Salary : $125,440.64 - $151,925.28 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-V18-A
Department: Department of Environmental Health
Division: DEH - Consumer Protection Division
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 15

Description

Under direction, to perform direct, highly specialized, complex duties within a specific environmental health field enforcing applicable regulations, laws, codes, policies and procedures.
The Environmental Health Branch is currently recruiting for one (1) full-time Senior Environmental Health Specialist position in the Land Use Program. This position will act as a program lead for alternative onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), drinking water systems, joint enforcement investigations for noise and land use violations, and coverage in the Planning Department.
Typical Tasks
The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Conducts specialized and complex studies, investigations and inspections and makes recommendations;
• Assists in the development of new programs, methods, and techniques related to the area of specialty; recommends program goals, policies and procedures;
• Reviews new laws and their implications and communicates these to staff;
• Serves as staff consultant in area of specialization and provides orientation and in-service training;
• May provide lead duties based on individual assignments or may serve as a lead environmental health specialist in the area of specialty;
• Mentors journey and entry level staff;
• Serves as County's consultant in area of specialty by attending and participating on task forces, commissions and committees;
• Maintains liaison with Federal, State and local agencies;
• Recommends program goals, policies and procedures; updates and edits sections of County Ordinance Code relating to specialty area;
• Works in partnership with industry and other government agencies to develop and implement training programs pursuant to new laws and regulations; develops procedures manuals and provides training in area of specialty;
• Conducts food safety certification classes for food facility owners/managers;
• Reviews environmental impact studies regarding noise, land use, solid waste and water projects to determine compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
• Inspects and investigates difficult environmental health conditions including water supplies, food establishments, certified farmers' market, sewage disposal, solid/medical waste facilities, body art establishments, pumper and refuse collection vehicles, correctional institutions, food vehicles, and temporary events. Reviews noise monitoring studies, noise reduction plans and manure management plans;
• Participates in joint investigations with Federal, State and local agencies including police, fire, zoning, public health, code enforcement, building and other agencies; investigates consumer product tampering incidents;
• Reviews and approves plans for the construction of swimming pools, food establishments and other projects;
• Analyzes and interprets the impact of legislative changes on area of specialty. Interprets and applies laws and regulations related to area of specialization; proposes methods for compliance;
• Determines program funding needs either within budget constraints or by obtaining outside funding; writes funding requests and grant proposals and administers approved grant programs; prepares contracts and implements, monitors and evaluates compliance of contract terms;
• Advises on a wide variety of health practices and enforces compliance with laws, regulations and ordinances;
• Investigates complaints and suspected violations of environmental health laws, regulations and ordinances and ensures abatement of such violations;
• Confers with and advises engineers, architects, planners, contractors, building officials, developers and others on review of major building, remodeling plans and closed landfill sites;
• Gathers evidence of violations of applicable laws and prepares investigative reports for court actions; testifies as an expert witness in depositions/appeals cases with County Hearing Officer and other judicial proceedings;
• Issues citations and appears as issuing officer in court;
• May prepare cases for referral to County Counsel/District Attorney for prosecution;
• Executes enforcement actions such as closures, impounds, and embargos;
• Keeps abreast of new science, technologies and trends; develops an understanding of new environmental laws and regulations related to the area of specialization;
• Participates in continuing education as required by departmental needs and assignments or state regulations;
• Conducts training on environmental health issues;
• Updates and edits department web site to reflect new information in area of specialty;
• Collects samples of water, food, beverage, potentially hazardous substances and other specimens for laboratory tests;
• Organizes and sets the agenda items or attends meetings and confers with community groups and governmental officials;
• Keeps records and prepares written and oral reports;
• Issues ministerial and discretionary permits; collects fees for same when required;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through three (3) years of recent full-time Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) work experience related to enforcement of Federal, State, and/or Local Government health/environmental regulations.
and
Possession and maintenance of a valid Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certification issued by the California Department of Public Health for the duration of employment in this classification.

Special Requirements

• Some positions may require the possession of appropriate training and certifications, including Certified Lead Inspector/Assessor certification in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, blood borne pathogen training and certification and any others that may be necessary to perform duties assigned.

• Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSQ is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;

• Environmental health provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and California Code of Regulations, California State Public Resources Codes, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA processes), and provisions of the California Penal Code relating to public nuisances;
• Environmental Justice Proceedings as it relates to land fill permits and other public notices;
• The principles of environmental health and safety and environmental and sanitary sciences;
• The techniques used in conducting environmental and epidemiological investigations;
• The methods and procedures used in inspecting and correcting unsanitary conditions;
• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications;

• Perform high level technical assignments requiring possession and application of knowledge and skills in a designated specialty area(s);
• Interpret and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to environmental health;
• Mentor, coordinate, evaluate, train and direct the work of lower-level employees;
• Provide guidance to journey level and entry level staff in designated specialty program areas;
• Deal tactfully and effectively with members of policy boards, commissions, elected, appointed public officials, media and the general public;
• Keep accurate records;
• Prepare clear, concise reports;
• Gather and present data effectively;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Represent division or department as an expert in area of specialty;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;

• Use computer systems and applications;
• Meet respiratory protection program requirements.

Physical Requirements

• (Prolonged) Sitting, standing, and/or walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces;

• Frequent movements including but not limited to (bending, crawling, squatting, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead;
• Lift, drag, push and carry objects up to 50lbs;
• Working in a variety of different environments (indoor and outdoor) with various factors including but not limited to different temperatures, humidity, sanitary conditions, exposure to odors, loud noise, chemicals and working in, with and around potential hazardous materials;
• Wear protective clothing and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employme