-
Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
Assistant Environmental Health Specialist / Environmental Health Specialist I
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive a salary range increase on the following date:
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase
SALARY INFORMATION
Assistant Environmental Health Specialist $28.35 - $38.21 Hourly
Environmental Health Specialist I $33.36 - $44.97 Hourly
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59p.m. (PST) on the day the County's needs are met. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
The eligible list established through this recruitment will be used to fill current and future Assistant Environmental Health Specialist/Environmental Health Specialist I positions. This eligible list may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout 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 leadership of the Agency Director, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Public Health Services (PHS) and Specialized Medical Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
THE DIVISION
Through assessment, policy development and assurance, Public Health Services provides a wide range of services aimed at reducing death and disability by reducing the transmission of communicable diseases, preventing and lessening the impact of chronic diseases, and ensuring healthy and safe environments.
THE PROGRAM
The Environmental Health Division (EH) is comprised of various programs aimed toward protecting the health and safety of Orange County residents and visitors from harmful conditions in the environment. EH services include retail and wholesale food protection, foodborne illness investigations, public pool inspections, childhood lead exposure prevention, water quality monitoring, 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 and outreach.
Click below to learn more about Environmental Health Services:
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.
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 here to 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.
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 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 candidates that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Online Assessment|(Refer/Non-Refer): Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more job-related assessments. Applicants will be notified of their test date and access code, if applicable. Only the most qualified applicants will move forward to the next step in the recruitment process.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List | Score Groups: Once all assessments have been completed, 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
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 Janeth Boudreaux at 714 834-2217 or jboudreaux@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
-
-
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.
-