protection of the environment and enforcement of public health and safety regulations
• Principles, practices and techniques of food, water, noise, land use, solid waste and hazardous materials inspection
• Vectors and vector-borne diseases
• Sensitive habitats and protection of endangered species
• Federal, State and local laws, regulations, ordinances and codes related to environmental and public health, safety and sanitation
• Governmental agencies and community groups involved in local environmental management issues
• Protective equipment and clothing

• Telephone, office, and online etiquette

• County customer service objectives and strategies

Skills and Abilities to:

• Inspect and survey residential, commercial, and industrial establishments to ensure conformity with environmental, health and safety laws, regulations, ordinances and codes
• Assess, evaluate, and investigate public complaints regarding food, water, noise, hazardous materials solid waste, vectors or other concerns regarding the environment
• Collect information and samples to enforce laws and regulations regarding public health sanitation
• Use GPS unit to identify permanent sites for classification, registration and interpretation into the Department of Environmental Health and Quality GIS database
• Gain compliance and cooperation of establishment representatives when engaging in enforcement/inspection
• Review and interpret maps, building plans, blueprints, permitting, closure; and other documents related to proposed sites, structures or fixtures
• Prioritize assignments and resources to respond to emergency, special or routine situations and deadlines in a timely manner
• Prepare clear and concise logs, reports and correspondence
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Treat County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public with courtesy and respect
• Assess the customer's immediate needs and ensure customer's receipt of needed services through personal service or making appropriate referral
• Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations
• Work effectively with others, such as groups, teams, or public and business representatives
• Provide and explain technical information regarding environmental health programs and activities to the public, business/industry members or other governmental agencies
• Coordinate investigations with other departments, divisions, or organizations
• Handle difficult public contact situations and negotiate compliance points
• Provides responsive, high quality service to County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete, and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner

Desirable Traits

Communicates Effectively, Knowledge Worker, Customer Focused, Values and Respects Others, Drives to Excel, Teamwork and Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Demonstrates Ethical Behavior, Supportive of Change

Education and/or Experience

Education, training, and/or experience, that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Required education and experience is:

1. Some program areas/positions require registration by the State of California as an Environmental Health Specialist (California Health and Safety Code):
   1. All positions at the Environmental Health Specialist I level in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Food and Housing Division require that at the time of application, applicants present a current evaluation letter from the State of California, Department of Public Health which states that the applicant is eligible to begin training in an approved environmental health program.
   2. All positions on the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) require possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of California.
   3. All Rural Generalist positions in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Division of Land and Water Quality require possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of California.
2. All Environmental Health Specialists (EHS) in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Hazardous Materials Division (HMD) must possess the following certificates within 180 days after hire.  All EHS employees who transfer to HMD must either possess the certifications or obtain such certifications within 180 days of transfer.
   1. Current ICC "California UST Inspector" certification.  This certification must be renewed every 24 months.
   2. Current APSA  "Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act" certification.
3. All Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) positions in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Land and Water Quality Division that are assigned responsibilities as Rural Generalists require possession of current ICC "California UST Inspector" certification.
4. All Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) positions in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Land and Water Quality Division that are assigned responsibilities to perform cross connection inspections and testing for the Recycled Water Program are required to have a current Cross Connection Control Specialist certification issued by the American Water Works Association; AND

1. One (1) year of experience investigating and enforcing environmental, public health or sanitary laws and regulations for a recognized public health agency or private company, OR,
2. Six (6) months as an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee with the County of San Diego.

Note:  A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in a science field such as: biology, chemistry, environmental health, environmental engineering, ecology, or geology may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.

All positions at the Environmental Health Specialist I level in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Food and Housing Division must obtain valid certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist by the State of California, Department of Public Health within three (3) years of their respective dates of hire, as required by the State of California, Health and Safety Code, Section 106625.  If certification is not obtained within this three (3) year period, employment will be terminated.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

Required licenses, certifications and registrations must be maintained throughout employment in this class.

License

A valid California Class C driver's license, which must be maintained throughout employment in this class, is required at time of appointment. Employees in this class may be required to use their own personal vehicle.

Certification/Registration 

1. Some program areas/positions require registration by the State of California as an Environmental Health Specialist (California Health and Safety Code):
   1. All positions at the Environmental Health Specialist I level in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Food and Housing Division require that at the time of application, applicants present a current evaluation letter from the State of California, Department of Public Health which states that the applicant is eligible to begin training in an approved environmental health program.
   2. All positions on the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) require possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of California.
   3. All Rural Generalist positions in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Division of Land and Water Quality require possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of California.
2. All Environmental Health Specialists (EHS) in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Hazardous Materials Division (HMD) must possess the following certificates - within 180 days after hire.  All EHS employees who transfer to HMD must either possess the certifications or obtain such certifications within 180 days of transfer.
   1. Current ICC "California UST Inspector" certification.  This certification must be renewed every 24 months.
   2. Current APSA "Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act" certification.
3. All Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) positions in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Land and Water Quality Division that are assigned responsibilities as Rural Generalists require possession of current ICC "California UST Inspector" certification. 
4. All Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) positions in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Land and Water Quality Division that are assigned responsibilities to perform cross connection inspections and testing for the Recycled Water Program are required to have a current Cross Connection Control Specialist certification issued by the American Water Works Association.

Office environment, exposure to computer screens. Exposure to hazardous gases and chemicals, pesticides, communicable diseases, pests/rodents, and other hazardous health conditions. Exposure to various weather conditions, hostile or irate individuals. Subject to emergency call on 24-hour basis.  Employees may work independently in remote locations.

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

Must be able to inspect excavations and navigate in remote areas. Continuous: upward and downward flexion of the neck. Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers. Occasional: walking, standing, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, and reaching above and below shoulder level. Incumbents use physical agility and strength on a continual basis, including lifting objects frequently weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally weighing up to 70 pounds. Some positions require the passing of an annual physical exam and the physical fitness for wearing a respirator.

Background Investigation

Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness with no felony convictions. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates would be subjected to a background investigation.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND CLASS HISTORY

Incumbents appointed to permanent positions in this class shall serve a probationary period of 12 months.
 

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