Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist Trainee Vernon CA 1 of 2
JOB DESCRIPTION
Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist Trainee Date Prepared:
Date Revised:
July 2020
October 2023
Class Code: 20337
SUMMARY: Under close administrative and technical supervision, positions allocable to this class receive a maximum of 24 months of extensive structured 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 City public health laws, and with policies and procedures governing hazardous materials/waste and environmental health programs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Appointment to this classification is of a limited duration not to exceed three (3) years from appointment and serves as a bridge towards advancement into the professional-level classification of Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist I.
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:
Learns to conduct 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, food safety, stormwater management, solid waste and recycling, water/waste water systems, animal & vector control, cross connection/backflow prevention and general environmental health. Learns to review and approve plans for development, construction, and/or renovation of industrial and commercial facilities for compliance with health, safety, and environmental control regulations. Learns to respond to public health, public sanitation, and environmental health complaints; learns to identify, investigate and resolve technical issues and code violations, learns to contacts owner, and how to make recommendations for abatement procedures for violations; learns to draft letters regarding violations and corrective actions and abatement; learns to conduct follow-up investigations to ensure compliance. Learns to prepare inspection reports, oral briefings and correspondence based on field inspections and investigations.
Learns to review environmental reports.
Updates and maintains a variety of records and databases; gathers, compiles, and analyzes data; maintains technical records and prepares reports as required.
Learns to respond to emergency incidents involving hazardous materials and disease vectors; assists with investigations of environmental health hazards and emergencies. 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:
A Bachelor’s Degree from and accredited college, university in Health, Science or related field, or educational institution approved by the California State Department of Public Health or an educational institution of collegiate grade approved by the American Council on Education.
Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Specialist Trainee Vernon CA 2 of 2 AND
Must poses a valid “Letter of Eligibility” from the California Department of Public Health, which affirms the applicant’s eligibility to work as an Environmental Health–Hazardous Materials Specialist Trainee.
Knowledge of:
City organization, operations, policies, and procedures. Basic theories of mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics associated with environmental regulation and research.
Basic scientific research and statistical methods
Sound environmental practices and the effect of environmental regulation on human health, water, soil, food, and other environmental elements
Environmental laws, regulations, and ordinances protecting public health and safety Basic principles of environmental compliance assurance Principles and procedures used in collecting and identifying samples for laboratory analysis Customer service standards and protocols.
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. 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. Trainees must obtain a valid registration as an Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) within 36 months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Environmental Health Specialist Trainees are eligible to promote to the classification of Environmental HealthHazardous Materials Specialist I after successfully completing the training program, acquiring the certification as an REHS from the California Department of Public Health, and receiving above satisfactory performance evaluations.
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.