Environmental Health Specialist III

Environmental SpecialistUnder general direction, to conduct sanitary inspections and investigations in the enforcement of Federal, State, County, and local environmental health, safety, and hazardous materials laws, rules, regulations, and standards; and to do related work as required.This is the advanced journey level and lead class in the Environmental Specialist class series. Incumbents in this class are Registered Environmental Health Specialists and conduct investigations in a broad range of Environmental Health areas on an independent basis. Incumbents in this class are expected to serve in a stand-by capacity for dealing with hazardous materials emergencies.Reports to Public Health Officer, or designee. This is a lead position and may supervise technical and support staff.Typical physical requirements include sitting for extended periods; frequently standing and walking; crawling through various areas on hands and knees; standing, walking or crouching on narrow and slippery surfaces; climbing ladders, stairs, and scaffolding; ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX; use of combustible gas meter, chlorine and PH spectrophotometer, and other applicable environmental monitoring and sampling devices.Typical working conditions include work usually performed in office, outdoor, and driving environments; some work is performed in varying temperatures and humidity; exposure to high levels of noise; some exposure to dust; exposure to hazardous waste and materials; continuous contact with other staff and the public.Examples of duties include conducting inspections to secure compliance with Federal, State and local sanitation laws and regulations governing food handling establishments, sewage disposal systems, substandard housing, land use, swimming pools, recreational health facilities, water supply systems, solid waste management, public nuisances, toxic/hazardous waste materials, zoning, underground storage tanks, and other areas; recommending changes and providing instruction for deficiency and violation corrections; advising food handlers and restaurant operators on correct sanitation methods; conducting special investigations in response to public complaints; conducting investigation of animal bites and establishing animal quarantine; conducting sanitation surveys and conferring with local officials on sanitation problems; conducting investigations of insect nuisances or infestations; working with solid waste issues and problems, including illegal garbage dumping; making inspections of public and private recreational facilities and swimming pools; making housing inspections to determine health and safety compliance with appropriate laws and standards; inspecting facilities to minimize future health threats; taking water, sewage, soil, and waste samples, interpreting data; interpreting environmental health laws and regulations for the public; reviewing plans for new subdivisions, conducting on-site inspections to ensure suitable water and sewage facilities; reviewing and recommending changes in building plans to comply with Environmental Health regulations and standards; conducting on-site evaluations of sewage disposal systems; participating in the development of policies, procedures, regulations and ordinances related to an area of specialization; investigating complaints and evaluating effectiveness of program operations; determining problem areas, collecting and analyzing data and recommending systemic solutions. Serves as subject matter resource to other professional staff providing specialized knowledge and recommending solutions to complex problems that are consistent with program goals; may review and comment on impact of proposed ordinances, legislation and regulations. Provides technical program information and policy interpretations for the public business and professional representative and other agency staff; represents the department on program matters at meetings, commissions, committees, boards and public hearings. Coordinates inspections, special studies and permit reviews with pertinent staff and officials from separate jurisdictions, districts, state and federal agencies. Prepares written reports, memoranda and correspondence; as directed, drafts and finalizes specialty program manuals, grant applications, procedures, and forms. Prepares and presents in-service and public education programs for business and civic groups, professional staff and civic officials. As directed, may assign, review and coordinate the work of Specialist level staff including monitoring timely completion of workload, answering technical and procedural questions, reviewing work methods and products, and training employees. Other duties as assigned.Minimum qualifications include any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: three years of experience performing a variety of environmental investigations and inspections. AND education equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or a closely related field.Special requirements include possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License. Possession of a valid Environmental Health registration issued by the State Department of Health Services.