Associate Environmental Health Specialist

Salary : $86,001.76 - $104,074.88 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-V17-A
Department: Department of Environmental Health
Opening Date: 04/18/2025
Closing Date: 5/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 15

Description
Under close supervision, in a training capacity, to perform routine environmental health inspections and investigations; works with experienced Environmental Health Specialists in accordance with the State Environmental Health Specialist Training Plan in preparation for the State Registration Exam and related work; assists in the performance of the more complex work involved in environmental health inspections and enforcement of applicable laws and regulations.
The County of Santa Clara, Department of Environmental Health is recruiting for an Associate Environmental Health Specialist in the Land Use Program. Under general supervision, candidates will be trained to conduct soil testing for verification of onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) feasibility, review OWTS design plans, conduct field inspections for both OWTS construction and Drinking Water Systems, and complete complaint investigations for unpermitted and failing systems.

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.

• Assists and performs permitting activities, inspections 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;

• Establishes conditions, compliance expectations and time frames for correction of environmental health and safety hazards;

• Gathers evidence of violations of applicable laws and assists in preparation of statements of evidence for closures, impounds, embargos or other court actions;

• Executes enforcement actions such as closures, impounds, and embargoes;

• Collects samples of water, food, beverage, potentially hazardous substances and other specimens for laboratory tests;

• Investigates complaints and suspected violations of state and local health and environmental laws;

• Participates in standardized food facility inspections; participates in specialized inspections such as epidemiological investigations and hazard assessments;

• Instructs food handlers in food safety principles during performance based inspections;

• Keeps abreast of new science, technologies and trends; develops an understanding of new environmental laws and regulations;

• 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;

• May attend meetings and confers with governmental groups; communicates with culturally diverse local community groups;

• Keeps records and prepares oral and written 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 of a valid Letter of Eligibility issued by the California Department of Public Health, which outlines the additional training and experience required to become eligible to register for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification examination.
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.

• Possess and maintain a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) licensure issued by the State of California within the allotted time set forth by the California Department of Public Health for the duration of employment or vacate the position.

• 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:

• Basic principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary sciences;

• Elementary methods and procedures used to conduct research, inspections or investigations;

• Common computer systems and applications;

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Ability to:

• Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications;

• Interpret laws and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public and representatives of other agencies;

• Keep accurate records;

• Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports;

• Follow oral and written instructions;

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Work well under close supervision;

• Use computer systems and applications.

Physical Requirements

• (Prolonged) Sitting, standing, and/or walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces;

• Frequent movements including but not limited to (bending, crawling, squatting, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead;

• Lift, drag, push 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, loud noise, chemicals and working in, with and around 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

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the 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 (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the 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 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 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 , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, 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 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 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 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

(Trades) Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED for your application and is an integral part of the evaluation process.
Your answers should be as complete as possible. Please include the name of employer, job title, dates of employment and number of hours worked per week for questions asking about your experience.
Vague, incomplete answers or responses of "see resume" or "see application" may be considered as an incomplete application. If applicable, attach the following current documentations to your online application: Completion of apprenticeship, Certifications, Licenses or Affiliated membership cards.
Do you understand this requirement of completing the supplemental questions of your online application?

• Yes
• No

02

Candidates for this position must possess a valid Letter of Eligibility issued by the California Department of Public Health, which outlines the additional training and experience required to become eligible to register for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification examination.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

How many years of experience do you possess conducting research, inspections, or investigations using basic principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary sciences?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight to less than nine years
• Nine to less than ten years
• Ten or more years

04

Please describe your experience conducting research, inspections, or investigations using basic principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary sciences.Include the following information:a) Employer Nameb) Job Titlec) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employmentd) Total Hours Worked per Weeke) Detailed Description of Job DutiesIf none, type N/A.
05

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

06

If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify. If not, type N/A.
Required Question