Environmental Health Specialist IV - Solid Waste and Body Art Programs Promotional

IMPORTANT

On October 11, 2026, this classification will receive a cost-of-living (COLA) increase of up to 4.5%.

San Mateo County Health is seeking a well-qualified individual for the position of Environmental Health Specialist IV for the Solid Waste and Body Art Programs. This Environmental Health Specialist will receive general supervision and provide lead direction in performing the responsibilities of the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA).

The current vacancy is in the Environmental Health Division, located in San Mateo, CA. The position will include travel/driving throughout the county to perform the duties of the job; this is essential to the position.

Environmental Health Services ensures a safe and healthful environment in the County's 20 cities and unincorporated areas through education, monitoring, and enforcement of a variety of regulatory programs, as well as ongoing services to the community.

San Mateo County is designated by Cal Recycle as the LEA to ensure the correct operation and closure of solid waste facilities in our jurisdiction and has responsibilities for regulatory oversight of proper storage and transportation of solid wastes. Also, San Mateo County has authority to implement the California Safe Body Art Act and County Ordinance for Body Art and Piercing.

Candidates must be a California Department of Public Health, Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) in good standing. A copy of a current California certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is to be submitted with the application.

• 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.
• Serve as technical expert and staff consultant in Solid Waste and Body Art programs.
• Review and approve solid waste facility permitting documents.
• Approve construction of new body art establishments.
• Conduct routine inspections of solid waste facilities such as Landfills, Transfer Station/Materials Recovery Facilities, Closed Landfills, Compost Facilities, and body art facilities and practitioners.
• 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 procedures.
• Investigate and resolve public 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 applicable, laws, regulations, and codes 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.

• Forward-thinking; use of innovation for program improvement goals and implementation.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, communication, and technical skills in all programs served.
• Experience leading and motivating a team.
• Experience conducting inspections of solid waste facilities and approving permitting documentation under the LEA oversight.
• Experience reviewing applications for new body art facilities and practitioners and conducting routine inspections and implementing enforcement provisions.
• Working knowledge of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14 and 27, and California Health and Safety Code Division 104, Part 15, Chapter 17.
• At least three years of experience related to performing inspections, investigations, and research for an environmental health 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.

NOTE:

The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

• 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…