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Associate Environmental Health Specialist

Under close supervision, in a training capacity, to perform routine environmental health inspections and investigations; works with experienced Environmental Health Specialists in accordance with the State Environmental Health Specialist Training Plan in preparation for the State Registration Exam and related work; assists in the performance of the more complex work involved in environmental health inspections and enforcement of applicable laws and regulations.

Requirements

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

  • Assists and performs permitting activities, inspections and investigations of environmental health conditions including but not limited to food facilities, food-borne illness investigations, public swimming pools, land development, water systems, solid/medical waste facilities, refuse collection and septage pumper vehicles, body art establishments, and control of vectors;


  • Establishes conditions, compliance expectations and time frames for correction of environmental health and safety hazards;


  • Gathers evidence of violations of applicable laws and assists in preparation of statements of evidence for closures, impounds, embargos or other court actions;


  • Executes enforcement actions such as closures, impounds, and embargoes; 


  • Collects samples of water, food, beverage, potentially hazardous substances and other specimens for laboratory tests;


  • Investigates complaints and suspected violations of state and local health and environmental laws;


  • Participates in standardized food facility inspections; participates in specialized inspections such as epidemiological investigations and hazard assessments;


  • Instructs food handlers in food safety principles during performance based inspections;


  • Keeps abreast of new science, technologies and trends; develops an understanding of new environmental laws and regulations;


  • Participates in continuing education as required by departmental needs and assignments or state regulations;


  • May consult with and advise individuals on proper methods of improvement and implementation of corrective action for unsanitary conditions;


  • May attend meetings and confers with governmental groups; communicates with culturally diverse local community groups;


  • Keeps records and prepares oral and written reports;


  • May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*; 


  • Performs other related duties, as required.

Qualifications

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities: 

The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a valid Letter of Eligibility issued by the California Department of Public Health, which outlines the additional training and experience required to become eligible to register for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification examination.


Special Requirements

  • Some positions may require the possession of appropriate tests, training, and certifications, including Certified Lead Inspector/Assessor in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations; Blood Borne Pathogen training and certification; and any others that may be necessary to perform duties assigned. 


  • Possess and maintain a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) licensure issued by the State of California within the allotted time set forth by the California Department of Public Health for the duration of employment or vacate the position.


  • Possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.  


  • *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSQ is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered. 


Knowledge of:

  • Basic principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary sciences;


  • Elementary methods and procedures used to conduct research, inspections or investigations;


  • Common computer systems and applications;


  • English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.


Ability to:

  • Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications;


  • Interpret laws and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances;


  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public and representatives of other agencies;


  • Keep accurate records;


  • Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports;


  • Follow oral and written instructions;


  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures; 


  • Work well under close supervision;


  • Use computer systems and applications.
  • (Prolonged) Sitting, standing, and/or walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces;


  • Frequent movements including but not limited to (bending, crawling, squatting, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead; 


  • Lift, drag, push and carry objects up to 50lbs;


  • Working in a variety of different environments (indoor and outdoor) with various factors including but not limited to different temperatures, humidity, sanitary conditions, exposure to odors, loud noise, chemicals and working in, with and around potential hazardous materials;


  • Wear protective clothing and use personal protective equipment (PPE).
Date Posted
01/27/2026
Job Reference
26-V17-A
Organization
Department of Environmental Health, DEH - Consumer Protection Division
Location
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Category
Environmental Health
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