Environmental Health Specialist I

About the role

We're looking for a motivated individual to join our team as an Environmental Health Specialist I who wants to bring a career in Environmental Health to the County of Sonoma. This role is vital to protecting public health, serving the community, and supporting the functions of the Environmental Health Section.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and investigations across a wide range of programs, including but not limited to: Food Facilities, Recreational Facilities, Cannabis Facilities, Medical Waste Facilities, Water Systems, Beach monitoring, Solid Waste, Body Art, Childhood Lead Prevention, Storm Water, Organized Camps, Detention Facilities, and Disaster Preparedness
• Ensure compliance with County and State health and safety regulations through routine inspections, complaint responses, documentation, enforcement actions, and public education
• P prepare thorough inspection reports, interpret relevant health codes, and communicate findings and corrective actions to stakeholders
• Interact regularly with the public, businesses, and regulatory partners, often providing guidance and support in diverse environments

Requirements

• Experience with sanitation science, public health principles, and relevant environmental health laws and regulations
• The ability to adapt to an evolving public health landscape and perform a broad range of functions to meet Departmental operational needs
• Experience identifying potential issues, researching these issues, preparing supporting documentation, and presenting these observations accurately and effectively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and general computer skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, documentation, and presentations
• The ability to think critically, research regulatory issues, and analyze field findings
• A strong sense of empathy for the clients you will work with
• The ability to build collaborative relationships with a diverse community, team members, and partner agencies

Qualifications

• 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 one year of trainee level experience in the field of environmental health and safety regulation and enforcement, OR graduation from an accredited California university program that meets the requirements of the California Health and Safety Code, Section 106635 (V).
• Possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist as required by the State of California's Health and Safety Code.