Senior Environmental Health Specialist



Senior Environmental Health Specialist

Salary

$88,765.21 - $107,883.23 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

22/09-2614-OC

Department

Department of Health Services (DHS)

Opening Date

09/09/2022

Closing Date

6/8/2023 3:00 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

75

Position Information

Are you an experienced Environmental Health professional?

Join the Department of Health Services as a Senior Environmental Health Specialist!

Starting Salary up to $49.10/hr ($102,477/yr), plus cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!*, PLUS a $15,000 Signing Bonus^  

The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services (DHS) seeks experienced Registered Environmental Health Specialist candidates to fill full-time Senior Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) positions. 

Please note: These positions require current possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist as required by the State of California's Health and Safety Code. The State of California, Department of Public Health oversees the certification process for this position. Please visit the State of California Registered Environmental Health Specialist website for more information.

What Makes Sonoma County a Great Choice

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to excellent benefits* including:
 
  • A hybrid telework schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve
  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment

Senior Environmental Health Specialists develop cooperative working relationships with the community and other regulatory agencies to protect public health and promote sound environmental practices; provide information to the public regarding food safety, recreational health, and other Environmental Health programs; and develop and utilize complex problem-solving and exceptional customer service skills both in the field conducting inspections, and when assisting the public on a walk-in basis. The position will have lead responsibilities within their assigned programs and will indirectly support other journey level staff conducting services within these programs.

Additionally, Senior Environmental Health Specialists also:
  • Serve as a subject matter specialist and assist with program development in assigned area to increase efficiency
  • Facilitate staff training within their respective program area
  • Provide advice to the journey level staff on best practices and regulations, including when they are in the field 
  • Work closely with the Environmental Health Leadership Team to implement program improvements and new regulations
  • Develop procedures and practices to provide consistency of operations and increase accuracy
  • Inform the Leadership Team of upcoming regulatory changes, program needs, and suggested improvements.  
  • Enforce health and safety regulations for various establishments
All County staff are designated as Disaster Service Workers and this position may be responsible for working in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and/or in the field to assist with emergency-related operations as needed.

The ideal candidate will possess:
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills
  • Experience inspecting, investigating, and/or correcting unsanitary or hazardous conditions
  • The ability to assess a situation and recommend appropriate solutions in a complex regulatory environment
  • Experience as a lead worker
  • The technical ability to interpret regulations and apply them effectively across programs
  • The ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
^Hiring Incentives

The Department of Health Services is currently offering a $15,000 signing bonus paid over three installments during the first two years of service.
 
 Other incentives which may be offered, if applicable, include:
  • Advanced paid vacation and/or sick leave (up to 24 hours per leave type) 
  • Relocation reimbursement up to $5,000
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Engineers and Scientists of California Union Local 20 Memorandum of Understanding (ESC MOU) and our Employee Benefits directory.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple full-time Senior Environmental Health Specialist positions in the Department of Health Services. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified county employees who wish to be considered for future vacancies should consider applying to this recruitment.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience that would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities stated herein. Normally, this would include graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in environmental health science, biology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, or related subjects, as required by state law, and two years of working level professional experience in the field of environmental health and safety regulation and enforcement (e.g. working as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, a Registered Sanitarian, an Environmental Sanitarian, a Public Health Sanitarian, a Certified Environmental Health Professional, or as an equivalently recognized professional).  One year of experience working in the environmental health and safety field in California is required. Additional certificated course work in a specialty area is desirable.

License: Possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist as required by the State of California's Health and Safety Code.

Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required, depending upon assignment, to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of: sanitation science, requirements and procedures and the methods and procedures used in inspecting, investigating and correcting unsanitary or hazardous conditions; federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental health and safety; principles and practices of public health; hazardous materials management and emergency response protocols; current methods, means and technologies used for training in the environmental health field.

Considerable knowledge of: principles of general chemistry, physics, microbiology and biology; environmental research and statistical methods; methods of gathering and analyzing data; basic building construction materials and principles relating to environmental health requirements.

Ability to: plan, organize and carry out research, analyze and evaluate data, and make recommendations based on findings; detect unsanitary conditions and public health hazards and secure their correction through education, voluntary compliance or legal enforcement; prepare and maintain complex, comprehensive reports and records; communicate verbal and written ideas clearly and logically; establish and maintain effective relationships with other governmental officials, the public, and administrative and professional personnel; design and conduct effective workshops in a way that meets the participants' needs.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonomato review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Positions that are assigned to one or more facilities with a COVID-19 and/or influenza vaccine mandate pursuant to the California Department of Public Health must meet all vaccination requirements. Documented proof of vaccination(s) will be required.   

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: DP
HR Technician: KC

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution towards the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.
 
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
 
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health
  • California Environmental Health Association
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • EHSCareers.com
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • Google Jobs
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • National Environmental Health Association
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Start Here!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
  • I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
  • I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
  • I am only interested in full-time positions
03
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
04
Do you possess a valid California Registered Environmental Health Specialist Certificate?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Please list the number of your California Registered Environmental Health Specialist Certificate and the date it was issued. If you do not possess this certificate, please indicate "N/A."
06
Do you possess one year of experience working in the environmental health and safety field in California?
  • Yes
  • No
07
For this question and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Please describe your registered or certified experience in the field of environmental health and safety regulation and enforcement. Include any experience you gained inspecting, investigating, and correcting unsanitary or hazardous conditions, including the methods and procedures you used.
08
Please describe an environmental health program or project you participated in that required research and analysis. Detail the project, your role, recommendations you made, and the outcome.
09
Please describe any lead experience you possess. Detail the number and types of positions you led (professional, administrative, technical, etc.) and the scope of your lead duties.

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331