Careers

Description:

Under general supervision performs professional work involved in the inspection and enforcement or an assigned environmental health program area which may include land use, food safety, housing and institutions, recreational health, water quality, solid, liquid, and medical waster, certified unified programs, hazardous materials, childhood lead investigation, and emergency response; interprets, implements, and enforces federal, state, and local codes as they pertain to environmental health programs, provides education, reference, and assistance; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

 

Examples of Duties

The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law..

• Performs regulation and enforcement of environmental health safety laws, rules, and regulations; interprets the more specialized environmental health regulations, rules, and policies related to an assigned program area.
• Inspects retail food establishments, as defined by State stature for compliance to applicable health codes, investigates reported cased of food-borne illness.
• Inspects organized camps and body art facilities for compliance with public health laws; issues citations for violation of public health and environmental laws and regulations.
• Conducts inspections of proposed on-site wastewater treatment sites; reviews plans and issues permits for systems; performs site checks and final checks of such systems.
• Issues permits for the installation, modification, and closure of underground storage tanks; ensures that State guidelines are followed; identifies areas where unauthorized releases have occurred; documents site conditions.
• Reviews information and makes recommendations regarding wastewater disposal and water availability requirements.
• Performs inspections of small water systems; visually inspects for conformance with applicable codes and regulations; takes water samples and interprets laboratory results.
• Inspects public swimming pools and spas for conformance with codes and regulations; takes and interprets water samples; inspects construction detail and proper use and maintenance of filters and chemicals.
• Inspects, permits, investigates,  and enforces upon hazardous materials facilities for conformance with regulations and statute.
• Assists Madera County Public Health Department by performing inspections and investigations related to public health communicable disease investigations.
• Determines the need for closing of public eating and other establishments.
• Performs plan review and approval of food facilities, body art facilities, commercial swimming pool and spa facilities, septic systems, and water wells. 
• Responds to emergency situations as assigned.
• Prepares comprehensive reports related to inspections, investigations, and studies completed in the assigned program area.
• Provides general information to the regulated community and public regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations; receives and responds to inquiries, request for assistance, concerns, and complaints from the public regarding division activities and programs.
• Compiles data for and prepares a variety of records and reports related to environmental health investigation, inspections, studies, and projects.
• Participates in community education and public information efforts.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to citations and violation; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

 

Skills/Eligibility:

Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principle and practices of environmental sanitation, including water supply, sewage and refuse disposal, housing, sanitation, and hazardous materials and waste.
• Principles and practices of sanitary food production, processing, and handling.
• Principles and techniques of sampling and analysis of varied specimens.
• Principles and practices of physical, biological, and social sciences as they relate to public health and environmental quality control.
• Research practices.
• Investigative techniques and principles of evidence.
• Proper use and operation of field-testing equipment and materials used in environmental health inspections, investigations, and warrants.
• Functions and operations of organization and agencies involved with environmental health activities.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendor, contractors, and Count staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed.

Ability to:

• Conduct thorough routine and special environmental health inspections and investigations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to enforcing environmental health regulations and guidelines.
• Perform site analysis for waste and septic systems to identify determine location suitability.
• Detect unsanitary conditions, isolate causes, and take appropriate action to ensure compliance.
• Simultaneously conduct multiple inspections and investigations, and accurately document findings and maintain appropriate records.
• Responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service.
• Collect and interpret field and test data accurately.
• Review construction specifications and plans bl to ensure health and safety compliance.
• Perform mathematical computations and statistical analysis.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written material.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgement within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to the work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.