ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

Position Overview Los Angeles County is hiring an Emergency Environmental Health Specialist I (Temporary) to support the County's response to homelessness. The role is open to qualified candidates and may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with opportunity for permanent appointment based on performance. Definition As a trainee, the candidate learns techniques for conducting environmental health inspections and investigations. Classification Standards Under close administrative and technical supervision, positions allocable to this class receive up to two years of extensive formal and on‑the‑job training in techniques and procedures for conducting environmental health inspections, investigations, and enforcement. Duties comply with Federal, State, and County public health laws and the policies of the environmental health program. Career Path Environmental Health Specialist II Environmental Health Specialist III Environmental Health Specialist IV Chief Environmental Health Specialist Responsibilities Attends formal training sessions to receive instruction in environmental management principles, methods, and techniques and orientation to the organization, departmental policies, and procedures of the Environmental Health Program. Learns to conduct periodic inspections of food establishments and restaurants for proper sanitary conditions by reviewing and observing to ensure that food is unspoiled, properly labeled, stored, handled, and protected from contaminants. Reviews and observes utensil washing and sanitizing procedures by testing water temperatures and cleaning agents and facilities to ensure that these meet Federal, State, and local legal requirements. Ensures that food equipment, such as stoves, refrigerators, and other cooking equipment and appliances are clean and in good repair. Learns to conduct investigations of complaints concerning the infestation of rodents, and inspects by examining premises for evidence of infestation such as telltale signs and avenues of entry and placing poisons. Learns to conduct investigations of complaints regarding improper disposal of garbage, rubbish and sewage, and other unsanitary conditions in buildings, dwellings and retail food or other establishments by conducting inspections of premises for adequate disposal facilities. Learns to conduct investigations concerning the disposal of garbage, rubbish and sewage under public health laws by inspecting the collection trucks, sanitary landfills, recycle sites, and refuse transfer stations used by private residential refuse collectors operating in unincorporated areas and contract cities to ensure that collection trucks are in good repair, properly covered and no spillage, and that landfills, recycle sites, and refuse transfer stations do not provide insect or rodent harborage or emit excessive odors or dust. Meets with community groups within an assigned area and attempts to establish rapport for the purpose of solving problems related to environmental health. Learns to participate in prosecution of environmental sanitation cases of non‑compliance with public health laws and regulations by preparing evidence such as meat samples and the findings of laboratory technicians who conducted the tests, completing inspection forms, attending office hearings, conferring with city or the district attorney, and testifying in court as a representative of the Department of Public Health. Maintains records of work performed. Drives to various locations to receive training on conducting inspections of multi‑family housing and associated swimming pools, restaurants, and food markets. Drives to various locations to inspect multi‑family housing and associated swimming pools, restaurants, and food markets. Drives to various locations to conduct investigations of complaints regarding habitability at single and multi‑family housing. Drives to various locations to conduct complaint investigations of restaurant and food markets. Qualifications (Selection Requirements) A bachelor’s degree in Physiological Science, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Public Health, Environmental Studies, Environmental and Occupational Health, Environmental Biology, Biology, Health Science, or a related field from an accredited college, university, or educational institution approved by the California State Department of Public Health or an accredited institution of collegiate grade approved by the American Council on Education. A letter from the California State Department of Public Health verifying eligibility to work as an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee, dated no earlier than 30 months from the date of application. Licenses and Physical Requirements Required: a valid California Class C Driver License. Physical demand: Moderate. Includes standing or walking most of the time, bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching; working on irregular surfaces and occasionally lifting objects over 25 pounds and frequently lifting 10–25 pounds. Special Requirement Information Legible copy of an official diploma, transcript, or letter from an accredited institution, signed and sealed by the Registrar. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for equivalency by an accredited credential evaluation agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. Successful applicants who drive must provide a driving record from the California State Department of Motor Vehicles before final appointment. The driving license must not be suspended, restricted, or revoked. Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employment The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance Employer and does not require information about conviction history unless a contingent offer of employment is received. The County is committed to promoting anti‑racism, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr County-of-Los-Angeles