Assistant Environmental Health Specialist

THE OPPORTUNITY

Assistant Environmental Health Specialist (AEHS)
The AEHS is the trainee level in the Environmental Health Specialist series. The AEHS will learn to perform food safety inspections and investigations in the enforcement of environmental health laws and regulations. Incumbents may be assigned to this class for up to 36 months while completing the training requirement.

Satisfactory performance at this trainee level involves completion of a comprehensive training academy and assessment of a broad set of skills and qualifications including:

• Strong knowledge of environmental health principles and practices including understanding of environmental risk assessment, public health, and disease prevention
• Excellent communication skills and strong leadership presence to convey complex environmental health information to a variety of audiences, including the general public, public officials, and other stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for gathering data for making evidence-based decisions and devising and implementing effective solutions to environmental health problems
• Ability to use a variety of methods and technical tools for conducting field inspections and evaluations, analysis of sampling to identify potential health hazards, and report writing and documentation

To be considered for the AEHS position applicants must provide a copy of the required Letter of Eligibility issued by the California Department of Public Health. (Download PDF reader)
 
Environmental Health Specialist I (EHS I)

The EHS I is the first working level class in the Environmental Health Specialist series. The EHS I plays a vital role in educating the public and regulating health and safety laws. The EHS I is required to possess a valid registration from the California Department of Public Health as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) to perform a broad range of inspections and investigations in the enforcement of environmental health laws and regulations. The EHS I will liaise closely with government agencies, businesses, and the public on environmental health issues.  Their work involves conveying complex environmental health information, rules, and regulations to a variety of audiences and the preparation of detailed reports and presentations to communicate their findings and recommendations to policymakers, stakeholders, and to the general public. 

Their primary duties and responsibilities include but is not limited to:

• Inspect food establishments, food service providers, mobile food trucks, public swimming pools and spas and other establishments for regulatory compliance with health and safety standards
• Conduct educational programs and workshops on environmental health risks and prevention strategies
• Investigate and address health and safety concerns related to environmental health in various settings including residential rentals, workplaces, and other public spaces
• Collect and analyze samples of air, soil, water, and other substances to identify potential environmental health risks
• Prepare written reports detailing inspection findings and recommend actions for remediation of violations
• Work with other health and environmental professionals to create and implement policies aimed at improving public health
• Participate in disaster preparedness activities, and respond to environmental emergencies, such as chemical spills

All applications submitted to Human Resource Services for the EHS I position will not be processed without a valid REHS registration issued by the California Department of Public Health. Information on the REHS Program can be found by visiting the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website.
 
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will possess the following core competencies:
 
Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of food safety training concepts
• Understanding of applied sciences, such as health sciences, microbiology, chemistry, and physics
• Collaborating with supervision and co-workers to explore new opportunities, and implement new techniques, and approaches, such as active learning and listening, using education to modify behaviors, and improve overall safety
• Analyzing data and facts
• Utilizing and implementing Microsoft Office and data tracking systems

Oral | Written Communication Skills

• Excellent communication skills to explain complex technical information to individuals and groups clearly both verbally and in writing
• Providing verbal feedback to others and clearly articulating public health issues to operators
• Gathering and reporting data consistently from inspections, writing reports and entering into the database

Collaboration | Organizational Skills

• Managing numerous projects simultaneously and working collaboratively with a committee or team
• Collaborating to independently solve problems or issues with industry or other regulatory entities
• Collaborating with Division staff and external partners, including local, state, and federal agencies

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Click hereto view the minimum qualifications for an Assistant Environmental Health Specialist as well as the physical, mental, environmental, and working conditions.
 
Click here to view the minimum qualifications as an Environmental Health Specialist I as well as the physical, mental, environmental, and working conditions.