Environmental Health Specialist IV - Hazardous Materials / Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)

BE PART OF SOMETHING AMAZING

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package: General Salary Increase – 3.5% each year for 2026 and 2027. Educational Incentive – 2.5% for an associate’s degree, 3.5% for a bachelor’s degree, or 5% for a graduate’s degree. Bilingual Incentive – $0.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III). Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule – compressed work (e.g., 9/80) and remote/hybrid telework options for most positions, subject to organizational needs and performance. Sick Leave – full‑time employees accrue 3.08 h per pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 h, balanced after 13 bi‑weekly pay periods. Vacation Accrual – new full‑time employees accrue ~14 days per year for the first 5 years; accrual increases at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 20 years, topping at 26 days per year. Vacation Redemption – after 10 400 h of continuous service, employees may redeem up to 120 h of vacation accrued in the same year after having used 80 h in the previous 12 months. Deferred Compensation – eligibility for the County’s 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan, with up to a 3 % match. Health Insurance – annual flexible credit allowance up to $26,626.86 to offset medical coverage costs. Employee‑only: $463.99 bi‑weekly. Employee plus one dependent: $834.32 bi‑weekly. Employee plus family: $1,024.11 bi‑weekly. Dental and Vision – free for employees enrolled in a County‑sponsored plan. Flexible Spending Accounts – pre‑tax reimbursement for IRS‑approved dependent care and health‑care expenses. Pension Plan – participation in the County’s defined‑benefit plan, reciprocal with CalPERS. Holidays – 13 paid days per year, including a floating holiday. Additional Benefits – tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, life insurance, wellness program. Ventura County is located on California’s “Gold Coast,” about 35 mi northwest of Los Angeles. Residents enjoy rolling hills, ocean views, and a Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 74.2°F. The county’s high quality of life attracts people from surrounding areas.

THE AGENCY

The Resource Management Agency (RMA) protects the health, safety, and welfare of the public through enforcement of county ordinances, board policy, and state and federal laws related to land use, environmental regulation, and commercial requirements. RMA has five divisions: Environmental Health, Planning, Building & Safety, Code Compliance, and Operations/GIS.

THE DIVISION

The Environmental Health Division (EHD) safeguards public health and the environment by ensuring compliance with state laws and county ordinances in programs such as food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, onsite wastewater treatment, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground storage tanks, and vector control.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general direction, the Environmental Health Specialist in the CUPA Program performs complex environmental health activities including investigation, inspection, data collection and analysis, enforcement action, report preparation, and public contact. The role also assists with program administration and related duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct inspections of facilities and properties to ensure compliance with hazardous materials and hazardous waste laws. Lead program teams and coordinate one or more environmental health programs. Research, compile, synthesize, analyze, and interpret data required to meet project objectives. Prepare written reports and recommend completion of projects. Define problems, develop alternative solutions, and set objectives for projects. Conduct field investigations to gain firsthand knowledge of sites. Coordinate and negotiate with other agencies, developers, and stakeholders on technical or legal aspects of programs. Provide general information to the public regarding projects, programs, ordinances, policies, and procedures. Participate in enforcement activities, including civil or criminal cases, issuance of citations, evidence collection, and court appearances. Make oral presentations to public groups and governmental bodies to explain reports and recommendations. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Extensive experience in environmental health or a bachelor’s degree in environmental health science or a related field plus five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience. Advanced qualifications: a Master’s degree or registration as an Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) in California can substitute for one year of experience.

REQUIRED SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid California driver’s license. Demonstrated written communication skills in the employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Willingness to work in Ventura and Simi Valley. California Underground Storage Tank (UST) inspector certification issued by the International Code Council within six (6) months. Passing score on the Above Ground Petroleum Storage Tank (APSA) course and exam approved by the California Office of State Fire Marshal within six (6) months. Ability to respond to emergency incidents involving hazardous materials.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

Project manager or lead Environmental Health Specialist experience. REHS registration in California. Experience with environmental health program development. Experience developing, evaluating, and updating policies and procedures. Effective communication of program goals, policies, and technical information to staff and the public. Database maintenance and process development experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, environmental health science, state, federal and local regulations, environmental research methods, interagency relationships, field tests, analytical procedures, investigative techniques and sample collection. Ability to perform inspections, solve problems, produce clear reports, maintain relationships, coordinate projects, and train personnel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work may occur in an office and in the field, requiring occasional exposure to hazardous conditions and moderate physical demands. Tasks include climbing, crouching, kneeling, balancing, and keyboard entry.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Opening Date: Monday, March 23, 2026 Closing Date: Friday, April 10, 2026 Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The County of Ventura is an equal‑opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex or sexual orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Ventura