Environmental Health Technician I/II (Departmental Promotional Only)

Full Job Description

The Environmental Health Services Division of San Mateo County Health is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as an Environmental Health Technician I/II.

In this role, you will support a wide range of Environmental Health programs through fieldwork, inspections, investigations, data management, customer service, and special projects that help protect public health and the environment.

Assignments may support General Environmental Health (GEH) programs, Household Hazardous Waste Management (HHWM) programs, or a combination of both, depending on operational needs.

Current vacancies are based in San Mateo, CA, and require travel throughout San Mateo County to perform assigned duties.

Environmental Health Technicians support Environmental Health programs through a combination of fieldwork, administrative processing, and customer service activities. Responsibilities may include:

• Data entry, tracking, and records management for Environmental Health programs.
• Processing applications, permits, and related documentation.
• Providing customer service and outreach to the public, regulated entities, and program participants.
• Conducting field inspections, re-inspections, surveys, or compliance checks.
• Responding to service requests, complaints, and inquiries using active listening and problem-solving skills.
• Assisting with special projects, events, and program initiatives.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing standard reports.
• Supporting coordination with internal staff, contractors, and partner agencies.
• Performing related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of environmental health, public health or regulatory programs.
• Experience conducting fieldwork or inspections.
• Experience responding to customer inquiries or complaints in a professional manner.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing and processing data.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to navigate electronic records or data management systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Experience providing professional customer service to public or external operators.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and other standard office tools.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

SALARY
Environmental Health Technician I: $36.45 – $45.55/hour
Environmental Health Technician II: $38.49 – $48.13/hour

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Requirements

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with or independently conduct environmental health inspections, surveys or inspections.
• Maintain records of field visits and prepare reports.
• Answer public inquiries and provide guidance based on established policies and procedures.
• Recommend corrective action to supervisors.
• Collect, handle, and transport samples following established protocol.
• Attend training sessions and program meetings.
• Supervise the work of a small group of seasonal workers, including work furlough participants.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

If assigned to Household Hazardous Waste Management (HHWM) Programs, duties may include:

• Supporting or supervising waste collection and community collection events.
• Event set-up and breakdown; loading and unloading equipment, PPE, and materials.
• Segregating, consolidating, and preparing hazardous or recyclable waste for transport or disposal.
• Assisting participants with appointments, confirmations, and on-site interactions.
• Reviewing and processing manifests and shipment documentation.

If assigned to General Environmental Health (GEH) programs, duties may include:

• Supporting inspections of permitted facilities, contractors, or environmental operations.
• Assisting with environmental monitoring, sampling, or testing activities.
• Collecting and transporting environmental or vector samples.
• Posting warnings or closures related to environmental or recreational health.
• Assisting with reference materials, maps, reports, and program documentation.

Qualifications

County Status: Only current County of San Mateo employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

Licensure/Certification:

If assigned in HHWM: Must obtain an OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPER certificate within 2 months of hire.

If assigned in GEH: Some positions may require that a California State Certificate in vertebrate and invertebrate vector control be obtained within 18 months of appointment at the Environmental Health Technician II level.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Environmental Health Technician II: One year of experience in an environmental health setting.

Knowledge of:

• Laws, regulations and standards related to the program or area assigned.
• Principles, terminologies, methods and techniques related to the program or area assigned.
• Government agencies, community organizations and business establishments as they relate to the program or area assigned.
• Safety principles, practices and equipment related to the work assigned.
• Techniques for dealing with the public, in person or on the telephone.
• Data gathering and inspection methods and techniques.
• Environmental health hazards.
• Event or project planning, organization and coordination.
• County and CAL OSHA safety rules, procedures and equipment.
• Principles of basic supervision and training.

Skill/Ability to:

• Interpret laws, regulations and data related to the work assigned.
• Read and interpret technical material related to the work assigned.
• Handle, operate and maintain equipment and/or materials related to the work assigned, including operating a forklift and working with chemicals.
• Advise and instruct others on compliance requirements of assigned program assigned.
• Perform research, investigation and follow-up related to assigned program.
• Work with minimum field supervision.
• Train and supervise work furlough participants and other seasonal workers.
• Keep records and write simple, clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• Deal effectively with co-workers, other agencies’ representatives and the general public.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Follow established protocols for collection and transportation of samples.
• Effectively post warnings and closures with respect to the recreation water program.
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Lift and carry heavy equipment and supplies in the course of work (if assigned to HHWM, lift and carry up to 50 pounds).
• Bend, stand and walk for extended periods of time.

Additional Information

Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions (weight: pass/fail).

Candidates who pass the application screening may be invited to a panel interview (weight:100%).

Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button.

If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply.

Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form.

A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline
Final Filing Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by 11:59PM PST
Application Screening: Week of February 2, 2026
Panel Interviews: Week of February 9, 2026

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment.

The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Talent Acquisition Analyst: Priscilla Bermudez (011326) (Environmental Health Technician I/II-Consumer Protection Programs – J039/J040)