Environmental Health Specialist - Solid and Medical Waste Program

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Environmental Health Specialist - Solid and Medical Waste Program

Salary

$109,663.84 - $132,722.72 Annually

Location

San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

25-V16-A

Department

Department of Environmental Health

Division

DEH - Solid/Medical Waste

Opening Date

03/06/2025

Closing Date

4/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

15

Description

Under general supervision, to conduct inspections, investigations, permitting activities, consultations, enforcement activities, and educates the public in the enforcement of state health and safety codes, regulations, laws, and local ordinances along with policies and procedures aimed at the prevention, mitigation, and abatement of safety and environmental health hazards; and to perform related work as required.


The Environmental Health Specialist will perform duties in the Solid & Medical Waste Division of Department of Environmental Health.  Primary duties include inspections, investigations, and oversight of solid and medical waste facilities, working as the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) on behalf of CalRecycle, and other program related activities such as pumper vehicles program.  

This position requires possession of a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification issued by the California Department of Public Health.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.


  • Maintains inventories and conducts inspections and investigations of environmental health conditions including but not limited to food facilities, public swimming pools, land development, water systems, solid/medical waste facilities, refuse collection and septage pumper vehicles, body art establishments, and the control of vectors;
  • Establishes instructions conditions, compliance expectations and time frames for correction of environmental health and safety hazards; 
  • Gathers evidence of violations of applicable laws and prepares statements of evidence for court actions;
  • Testifies as an expert witness in depositions/appeals cases with the County Hearing Officer and other judicial proceedings;
  • Issues citations and appears as issuing officer in court; 
  • May prepare cases for referral to County Counsel/District Attorney for prosecution; 
  • Executes enforcement actions such as closures, impounds and embargoes; 
  • Interprets and applies laws and regulations related to all aspects of environmental health; 
  • Investigates complaints and suspected violations of state and local health and environmental laws and ensures in the abatement of such violations; 
  • Reviews and approves plans for new septic systems and for repair of failing systems;
  • Conducts advanced percolation and wet weather soils testing; determines site suitability for septic system installations; 
  • Conducts standardized food facility inspections;
  • Conducts specialized inspections such as epidemiological investigations and hazard assessments; and security assessments; develops risk control plans; 
  • Instructs food handlers in food safety principles during performance-based inspections; 
  • Confers with engineers, architects, builders, contractors and others on building and remodeling plans for land use projects; 
  • May review and approve plans for limited remodeling of food establishments and closed landfill sites; 
  • Issues ministerial permits; assists in issuing discretionary permits; 
  • Participates in joint investigations with Federal, State and local agencies including police, fire, zoning, public health, code enforcement, building and other agencies; investigates consumer product tampering incidents; 
  • Participates in continuing education as required by departmental needs and assignments or state regulations; 
  • Conducts training on environmental health issues; 
  • Keeps abreast of new science, technologies and trends; develops an understanding of new environmental laws and regulations; 
  • Consults with and advises individuals on proper methods of improvement and implementation of corrective action for unsanitary conditions; 
  • Collects samples of water, food, beverages, potential hazardous substances, lead-containing items and other specimens for laboratory tests; 
  • Attends meetings and confers with governmental groups; communicates with culturally diverse local community groups; 
  • Trains and mentors new hires and Associate Environmental Health Specialists;
  • Keeps records and prepares written and oral reports;
  • May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
  • Performs other related duties, as required. 
     

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities: 


The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession and maintenance of a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification issued by the California Department of Public Health for the duration of employment in this classification.


Special Requirements

  • Some positions may require the possession of appropriate tests, training, and certifications, including Certified Lead Inspector/Assessor in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, Blood Borne Pathogen training and certification, and any others that may be necessary to perform duties assigned.
  • Possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.  
  • *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSQ is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered. 

Knowledge of:

  • English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; 
  • Environmental health provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and the California Code of Regulations, California State Public Resources Codes, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA processes), and provisions of the California Penal Code relating to public nuisances; 
  • The principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary science; 
  • The techniques used in conducting environmental and epidemiological investigations; 
  • The methods and procedures used in inspecting and correcting unsanitary conditions; 
  • Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

  • Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications; 
  • Interpret laws and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to environmental health; 
  • Deal tactfully and effectively with members of policy boards, commissions, elected, appointed public officials, media and the general public; 
  • Keep accurate records and prepare clear, concise reports; 
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures; 
  • Work well without close supervision;
  • Represent division or department as an expert in area of specialty;  
  • Use computer systems and applications; 
  • Meet respiratory protection program requirements.

Physical Requirements

  • (Prolonged) Sitting, standing, and/or walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces;
  • Sitting, standing, and/or walking for extended periods of time;
  • Frequent movements including but not limited to bending, crawling, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead, and etc;
  • May be required to lift and carry objects up to 50lbs;
  • Working in a variety of different environments (indoor and outdoor) with various factors including but not limited to different temperatures, humidity, sanitary conditions, exposure to odors and chemicals and other potential hazardous materials;
  • Wear protective clothing and use personal protective equipment (PPE).

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector’s 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family’s long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses.  The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit.  Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied.  Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.

01
Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.
Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performed

Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Candidates for this position must possess a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification issued by the California Department of Public Health for the duration of employment in this classification. Do you currently possess this certification and is it attached to your application? Your application will not be accepted for the recruitment if this certification is not attached.
  • Yes
  • No
03
In which of the following areas do you possess professional work experience? (Please select all that apply.)
  • Conducting environmental and epidemiological investigations
  • Consumer Protection Programs (specifically food safety, recreational health, body art, lead, and tobacco retail)
  • Drinking Water Programs
  • Inspecting and correcting unsanitary conditions
  • Interpreting and enforcing laws, regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to environmental health
  • Keeping accurate records and preparing clear, concise reports related to environmental health
  • Land Use Programs
  • Medical Waste Programs
  • Solid Waste Programs
  • None of the above, N/A
04
Please describe your experience for each area that you selected in the previous question. Please include the following information: a) Employer Name b) Job Title c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment d) Total Hours Worked per Week e) Detailed Description of Job Duties If you selected "None of the above" please indicate "N/A"
05
Please list any certifications you possess and the expiration date for each certificate listed (i.e. Bloodborne pathogen, Certified Hazardous Materials Management (CHMM), Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), HAZWOPER, etc.). A copy must be attached to your online application for each certification you list.
06
How did you find out about this job?
  • Contacted by County Recruiter
  • Virtual Job Fair
  • In Person Job Fair
  • In-Person Networking Professional Event
  • Virtual Networking Event
  • Community Event
  • Glassdoor
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • Professional Association
  • Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
  • Hospital Website: SCVMC, O'Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website
  • Contacted by a Recruitment Firm
  • Handshake
  • Student Career Center
  • County Text Message
  • County Career Newsletter
  • Other (Specify in the next question)
  • County Employee Referral
  • County of Santa Clara Career Website
  • County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
07
If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify. If not, type n/a.

Required Question

Employer
County of Santa Clara
Address
70 W. Hedding Street
8th Floor, East Wing
San Jose, California, 95110
Phone
(408) 299-6816