Environmental Health Specialist Trainee

Position Description

Under direct supervision, to assist with environmental sanitation studies, inspections and investigations; to prevent or eliminate environmental sanitation health hazards; and to do related work as required.

• Assists County Public Health and Environmental Health service providers.
• Plans and performs routine surveys, investigations and inspections to determine environmental health problems and needs.
• Inspects food handling and processing establishments, camp sites, trailer courts, swimming pools, housing and dwelling units, schools, public and private buildings and installations for compliance with sanitation laws and regulations.
• Reviews and approves development plans.
• Investigates complaints relating to insect problems, animal bites, unsanitary waste disposal and related problems.
• May advise public on laws and regulations and works to secure voluntary compliance.
• Appears as witness in court if needed.
• Work with community agencies in promoting sanitation and public health standards.
• May prepare ordinances and makes presentations to Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
• May coordinate air pollution activities and over sees conformance of State and Local air pollution regulations.
• May prepare reports.
• Assists Registered Sanitarian as needed.

Knowledge of:

Basic principles of physical, biological and social sciences used in environmental quality control; functions and operations of related agencies and community organizations;
State and Local laws and regulations governing public health

sanitation and public health; methods and techniques of investigation, inspecting and resolving unsanitary conditions; general principles and practices of environmental health and sanitation; principles of research, statistical analysis and report writing.

Ability to:

Analyze situations accurately and take effective action; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others; prepare clear and concise reports; plan, organize and carry out research; analyze and evaluate data and make recommendations based on findings; detect unsanitary conditions and public health hazards and secure their correction through education, voluntary compliance or legal enforcement; coordinate public health needs and goals.


Education, Training, and Experience:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a Bachelors degree in environmental health or a related field. Possession of an approved authorization from the State of California Department of Environmental Health to participate in a Trainee Program.

Possession of an appropriate California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles may be required; written certification from the State Department Health Services that educational background meets State requirements; and state authorization to work as a trainee has been granted.