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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST II
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following date:
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the needs of the County are met. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
This recruitment will establish an openeligible list and will be used to fill current and future Environmental Health Specialist II vacancies within the Health Care Agency. This eligible list may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the County of Orange.
THE HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The County of Orange , Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the direction of the Agency Director, a new and dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) services areas - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Public Health Services, Specialized Medical Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
The Environmental Health Division is comprised of various programs aimed toward protecting the health and safety of Orange County residents and visitors from harmful conditions in the environment. Staff enforce laws and regulations and emphasize education to assist businesses with providing healthy and safe communities. Services include retail and wholesale food protection, foodborne illness investigations, public pool inspections, childhood lead exposure prevention, water quality, ocean water protection, solid waste facility oversight, hazardous materials surveillance and mitigation oversight, underground and aboveground storage tank oversight, body art facility and practitioner oversight, medical waste management inspections and a used oil recycling education program.
THE PROGRAM
Plan Check: Conduct plan review and construction inspection for all retail food facilities and public swimming pools undergoing new construction or remodels throughout the county. These programs work directly with members of the public including owners, architects, and consultants.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
This position will assume specialized tasks within the Plan Check Section. The Environmental Health Specialist II will be assigned the tasks of reviewing and approving construction plans and conducting field inspections for food and pool facilities for compliance with sanitation and public health laws. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting specialized studies, investigations, inspections, and making recommendations as to findings
- Compiling information, evaluating current procedures, and drafting proposed ordinances, division policies, regulations, and guidelines in the area of specialization
- Preparing various reports
- Planning and conducting in-service and public education training programs
- Recommending program goals and assisting in the implementation of County-wide environmental health programs
- Attending and addressing public meetings, educational conferences, and symposiums
- Reviewing and making recommendations involving environmental impact
- Coordinating work efforts with other divisions or outside agencies and assisting supervisors as needed
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and/or experience in the following competencies:
Professional & Technical Expertise | Legal & Regulatory Navigation- Understanding and applying new food safety training concepts, such as Oral Culture Learning, Active Managerial Control, and the Food Drug Administration Voluntary Program Standards as well as the Model Food Code
- Knowledge of laws and regulations related to retail food and public swimming pools and spas
- Knowledge and familiarity of digital plan submission and plan review applications
- Applying analytical skills and consistency for accuracy purposes
- Conducting routine field inspections
- Developing, collaborating, and maintaining working relationships and continuously works to improve relationships, contacts, and networks
- Applying knowledge of building rapport, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques
- Using diplomacy when dealing with challenging situations and/or people
- Leading, directing, and efficiently managing correspondences
- Exemplifying a role as an approachable "educator" as opposed to a traditional "regulator"
- Sharing responsibility and ownership for group accomplishments and shortcomings
- Facilitating, motivating, and supporting others to achieve a common goal or outcome
- Willingness to learn and adapt to feedback, change, and new information
- Staying apprised of new opportunities, techniques, and approaches related to inspections or environmental health
- Ability to multi-task several assignments and effectively prioritizing projects and assignments
- Maintaining adequate preparation time for scheduled meetings/deadlines
- Achieving goals in a timely manner, despite obstacles encountered, by organizing, re-prioritizing and re-planning if needed
- Responding to changing circumstances with a positive attitude
- Communicating effectively and professionally both orally and in writing with internal and external partners and during public speaking engagements
- Communicating accurately to convey both substance and intent
- Presenting ideas and complex materials clearly, concisely, logically, and persuasively
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have possession of A valid certificate of registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) issued by the State of California.
Applicants must have possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Employees in this class will be required to use their own personal vehicle.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications and physical, mental, and environmental conditions for the Environmental Health Specialist II.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified candidates. After screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here (Download PDF reader) to review the policy.
Application Screening | (Refer/Non-Refer): Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related requirements.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click here to see the latest guidance for more details.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Mariah Cuellar at (714) 834-3179 or mcuellar@ochca.com .
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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