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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
Environmental Health Specialist III
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 County's needs are met. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list and will be used to fill current and future Environmental Health Specialist III 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
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 PROGRAMS
Food and Pool Safety: Conducts inspections at retail food facilities, temporary food facilities, mobile food facilities, wholesale food facilities, public swimming pools, and at hotel/motels to promote safe and sanitary conditions and protect the public while enforcing public health regulations.
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, contractors, and consultants.
Water Quality: The responsibilities for this position include activities related to well constructions and destructions, liquid waste hauler, ocean water protection and cross connection programs. Each of these water quality programs are related to monitoring/regulating/preventing potentially hazardous conditions in the environment that may impact public health. Examples of duties in this position include conducting inspections, investigating complaints, pursuing enforcement action, educating and assisting businesses and industries, water purveyors, and the general public as to the laws and regulations related to water quality.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Environmental Health Specialist III will assume specialized tasks within the Food and Pool Safety, Plan Check, and Water Quality Sections. Additionally, the Environmental Health Specialist III will:
- Conduct specialized studies, investigations, regular routine field inspections and makes recommendations as to findings; compile information, evaluate present procedures and assist with drafting proposed ordinances, division policies, regulations and guidelines in the area of specialization; may review and make recommendations involving environmental impact reports, and new legislation
- Assist staff in resolving complex field investigation problems; assist with training new district staff; consult with Supervising Environmental Health Specialists and/or the Program Manager regarding key or emergency situations
- Plan and conduct in-service and public education training programs; recommend program goals and assist in the implementation of County-wide sanitation programs; attend and address public meetings, educational conferences and symposium
- Provide statistical data, including proper procedures of research methods, such as statistical sampling and analysis, data sources, and collection methods to obtain information on various public health and sanitation programs and problems
- Investigate complaints, research, and respond to citizen inquiries
- Provide environmental health database management issue identification, tracking, analysis, and independent resolution development
- Participate in outreach activities as well as providing educational material
- Prepare various reports and maintain manuals, forms, pamphlets, files and other material for division and other governmental agencies
- Coordinate work efforts with other Divisions or outside agencies
- Assist supervisor or carry out certain duties in the event of their absence
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess extensive background within the environmental health field.
Under Food and Pool Safety and Plan Check programs, possession of a Food Safety Manager Certificate from an approved organization is highly desirable, but not required.
Under Water Quality program, Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification and Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification from American Water Works Association (AWWA) are highly desirable, but not required.
Additionally, the ideal candidates will possess extensive knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrates 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 with the Model Food Code
- Performing difficult field inspections, including compliance and program enforcement work
- Coordinating investigations with internal and external departments, divisions, or organizations
- Managing a district route that consist of Food, Pool and Housing Inspections, and Citizen Complaints
- 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
- Knowledge of principals, regulations, research methods and interactions with other agencies related to Ocean Water Monitoring, Liquid Waste Haulers, California Well Standards, and Water Supply (including State Small Water Systems, Recycled Water and Cross-Connection)
- Leading, directing, and efficiently managing correspondences
- Applying knowledge from leadership courses, such as Masters of Public Health program
- Exemplifying a role as an approachable "educator" as opposed to a traditional "regulator"
- Collaborating and working well with others, specifically working with private industries in a team-like setting
- Staying apprised of new opportunities, techniques, and approaches related to inspections or environmental health
- Showing a high level of care and thoroughness for consistency and accuracy purposes
- Multi-tasking numerous assignments, following through and meeting deadlines
- Thinking logically, organizing thoughts, and establishing work priorities to accomplish work efficiently and independently
- Strong oral communication skills for public speaking, group discussions, and individual interviews
- Listening attentively and understanding what is being communicated by staff, the public, and supervisors and management
- Strong written communication skills that effectively convey concepts or conclusions when preparing policies, ordinances, or guidelines and/or reports
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 as well as the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions for the Environmental Health Specialist III classification.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all applications and supplemental responses for the minimum qualifications. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step of the selection process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
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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