Salary : $80,262.72 - $105,005.52 Annually
Location : Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: 28955-D
Department: County Wide
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

The Position
This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:
7/1/2026, *7/15/2026, *7/29/2026 (final)

Level 1 - $6,688.56 /month
Level 2 - $7,200.08 - $8,750.46 /month

Environmental Specialists apply scientific theory and methods to identify, research, and resolve environmental issues in the areas of regulatory compliance, public health, environmental health and pollution prevention.

Environmental Specialist is a single class with two levels: Environmental Specialist (Level II) and Environmental Specialist (Level I). The level at which initial appointments are made and when advancements occur are at the discretion of the appointing authority. Incumbents may advance from Level I to Level II, if they have: (1) met the minimum and special qualifications, and (2) have demonstrated the ability to perform the responsibilities required at the higher performance level.

The County of Sacramento's Environmental Management Department consists of two divisions, Environmental Protection and Environmental Health. Candidates on the eligible list may be considered to fill vacancies in either division. To be considered for a position with Environmental Health, you must either possess written proof of acceptance of education required by the State of California Environmental Health Services (i.e., the Environmental Health Specialist Trainee letter), or possess a valid certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by the State of California. Other departments within the County also employ Environmental Specialists but may not require the Environmental Health Specialist Trainee letter or the REHS.
Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Principles of environmental compliance assurance
• Principles of environmental sciences
• Mathematical compilation and analysis
• Principles of chemistry and chemical reactions
• Effects of waste material on water quality and land quality and the interactions of waste with the environment
• Environmental practices with special reference to their general effect on public health and the quality of the environment
• Laws, codes, regulations, and policies affecting the department's operations and programs
• Applicable tools, equipment and materials
• Principles and procedures of interviewing and fact-finding
• Principles, practices and techniques of customer service

Ability to

• Read English at a level necessary to examine, interpret, and apply scientific, legal, technical, and complex guidelines, documents, records and reports
• Speak English at a level necessary to communicate clearly and effectively
• Write English at a level necessary to produce concise, accurate and impartial reports, narratives, summaries and recommendations
• Communicate, verbally and in writing, scientific and technical terminology into terms understandable to the general public
• Locate, research, interpret, and apply environmental laws and regulations
• Work independently within established guidelines, prioritize and coordinate activities, and meet critical deadlines
• Perform work assignments related to environmental inspections, compliance, monitoring, regulation, and research
• Work cooperatively with others; build and maintain constructive relationships with those encountered during course of work; respond effectively and tactfully to hostility, confusion or concerns expressed by others
• Collect, process, evaluate, and summarize scientific and technical data and ideas to make effective decisions and develop appropriate solutions
• Develop, prepare, and present studies and reports to governmental boards, civic organizations and other groups
• Effectively represent the department in contacts and relationships with the public, local business community and other government agencies
• Use sound judgment and personal initiative to accomplish assignments
• Use appropriate interpersonal style and approach to ensure team cohesiveness and cooperation

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Specialist (Level I)
Either: 1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with major in health science, public health, natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field

Or: 2. Written proof of acceptance of education required by the State of California Environmental Health Services. Incumbents assigned to positions requiring State Certification must achieve certification/registration within the period prescribed by State Law or be subject to dismissal under applicable Civil Service Rules.
Note: Applicants interested in Environmental Health positions are required to provide the acceptance letter mentioned above.

Environmental Specialist (Level II)

Either: 1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with major in health science, public health, natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field.
- and -

One year of professional experience in environmental regulation, analysis, or environmental research performing duties and responsibilities equivalent to the Environmental Specialist (Level I) class in Sacramento County service.

Or: 2. Possession of valid certification as Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by State of California.

Or: 3. Possession of valid certification as Registered Dairy Inspector by State of California.

Or: 4. Possession of a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in health science, public health, natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field.

Note: Applicants interested in Environmental Health positions are required to provide documentation of the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)

Note: Up to one year of the required education may be substituted by full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience similar to that described on the basis of 173.6 hours = 21.7 days = 1 work month = 3 semester or 4.5 quarter units.

Note: If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

Special Requirements

Physical Requirements: Ability to stoop and kneel to conduct inspections, take water and other environmental samples, and inspect equipment; climb fences, stairs, and ladders; walk rough terrain and muddy fields; work in an underground environment; climb in and out of swimming pools under construction; wear protective clothing; normal hearing; normal verbal communication ability; visually distinguish between colors; calibrate and use technical and monitoring instruments; read gauges and meters; and see in dimly lit areas.

Work Schedule and Conditions: Incumbents are subject to work in adverse weather conditions, emergency situations, and perform duties outside of normal working hours, as necessary.

Professional Certification/Registration Requirements: Failure to maintain required certification/registration constitutes cause for suspension or termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

Some positions, allocated to Environmental Specialist (Level II) and higher levels, require possession of a valid certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) issued by the State of California. (Registration as a REHS is not required for appointment to Level I positions.)

Some positions, allocated to Environmental Specialist (Level II) and higher levels, require possession of a valid certification as a Registered Dairy Inspector, issued by the State of California.

Some positions, allocated to Environmental Specialist (Level II) and higher levels, may require possession of valid certifications, as deemed necessary by legislative mandate or appropriate regulatory authority in the State of California.

General License Requirements: All classes in this series require possession of, or ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, before the date of appointment. Failure to obtain and maintain a valid California Driver's License constitutes cause for suspension or termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

Special Skills: Some positions in the series may require the ability to speak, read, and/or write a language, in addition to English, or working knowledge of a specific culture, such as Black Culture, Mexican/Spanish Culture, or Asian Culture.

Probationary PeriodThe probationary period for this classification issix (6) months.
Application and Testing Information
APPLICATION
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here to apply.