Supervising Environmental Health Specialist

Full Job Description

Under general direction, to supervise, assign, and review the activities of Environmental Health staff within an assigned district or countywide program.

Requirements

• Plans, assigns, and coordinates the activities of Environmental Health staff;
  
• Supervises the investigation and enforcement of applicable sanitary regulations related to food establishments, pools, plan reviews, public and private housing, land development and vector control;
  
• Evaluates the quality and quantity of work done by staff;
  
• Interprets and explains health regulations and health and sanitation standards to subordinate staff members and concerned parties;
  
• Oversees the training of staff;
  
• Functions as hearing officer for administrative hearings;
  
• Assists in the management of budgetary resources;
  
• Processes and reviews daily activity and field inspection reports;
  
• Reviews and evaluates plans and revisions of food establishments, swimming pools, tanks, and sewage systems, and water systems;
  
• Assists in the planning and evaluation of Environmental Health programs;
  
• Establishes and maintains good public relations;
  
• Represents the health department in meetings with municipal, county, state and public officials as well as the general public and community;
  
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports;
  
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree with coursework pursuant to California's Health and Safety Code requirements for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification.

At least four (4) years of recent work experience equivalent to or greater than an Environmental Health Specialist in Santa Clara County; plus at least one (1) year of recent work experience equivalent to a Senior Environmental Health Specialist in Santa Clara County.

Possession of a valid California driver's license upon appointment.

Possession of a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist certification issued by the State of California pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code.

Some positions may require the possession of appropriate training and certifications, including Certified Lead Inspector/Assessor certification in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations and any others that may be necessary to perform duties assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision and training;
  
• Environmental health provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and 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;
  
• Principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary sciences;
  
• The techniques used in conducting environmental and epidemiological investigations;
  
• The methods and procedures used in inspecting and correcting unsanitary conditions;
  
• Common office software including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, evaluate, supervise and direct the work of lower level staff;
  
• Develop, mentor and motivate lower level employees;
  
• Provide guidance to advanced and journey level Senior Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Health Specialist and Environmental Health Specialist Trainees in designated specialty program areas;
  
• Interpret laws and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to environmental health;
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, agencies and the public;
  
• Deal tactfully and effectively with members of policy boards, commissions, elected, appointed public officials, media and the general public;
  
• Assess the community environmental health needs within a district;
  
• Gather and present data effectively;
  
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  
• Participate as a member of the division's management team;
  
• Operate computer systems and data bases.