Environmental Health Specialist IV – Consumer Protection Programs

Job Overview

NOTE:

This recruitment was amended on November 10, 2025 to include the tobacco program under the Consumer Protection Programs.

San Mateo County Health is seeking a well-qualified individual for the position of Environmental Health Specialist IV - Consumer Protection Programs
. The position provides general supervision and lead direction within countywide environmental health inspection and enforcement activities in specialized technical areas including food sanitation, recreational water, tobacco, and housing.
There is currently one regular vacancy that will function as a Food/Pool/Tobacco Program lead within the Environmental Health Division Consumer Protection Program located in San Mateo. The position requires travel throughout the county.

• Lead specialized programs such as Food and Pool Program, Tobacco, Cottage Food Operations, MEHKO, Temporary Food Events, Mobile Food Facilities, and Certified Farmers Markets.
• Lead quality assurance, quality control and standardization functions.
• Conduct compliance inspections of programs and projects.
• Lead or provide direction in investigations of citizen complaints.
• Lead and implement special projects.
• Set program standards, coordinate activities with County and City Departments, collaborate with California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health ad hoc committees and stakeholders.

• Forward thinking and use of innovation for program improvement and implementation.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, communication and technical skills across all programs served.
• Experience leading and motivating a team.
• Experience working with diverse community members and other government agencies.
• Understanding of retail food construction design and facility requirements; inspections of retail food facilities, temporary event/certified farmer's market booths and pools/spas.
• Working knowledge of FDA Standards, California Retail Food Code, California Department of Food Agriculture Guidelines, and Title 22 and 24 of the California Building Code.
• Experience performing inspections, investigations and research for an environmental health or sanitation program in a regulatory agency.
• Ability to travel to different sites in San Mateo County to conduct inspections and investigations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Provide lead direction, training and work review to assigned staff; organize and assign work, coordinate complex projects, and follow up to ensure completion of assigned work.
• Provide input into selection decisions, performance evaluations and disciplinary matters.
• Serve as technical expert and staff consultant in area of specialization.
• Inspect establishments and properties for compliance with environmental health laws and regulations.
• Conduct specialized studies, program audits, investigations and inspections and make recommendations; maintain a program of code compliance and implementation in the area of specialization.
• Develop, standardize, and update staff inspection techniques.
• Investigate and resolve citizen complaints, acting as a liaison with community groups, government agencies and private businesses.
• Compile data, evaluate procedures and draft proposed legislation and guidelines; may review and make recommendations on environmental impact reports.
• Plan and conduct in-service and public education training programs.
• Interpret regulations and provide advice relating to area of specialization to city officials, citizen groups, business owners and others.
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence.
• May act as expert witness in court proceedings.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• The area of specialty, including its scientific background, technology, principles, methods, investigative techniques and problems.
• Laws, regulations and codes governing the assigned area of specialization.
• Sanitation provisions in the Health and Safety Code.
• Government agencies, community organizations and business establishments as they relate to environmental health.

• Plan, direct and coordinate a program of research, study,…