Summary

This job involves inspecting places like restaurants, homes, and water systems to ensure they meet health and safety rules, investigating complaints about things like food poisoning or pests, and advising people on fixes for any problems.

It's a good fit for someone detail-oriented who enjoys fieldwork, problem-solving, and helping keep communities healthy and safe.

The role starts at entry level but can advance based on experience, and you'll need to get a state registration in environmental health within five years.

Key Requirements

Conduct inspections of food establishments, sewage systems, housing, water supplies, and recreational facilities for compliance with health laws
Investigate complaints related to sanitation issues, food poisoning, pests, and public nuisances
Advise on sanitation methods, recommend corrections for violations, and instruct on pest control
Review plans for new developments and food facilities to ensure proper water and sewage setups
Perform sanitation surveys and confer with local officials on community health problems
Obtain valid Environmental Health Registration from California Department of Public Health within 60 months of hire
Serve a 12-month probationary period (extendable to 18 months) and be available for overtime, weekends, or callbacks

Full Job Description

THE POSITION

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) full-time vacancy for the Department of Environmental Resources. This recruitment will establish an eligible list to fill future full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County. Positions may be filled at I, II, or III level, depending on the qualifications of the applicant(s) selected. Under general supervision, incumbent conducts inspections and investigations in the enforcement of Environmental Health and Safety laws, rules and regulations for Environmental Health Division; performs other related duties as assigned. Incumbents of this position are expected to obtain a valid Environmental Health Registration issued by the California Department of Public Health within sixty (60) months of hire into the position.

To learn more about the Department of Environmental Resources, click here.

Click here for details

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Technical Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months for a total of eighteen months. The probationary period does not apply to unclassified positions.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and sift assignments, as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

The Environmental Health Specialist I is a Veterans' Preference Program eligible job classification.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under "Disability Management."

Requirements

Make inspections to determine compliance with State and local laws and regulations governing sanitation in food handling establishments, sewage disposal systems, substandard housing, land use and recreational health, water supply, public nuisances, and vector and rodent control.

When necessary, recommend change and give instructions for correction of deficiencies and violations;

Recommend changes and gives instructions for correction of deficiencies and violations;

Advise food handlers on the correct method of sanitation protection in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

Investigate complaints, such as reports on food poisoning and public or private sanitation-related nuisances;

Make sanitation surveys, when required, of communities and confers with local officials on sanitation problems;

Investigate fly and other insect nuisances or infestations, make abatement recommendations, and instruct communities in control methods for carriers of all vectors-transmitted diseases;

Inspect public and private recreational facilities;

Make housing inspections to determine health and safety compliance with State and local housing laws and ordinances;

Review plans for new subdivisions and food establishments, and recommend suitable water and sewage installations;

Perform onsite evaluations of sewage disposal systems, including terrain, water table and soil suitability;

Prepare correspondence and reports as required;

Initiate legal actions as a result of non-compliance, by issuing a notice to appear in court, filing a criminal complaint or scheduling an administrative office hearing; and

Represent the Department in public and private meetings, and speaks to public groups regarding the Department and related topics.

Other related duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

SKILLS/ABILITIES
Environmental Health Specialist I

Effectively instruct individuals and groups on the principles and reasons for a safe and healthy environment;
Understand and interpret laws, rules and regulations;
Read and understand construction plans and blueprints involving numerous mathematical computations;
Speak effectively before groups; and
Write and verbally communicate instructions for correction of deficiencies and violations in a clear and concise manner.

Environmental Health Specialist II
Demonstrated ability with all Level I requirements plus:

Plan, organize and carry out complex environmental health studies and reports;
Oversee investigations;
Respond effectively to complaints from the public; and
Detect unsanitary conditions and public health hazards and secure their correction through education, voluntary compliance or legal enforcement.

Environmental Health Specialist III

Demonstrated ability with all Level II requirements plus:

Work with a high degree of independence, exercising a broad scope of judgment and latitude;
Perform unusual and difficult research and analytical work;
Handle difficult environmental investigations and take enforcement actions; and
Handle difficult public contact situations and negotiate compliance points effectively.

KNOWLEDGE
Environmental Health Specialist I

Principles and practices of environmental sanitation, including water supply, sewage, industrial waste and refuse handling and disposal, housing and recreational sanitation, air pollution, vector control, food handling and processing, and solid waste management;
Provisions of the Health and Safety Code; and
General principles and practices of public health.

Environmental Health Specialist II
Demonstrated knowledge of all Level I requirements plus:

Sanitation provisions of the California Health and Safety Code, Administrative Code and related legal provisions;
Methods and procedures used in inspecting, investigating and correcting unsanitary conditions;
Principles and practices of environmental sanitation and sanitary science, and principles and practices of public health;
Penal Code relating to public nuisances;
Basic water works construction features, such as sewage disposal systems, swimming pools, and wells, sufficient to evaluate plans; and
Environmental impact of building plans.

Environmental Health Specialist III
Demonstrated knowledge of all Level II requirements plus:

The various laws and regulations relating to environmental health and solid waste management;
Specific principles and practices of public environmental health and solid waste management;
Complex environmental sampling techniques and standards;
Quality assurance and quality control techniques as they relate to investigations; and
Biological agents and their effect on public health.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Environmental Health Specialist I

Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health, Environmental Resource Management or Microbiology.

The coursework must meet the minimum standards and qualifications for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist under the applicable provisions of State law; AND

Eligibility for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the State of California, Environmental Health Specialist Registration Program.

Environmental Health Specialist I applicants must possess an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee Letter of Eligibility from the California Department of Public Health, EHS Registration Program, 1725 23rd Street, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95816, Phone: (916) 449-5662 and Email: REHSprog@cdph.ca.gov stating they meet the minimum educational requirements.

This letter is issued only after the evaluation of their college transcripts; AND

No experience is required; AND

Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License.

Note: After hiring, the incumbent must gain a valid certificate of registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the State of California within sixty (60) months of hire. Failure to take and pass the exam to gain Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist per the California Health and Safety Code, Division 104, Part 1, Chapter 4, Article 1, Section 106600, within sixty (60) months will lead to termination.

“Certificate of registration” means a signed document issued by the department as evidence of registration and qualification to practice as a registered environmental health specialist under this article. The certificate shall bear the designation “registered environmental health specialist” and shall show the name of the person, date of issue, registration number, and seal.

This is a Veterans' Preference Program eligible job classification

Environmental Health Specialist II

Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health, Environmental Resource Management or Microbiology.

The coursework must meet the minimum standards and qualifications for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist under the applicable provisions of State law; AND

Possess a valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the State of California; AND

Minimum of one (1) year of related experience performing environmental health inspections, enforcement or remediation. Master's degree in a related field may substitute for six (6) months of the required experience; AND

Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License.

Environmental Health Specialist III

Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health, Environmental Resource Management or Microbiology.

The coursework must meet the minimum standards and qualifications for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist under the applicable provisions of State law; AND

Possess a valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the State of California; AND

Three (3) years of experience equivalent to an Environmental Health Specialist II in general environmental resource management, environmental health or solid waste management; AND

Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License.

Proof of education and a valid REHS Certificate or eligibility letter from the State of California, Environmental Health Specialist Registration Program, is required for verification purposes at the time of application.

Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-6770 to make other arrangements within five (5) business days of submitting their application.

Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements within five (5) business days of submitting an application will result in disqualification.

Additional Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consist of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026

Oral Examination: Tentatively scheduled for week of March 30, 2026

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

✓ Fresh Listing

Environmental Health Specialist I/II/III

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

Requirements

Qualifications

Additional Information

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