Class Specification: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I
ITEM NUMBER: 5670
APPROVAL DATE: 10/06/2003
DEFINITION:
As a trainee, learns techniques for conducting environmental health inspections and investigations.
CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
Under close administrative and technical supervision, positions allocable to this class receive a maximum of two years of extensive formal and on-the-job training in techniques and procedures for conducting environmental health inspections, investigations, and enforcement, as well as application of these techniques and procedures in the field, in compliance with Federal, State, and County public health laws, and with policies and procedures governing the environmental health program.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Attends formal training sessions to receive instruction in environmental management principles, methods, and techniques and orientation to the organization, departmental policies, and procedures of the Environmental Health Program.
Learns to conduct periodic inspections of food establishments and restaurants for proper sanitary conditions by reviewing and observing to ensure that food is unspoiled, properly labeled, stored, handled, and protected from contaminants.
Reviews and observes utensil washing and sanitizing procedures by testing water temperatures and cleaning agents and facilities to ensure that these meet Federal, State, and local legal requirements.
Ensures that food equipment, such as stoves, and refrigerators, and other cooking equipment and appliances are clean and in good repair.
Learns to conduct investigations of complaints concerning the infestation of rodents, and inspects by examining premises for evidence of infestation such as telltale signs and avenues of entry and placing poisons.
Learns to conduct investigations of complaints regarding improper disposal of garbage, rubbish and sewage, and other unsanitary conditions in buildings, dwellings and retail food or other establishments by conducting inspections of premises for adequate disposal facilities.
Learns to conduct investigations concerning the disposal of garbage, rubbish and sewage under public health laws by inspecting the collection trucks, sanitary landfills, recycle sites, and refuse transfer stations used by private residential refuse collectors operating in unincorporated areas and contract cities to ensure that collection trucks are in good repair, properly covered and no spillage, and that landfills, recycle sites, and refuse transfer stations do not provide insect or rodent harborage or emit excessive odors or dust.
Meets with community groups within an assigned area and attempts to establish rapport for the purpose of solving problems related to environmental health.
Learns to participate in prosecution of environmental sanitation cases of non-compliance with public health laws and regulations by preparing evidence such as meat samples and the findings of laboratory technicians who conducted the tests, completing inspection forms, attending office hearings, conferring with city or the district attorney, and testifying in court as a representative of the Department of Health Services.
Maintains records of work performed.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college, university, or educational institution approved by the California State Department of Health Services or an educational institution of collegiate grade approved by the American Council on Education, which shall have included 30 semester or 45 quarter units of basic sciences, including a one semester course or quarter unit equivalent, including lecture and laboratory, in Chemistry, Physics, Biological Science, and Microbiology as well as a semester or quarter course in calculus or algebra.
LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out job-related essential functions.
PHYSICAL CLASS:
3 - Moderate.
