Environmental Health Specialist Trainee

The Public Health Department is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Environmental Health Specialist Trainee position for the Public Health Department's Environmental Health Division. The position will be located in Santa Maria.
We are also accepting applications to establish employment lists for future vacancies in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. Please be sure to indicateon your application all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, your name will be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) you have expressed you are willing to work.
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or CLICK HERE to view more information.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

1. Retirement reciprocity
2. Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

THE POSITION
Under general supervision, conducts inspections of public facilities to ensure compliance with local, State, and Federal laws and regulations governing Environmental Health and safety and performs related duties as required.
The current vacancy is for the Community Health programs which is responsible for the review of retail food facilities, public swimming pools, body art facilities and organized camps to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Environmental Health Specialist Trainee and Environmental Health Specialist is a flexibly staffed series. The Trainee is the entry level in the Environmental Health Specialist series. Incumbents work under supervision of a registered Specialist, performing general and routine Environmental Health duties and are expected to pass a state registration exam within 6 to 18 months after appointment (depending upon previous training/education). The Trainee is distinguished from the Environmental Health Specialist in that the latter functions at the registered and full journey level, performing inspection and compliance duties independently.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to read and interpret legal codes and policy letters.
• The ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.

• The ability to establish working relationships to interact effectively with the public and other external agencies.
• The ability to work independently and as a team player within the organization.
• The ability to maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities.
• The ability to process, interpret, and communicate technical information to internal and external clients.
• The ability to exercise appropriate judgment when answering questions and releasing information.
• The ability to remain calm and act professionally under all circumstances.
• Adaptability, a positive attitude, impeccable character, and strong commitment to public service.
• The ability to be open to change and new information, and adapt behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, and unexpected obstacles. Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• The ability to be detail oriented while handling multiple projects with competing priorities.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• The ability to prepare and write clear and concise documents.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus, but not required. NOTE: The Department may test you on your fluency.

Click Here to learn more about the Environmental Health Division and follow us on Social Media to stay up-to-date.

1. Conducts inspections of retail food producing, distributing and serving establishments, institutional facilities, organized camps, body art facilities, recreational facilities, water systems, and private wells to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and safety laws and regulations; checks for and determines significant variance from approved conditions in matters such as temperature of food, equipment design, ventilation, lighting, structural design, and sanitation and recommends corrective measures; and issues inspection reports, notices to correct, and permits.
2. Investigates citizens' complaints related to Environmental Health problems; takes samples for laboratory analysis; conducts field surveys; prepares reports documenting findings and recommendation; prepares letters to violators of State and local Health and Safety Codes, setting forth compliance schedules to correct violations; and presents evidence and testimony in court proceedings.
3. Advises business owners, builders, and other members of the public on interpretation of and conformity with Environmental Health and safety requirements; provides information on methods for correcting nuisances and unsanitary conditions; and makes presentations before public bodies and community groups.

1. Possession of a bachelor's degree, including 30 semester units of basic sciences, AND proof of Environmental Health Specialist Trainee certification as set forth in Section 106635 of the California Health and Safety Code. (The California Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section evaluates coursework and issues certification upon submission of completed application with fee and official college transcripts.)

Additional Requirements: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at the time of appointment.
Knowledge of: principles of general chemistry, physics, microbiology, biology, and calculus.
Ability to: learn, interpret, and apply laws and regulations; collect specimens correctly and learn to interpret lab analysis; conduct routine inspections using the proper tools and equipment; define problem areas; collect, interpret, and evaluate data and draw valid conclusions; evaluate situations and respond effectively; identify potential violations and take corrective action; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; communicate and interact in situations requiring instruction and persuasion; prepare and present clear and concise written narrative and statistical reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other departments, and the general public; demonstrate tact and diplomacy. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Environmental Health Specialist Trainees are expected to obtain Environmental Health Specialist registration and to demonstrate possession of and competency in the necessary knowledge and abilities to be promoted to Environmental Health Specialist within 18 months of appointment.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire: Applications will be reviewed to determine the candidates who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified applicants.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.
To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
The Public Health Department (PHD) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the PHD Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 12/11/2023, by 4:59 p.m. PST;Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.SBCountyJobs.com.
Farrah Medrano, Talent Acquisition Lead, Public Health Department, PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.orgEmployment Type: Full-time