Supervising Environmental Health Specialist (Finance)
The County of Riverside's Environmental Health Department is seeking an experienced professional to serve as a Supervising Environmental Health Specialist (SEHS) to support the Hazardous Materials Management Branch. The position will be based at the Hemet office.
The SEHS classification is the supervisory level within the Environmental Health Specialist series and reports directly to an appropriate management-level position. The incumbent will oversee the day-to-day operations of environmental health program activities and provide direct supervision over a team, possibly across multiple regional offices. Responsibilities include coordinating and directing the operations and workflow of various programs, notably within the Hazardous Materials Management Branch (HMMB). This position will also be overseeing the HMMB Emergency Response Team.
This role involves a high level of collaboration with other governmental agencies and departments and local city agencies. The incumbent will act as a liaison in interagency meetings, support cross-functional initiatives, and help craft resolutions to regional environmental health concerns. Additionally, the SEHS will play a key role in revising departmental technical guidance and policies and contributing to development of the multiple hazardous materials programs. Candidates with a passion for public service, commitment to community health, and a deep understanding of environmental health regulations are encouraged to apply for this vital leadership position in Riverside County.
The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with demonstrated experience in recruiting, training, coaching, and mentoring staff. This position requires strong organizational skills to manage inspections for various types of facilities, oversee hazmat emergency response and complaint activities, conduct performance evaluations, and provide comprehensive training to enhance inspector and responder skill sets. The SEHS will also be instrumental in developing and implementing program-wide procedures that align with the Department's strategic goals.
Meet the Team:
The Riverside County Department of Environmental Health is a multifaceted department dedicated to protecting the health of people and the environment in Riverside County. Their mission, "to enhance the quality of life in Riverside County," is accomplished through a dedicated staff of professionals including licensed and/or certified inspectors overseeing and enforcing numerous programs, from food facility inspections to hazardous waste designed to protect both the public and the environment.• Review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
• Instruct and advise staff on the interpretation of state and local environmental health laws, ordinances, regulations, and departmental directives, policies and procedures; review and evaluate evidence gathered by staff as a result of investigations of unusual or sensitive cases and if appropriate initiate enforcement activities for noncompliance with environmental health laws and regulations.
• Serve as an enforcement officer with oversight of the HMMB enforcement program.
• Review programs, policies, and procedures and analyze legislation.
• Determine training needs and develop and recommend programs to meet those needs.
• Organize, coordinate, or lead meetings; make outside speaking engagements and serve on professional committees; observe and evaluate the effectiveness of staff serving as instructors: oversee training of existing and newly hired staff.
• Oversee the mitigation of hazardous substance releases during emergency or disaster situations under the authority of the Public Health Officer; assist in field supervision of hazardous waste clean-up operations.
• Act as County liaison with state and federal agencies; analyze statistical data; prepare and review correspondence and reports.
• Participate in development and implementation of goals and objectives for assigned programs.
• Implement or recommend changes as necessary for program staff.
• Will participate as part of the County Hazardous Materials 24-hour Emergency Response Team.Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, which included coursework that enables the applicant to meet the minimum educational standards prescribed by the California Department of Public Health. For more information on the required courses, please see the website HERE.
Experience: Minimum one year as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist equivalent to an Environmental Health Specialist IV with the County of Riverside or a minimum of two years equivalent to an Environmental Health Specialist III with the County of Riverside.
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the California Department of Public Health.
Knowledge of: The principles of physical, biological, chemical, and social sciences used in environmental health and safety; functions and operation of related governmental agencies and community organizations; state and local laws and regulations governing environmental health and public health; penal code provisions relating to public health nuisances; methods and techniques of investigating, inspecting, and obtaining compliance where corrections are necessary; environmental research and statistical methods; principles and practices of environmental health and safety; principles and techniques of supervision; principles of environmental planning and management.
Ability to: Plan, supervise, and evaluate the work of others; understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting environmental health and safety programs; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; establish and maintain cooperative relationships; communicate clearly both orally and in writing; prepare clear and concise reports; plan, organize and carry out research, analyze and evaluate data, and make recommendations based on findings; detect public health hazards and conditions which violate public health and safety laws, ordinances and regulations and secure their correction through education, voluntary compliance, or legal enforcement; instruct in the methods and procedures of environmental health and safety inspections and correction of violative conditions; interpret public health needs and goals to others; use a personal computer and software programs.
Physical Requirements: Independent body mobility to stand, climb stairs and ladders, walk on uneven ground or wet, slippery floors at construction sites, retail food, public pools, mobile home parks, composting facilities, landfills and large excavated areas, manufacturing plants, and hazardous materials handling/storing facilities; upper body strength to reach and move items from high shelves; manual dexterity to hand-write and use personal computers; corrected vision to read standard text, labels, color change indication test papers, monitoring equipment display screens, and computer screens.
Additional Physical Requirements for incumbents assigned to the Hazardous Materials Program: Strength to move 55 gallon drums of materials (with drum dolly); strength to lift and carry tools or personal protection and test equipment up to 25 pounds in weight; physical capability to wear personal protective equipment including Level A, B, C and D suits and negative pressure respirator; ability to lift materials weighing up to 70 pounds.
Environmental Requirements: Will be required to work in an office and all types of field environments, be exposed to inclement weather conditions, and enter and perform work in establishments which may have nudity, sexually explicit pictures and literature; come in contact with materials/waste including odors and fumes from various industrial processes, cleaning solvents, chlorine, and insecticides; ability to tolerate very hot and cold temperatures, walk or stand for extended periods of time with no rest, walk over rough terrain, work at heights higher than 10 feet, and bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time; ability to use stomach and lower back to support the body when lifting.
Incumbents assigned to the Hazardous Materials Program will be required to obtain the following certification within 180 days:
• State required International Code Council (ICC) California Underground Storage Tank Certification
Incumbents assigned to the Hazardous Materials Program will be required to obtain the following training and certification within 12 months:
• 40 hours HAZWOPER courses
• Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) Certification
• First Aid Training (including CPR)
• PC 832 Arrest, Search, and Seizure Certification
• 160 hours Hazardous Materials Technician Certification
Incumbents assigned to the Hazardous Materials Program will be required to obtain the following certification within 36 months:
• 80 HR Hazardous Materials Specialist CertificationFor specific questions regarding this position, contact Amanda Campos at acampos@rivco.org .
