Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist I Vernon CA 1 of 2
JOB DESCRIPTION
Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist I
Date Prepared:
Date Revised:
Date Revised:
March 2014
November 20, 2018
October 2023
Class Code: 2035 28
SUMMARY: Under basic supervision, this generalist classification conducts inspections and investigations involving the enforcement and interpretation of environmental health laws and regulations in a variety of program areas to protect the health and safety of City residents, businesses, and the general public; provides consultation and educational services; and performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist I is distinguished from the Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist Trainee in that the Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist I is the first working level with full range of responsibilities in this class series. May train less experienced staff as designated.
Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist I is distinguished from Environmental HealthHazardous Materials Specialist II in that Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist I performs the more routine inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations governing hazardous materials/waste and environmental health programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Conducts field inspections and investigations to enforce environmental and public health laws and regulations in a variety of program areas, including Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) hazardous materials/waste, food safety, stormwater management, solid waste and recycling, water/waste waterwastewater systems, animal & vector control, and general environmental public health. Reviews and approves plans for development, construction, and/or renovation of industrial and commercial facilities for compliance with health, safety, and environmental control regulations. Responds to public health, public sanitation, improper storage, use handling or disposal of hazardous materials/waste and unauthorized releases, spills or leaks of hazardous materials/waste, and environmental health complaints; identifies, investigates, and resolves technical issues and code violations, contacts owner, and recommends abatement procedures for violations; drafts letters regarding violations and corrective actions and abatement; conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance. Prepares inspection reports, oral briefings, and correspondence based on field inspections and investigations.
Reviews environmental reports.
May train less experienced staff.
Updates and maintains a variety of records and databases; gathers, compiles, and analyzes data; maintains technical records and prepares reports as required.
Responds to emergency incidents involving hazardous materials and disease vectors; assists with investigations of environmental health hazards and emergencies.
Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist I Vernon CA 2 of 2 Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of workrelated issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Biological Science, Chemistry, or related science; AND two years of experience in a regulatory, public health or environmental service environment. health, and/or hazardous materials/waste field.
Knowledge of:
City policies and procedures.
Federal and state laws, codes, rules, and regulations related to public/environmental health and hazardous materials/waste.
Techniques of investigating and resolving complex environmental health and hazardous materials/waste problems and conditions.
Physical and biological science standards and guidelines used in environmental quality controls. Techniques of investigating, inspecting, and resolving public health issues. Customer service and public relations methods and practices. Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
Skill in:
Working effectively with others to develop solutions for public/environmental health problems. Applying environmental health and safety principles and practices in a regulatory environment. Interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables. Following and applying scientific principles and procedures for public/environmental health investigations. Collecting and analyzing data, and making appropriate recommendations. Managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment. Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software. Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Driver’s License is required. Certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist from the California State Department of Health is required. OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification, and International Code Council – ICC certification as a California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector are required within six (6) months of appointment; additional specific technical certifications may be required for some assignments.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment, and in internal and external environments throughout the City, with the possibility of exposure to hazardous materials.