Environmental Health Specialist Trainee

Under close supervision, in a training capacity, to perform the more routine work of Environmental Health Specialist and assist in the performance of the more complex work involved in environmental health inspections and enforcement of applicable laws and regulations.

The duties listed below are initially performed in a training capacity under close supervision to allow the Environmental Health Specialist Trainee to receive on-the-job experience and required instructions. As incumbents gain experience, tasks will be performed with increasing independence and within the guidelines of State of California rules and regulations.

Based on level of competency:

• Performs related work as required.
• Keeps abreast of new science, technologies and trends; develops an understanding of new environmental laws and regulations;
• Assists in the inspection and investigations of environmental health conditions including but not limited to food facilities, food-borne illness investigations, public swimming pools, land development, water systems, solid/medical waste facilities, refuse collection and septage pumper vehicles, body art establishments, and control of vectors;
• Participates in continuing education as required by departmental needs and assignments or state regulations;
• May consult with and advise individuals on proper methods of improvement and implementation of corrective action for unsanitary conditions;
• Investigates complaints and suspected violations of state and local health and environmental laws;
• Conducts standardized food facility inspections; participates in specialized inspections such as epidemiological investigations and hazard assessments;
• Collects samples of water, food, beverage, potentially hazardous substances and other specimens for laboratory tests;
• Gathers evidence of violations of applicable laws and assists in preparation of statements of evidence for closures, impounds, embargos or other court actions;
• Keeps records and prepares oral and written reports;
• May attend meetings and confers with governmental groups; communicates with culturally diverse local community groups;
• Instructs food handlers in food safety principles during performance based inspections;
• Establishes conditions, compliance expectations and time frames for correction of environmental health and safety hazards;

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in Environmental Health Sciences. If major is other than in Environmental Health Sciences, study must include a minimum of 30 semester units of basic science including at least one laboratory course of each of the following: chemistry, physics, microbiology, and biology, and a course in mathematics.

This is the entry level classification into the Environmental Health Specialist. Candidates for this position must possess the letter of evaluation issued by the State of California, pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code, which outlines the additional training and experience required to become eligible to register for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist certification examination.

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

Knowledge of:

• Common office software including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Basic principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary sciences;
• Elementary methods and procedures used to conduct research, inspections or investigations;

• Keep accurate records;
• Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports;
• Work well under close supervision;
• Follow oral and written instructions;
• Deal tactfully and effectively with members of the general public and co-workers;
• Operate computer systems and databases.
• Interpret laws and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances;