Environmental Health Technician

County of Santa Barbara
$59,940.00 - $71,671.70 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, California, Santa Maria
May 14, 2024
Description *Notice of Change:* This recruitment will now close on 06/04/24 SALARY $59,940.00 - $71,671.70 Annually The Public Health Department is accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time, Environmental Health Technician to join our Environmental Health Services (EHS) team. The vacancy will be based in Santa Maria. We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies for Environmental Health Technician in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. Civil Service Rule 1414. Appointment to Fill Vacancy During Leave of Absence. 1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department. Please select the location(s)* you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, then your name may be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that 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: Retirement reciprocity Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate POSITION: Under general supervision, provides technical field and office support to Environmental Health Services' staff; assists the general public with permits, processes, and inspection services, and performs related duties as required. Distinguishing Characteristics: The Environmental Health Technician is an entry-level technician class with both field and administrative assignments. Incumbents possess an awareness of basic scientific principles and are encouraged to obtain additional scientific knowledge in order to advance to the professional-level Environmental Health Specialist or Hazardous Materials Specialist series. This class is distinguished from the Office Professional classification series by the requirement of basic technical/scientific knowledge necessary to provide the needed assistance to the public and the assignment of field duties. It is distinguished from the Environmental Health/Hazardous Materials Specialist classifications by those classifications' greater complexity of technical work performed and the requirement for additional professional registration and/or certification. The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess: Scientific Knowledge: Understanding of basic biology and chemistry, as well as general scientific terminology, to assist in various environmental health tasks. Technical Skills: Proficiency in word processing and database software to manage records, conduct research, and prepare reports. Communication Abilities: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders both verbally and in writing. Bilingual in Spanish/English desirable. Independence and Adaptability: Capability to work independently and learn environmental health codes, regulations, and policies, as well as to adapt to changing work conditions and schedules. About the Program: The mission of the Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services (EHS) program is to protect public health and the environment by providing services that ensure observance of State and local regulations in programs that pertain to retail food facilities, body art, solid waste, onsite wastewater treatment systems, water quality, land use, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, and hazardous materials. Join our esteemed team committed to excellence and innovation. Explore the opportunities with us and contribute to a healthier, safer future for all. To learn more, please visit our website: https://www.countyofsb.org/414/Environmental-Health CLICK HERE to learn more about the County of Santa Barbara Public Health Department and follow us on Social Media to stay up-to-date. Examples of Duties Provides the public with routine, general and technical information related to environmental health and/or hazardous materials codes, regulations, permit applications and inspection services in person, via telephone, web, and/or written correspondence. Conducts initial permit application reviews for private water systems, on-site sewage disposal systems, food facilities, temporary food events, and public swimming pools. Performs initial screening of complaints, including alleged food borne illnesses; collects water samples for laboratory analysis; handles and transports samples according to established protocols; and completes chain-of-custody and other appropriate laboratory documentation. Performs basic statistical data evaluations for sites and produces written reports with supporting documentation. Performs initial investigation of nuisance complaints; completes follow up surveys or inspections to ensure compliance with issued notices to correct; and maintains written records of investigation. Drives to and surveys, samples, and monitors recreational water areas, watercourses, and other areas of public health concern as directed; and writes reports, or keeps records of observations. Tracks proposed and pending environmental health-related legislation; and advises administration of legislation likely to impact local environmental health programs and services. Conducts research of and reviews relevant materials to gather information requested by professional staff and the public; communicates information or results of research in writing or verbally; and assists in the preparation of environmental studies, comprehensive field reports, and public presentations. Organizes files; updates and maintains computer databases and the departmental website; maintains records and prepares written reports of work accomplished; and provides vacation and temporary back-up to other staff as required. Employment Standards Satisfactory completion of high school or college coursework in basic biology and chemistry and proficiency using word processing and database software; OR, A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Knowledge of: basic biology and chemistry; general scientific terminology; basic mathematics; general office procedures and record keeping practices; standard letter and report formats; English grammar and usage, word processing and database management software programs. Ability to: work independently and without immediate supervision; read, learn, explain, and apply various environmental health codes, regulations, and policies; learn and apply proper sampling and processing techniques; keep accurate and legible records; write clearly and legibly; clearly and effectively communicate with a wide variety of people; interact tactfully and courteously with the public; drive safely in a variety of conditions; follow topographic and street maps; and use a computer and various software applications. Special Requirements: A valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment. Independent travel is required. Position may require lifting up to 25 pounds; bending, kneeling, stooping or crawling during surveys or when collecting samples; Requires the ability to use respiratory protection devices such as Air Purifying Respirators; requires the ability to carry 10-15 pounds of equipment or supplies for up to two miles during creek surveys and the ability to hike in creek beds and rough terrain for up to two miles under a variety of weather and lighting conditions. Incumbents must obtain a legally required Occupational Health & Safety Administration certification in Hazardous Waste Site Operations (HazWoper) as a condition of successfully passing probation. May require non-traditional work hours such as evenings, weekends and holidays and after-hours response to sewage spills or similar situations. Desirable Qualifications: College-level coursework, including statistics, physics, microbiology, and additional biology and chemistry classes that would qualify for entrance into the Registered Environmental Health Specialist exam; Experience working with complex databases, knowledge of site assessment methods and remediation processes for contaminated sites, and the ability to speak and understand Spanish. Supplemental Information Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and auto-scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 12 qualified candidates. 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 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: 06/04/2024, 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.org