Environment Health Safety Specialist

Job Summary

CA-SS

THIS IS A CAREER POSITION WITH A FUNDING RENEWAL DATE OF December 31, 2028. THIS POSITION IS SPONSORED AND LOCATED within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) 1500 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814.

The EH&S 4 position reports to State Contract Services within the Department of Public Health Sciences. The EHS 4 works to achieve CDPH's Center for Environmental Health (CEH), departmental, and statewide emergency preparedness, response and recovery goals in conjunction with the environmental health, public health and emergency preparedness programs within CDPH. This role coordinates public health and environmental health efforts related to biological, chemical, radiological/nuclear threats.

The EHS 4 provides leadership for emergency management matters in a liaison role between CDPH and local environmental health programs. Also serves as a resource for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the CA Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) leading efforts to develop the statewide Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 Public Health and Medical mutual assistance system including mutual aid plans and processes.

The EHS 4 directs, plans, oversees and manages the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program at CEH including workplans, budgets, and progress reporting. The incumbent ensures alignment of CEH activities of both federal- and state funded activities for emergency management. The EHS 4 directs emergency management program development, consultation, and services through CEH’s Environmental Health Support Section staff. The incumbent works with CCDEH, CDC and FEMA to develop and deliver environmental health-focused training statewide.

The EHS 4 develops plans, procedures and strategies with the CDPH CEH and Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR), and statewide committees that serve local environmental health programs to improve communication, coordination, identify resource needs, and enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery operations.

The EHS 4 serves in a lead role within the EHSS, Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 at the State Operations Center and the Medical and Health Coordination Center in a designated disaster. Provides appropriate emergency response expertise and, where applicable, a designated departmental role. Promotes and contributes to a successful team-oriented work environment ensuring interdependence and cooperation, constructive and positive communications, and mutual support.

Provides guidance to emergency preparedness (EP) staff by clarifying roles and responsibilities, regularly offering feedback on their performance and coaching to achieve their full potential. The EHS 4 works on professional committees and assignments, participates in professional training and attends relevant conferences, and provides mentoring to staff and outside environmental health professionals on a formal or informal basis.

Apply By Date February 23, 2026 at 11:59PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Certification in Incident Command System (ICS) at 100, 200, 700 and 800 levels is required.
• Certified as Trainer for Environmental Health Training in Emergency Response Operations (EHTER Ops) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Center for Domestic Preparedness. Completion of EHTER Ops is acceptable.
• Bachelor’s level or higher in environmental health or related health science field or equivalent experience / training
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience at state and/or local level in environmental health programs.
• At least two (2) years of which are at a leadership level responsible and involve shaping and overseeing jurisdictional level policies and procedures in emergency management.
• Equivalent experience in complex, sensitive, multijurisdictional environmental public health projects will be considered in lieu of advanced qualifications.
• Broad knowledge of environmental health programs at local-state-federal levels and experience working with senior leadership in cross-sector environmental health work.
• Program…