Supervising Environmental Health Specialist

Supervising Environmental Health Specialist

Salary

$35.28 - $45.27 Hourly

Location

Eureka, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-00076

Department

Department of Health and Human Services

Division

406 - Environmental Health

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

10/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DEFINITION

Supervising Environmental Health Specialist

Department of Health and Human Services

Job Highlights:

This position has supervisory responsibility for the Solid Waste Local Enforcement Authority and the Land Use Program. Customers and regulated entities include private homeowners, developers, contractors, and government agencies.

Typical duties include:

• Oversee day to day work, provide technical guidance, assign and review field activities, and ensure consistent application of environmental health laws.
• Provide direction to staff on the implementation of complex laws and ordinances related to water wells, onsite wastewater systems, solid waste, water quality, and other environmental health programs.
• Evaluate program performance and permitting processes, and enforcement actions. Monitor program performance, ensure timely responses to public health concerns, and maintain accurate records.
• Respond to high risk or sensitive public health situations, perform advanced technical evaluations, and develop corrective action plans.
• Represent the division in interagency meetings, provide technical assistance, respond to public inquiries, and support collaborative public health initiatives.

Work Location:

100 H Street,

Eureka, CA 95501

Work Hours:

Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm during probation; alternative schedules as appropriate to meet program demands.

DEFINITION

Under direction, plans, organizes and directs the Countys environmental health and related programs; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class supervises a staff of environmental health specialists and vector control personnel in the conduct of field inspections and investigations and the enforcement of sanitary regulations. This class is distinguished from the Director of Environmental Health in that the latter has overall management responsibility for planning, developing and administering all County environmental health programs and activities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Assists in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Environmental Health division.
• Participates in the preparation and administration of the divisions budget.
• Plans, organizes, assigns, reviews, evaluates, and directs the work of assigned staff; provides technical and administrative supervision for employees in professional training.
• Participates in the selection of personnel and conducts orientation and in-service training programs.
• Confers with and provides professional assistance to County departments on environmental health and related matter.
• Directs complex special studies, surveys, inspections, investigations and analytic studies; reviews findings and makes recommendations to appropriate County management.
• Reviews staff reports and makes field visits to ensure enforcement of sanitary codes and regulations.
• Consults with professional and technical staff to resolve field problems; conducts the more complex and difficult inspections.
• Evaluates and determines appropriate action in cases of persistent sanitation violations and prepares cases for prosecution.
• Represents the County in contacts and meetings with other agencies and organizations.
• Prepares technical reports pertaining to County environment health matters.
• Maintains current knowledge of technology and technical advancements in the field of health, sanitation or a related biological field.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of effective employee supervision, including selection, training, evaluation and discipline.
• Principles and practices of budgetary control and administration.
• Principles of chemistry, zoology, hazardous materials management, occupational health, toxicology waste management, industrial hygiene and environmental engineering.
• Principles and practices of rodent and vector control, including equipment and materials utilized.
• Principles and practices of sanitary food production, processing and handling.
• Local, state and federal environmental health and safety regulations and requirements.

Skill in:

• Planning, organizing, assigning, reviewing, evaluating and directing the work of assigned staff.
• Training staff in work procedures.
• Evaluating rodent and vector problems and recommending corrective action.
• Evaluating and determining substance composition through testing and analysis.
• Educating the public to the need for maintaining sanitary and non-hazardous conditions.
• Explaining and interpreting a variety of rules, regulations and laws.
• Reading and interpreting property and other plans and blueprints.
• Preparing clear, concise and complete technical reports and other correspondence.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California drivers license.
• Must possess a valid Certificate of Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist in the State of California.

Desirable Education and Experience:

• A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:
• Equivalent to graduation from a college or university with major coursework in environmental health, sanitation or a related biological field and two years of certificated experience as an Environmental Health Specialist in a public health agency.
• Some lead or supervisory experience is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you dont miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your applications progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT

The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program:

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance

• Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS

• County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage

• Additional Insurance Coverage

• Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents

• Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents

• County-Provided Benefits

• Life Insurance

• Longevity Pay

• Educational Reimbursement

• Deferred Compensation

• Employee Assistance Program

• Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits

Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION

1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)

4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)

11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)

16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)

21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS

Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE

Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

INCENTIVE PAY

County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.

Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at Human Resources | Humboldt County, CA - Official Website for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.

01

This position requires driving on behalf of the County of Humboldt. Do you possess, or can you obtain, a valid California drivers license, prior to your date of hire per California Department of Motor Vehicle regulations?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires a valid Certificate of Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist in the State of California. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03

Please describe your education related to environmental health, sanitation, or a related biological field. Include the name of the college or university, degree earned (if applicable), major or field of study, and date completed.

04

Please give a brief description of your certificated experience as an Environmental Health Specialist in a public health agency.

05

Describe a time when you supervised or led an environmental health program or team. What approach did you take to ensure regulatory compliance, consistent performance, and effective communication among staff?

06

Environmental health regulations often change and can be technically complex. Can you provide an example of how you interpreted a new or updated regulation and guided staff or stakeholders through its implementtation?

07

Supervising Environmental Health Specialists often respond to time-sensitive or high-risk public health concerns. Describe a challenging field situation you handled. How did you assess the risk, make decisions, and support the staff involved?

08

Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position?

Required Question

Employer County of Humboldt

Address 825 5th Street, Room 100

Eureka, California, 95501

Phone 707-476-2349