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 announcement 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:
 

• Conducts inspections, investigations and research on environmental health or sanitation problems and their control.
• Performs initial and follow-up inspections of garment manufacturing establishments and issues applicable notices of violations.
• Performs Certificate of Occupancy inspection at non-food facilities and issues applicable notice of corrections.
• Collects and transports samples following established protocols.
• Performs intake reviews and processes permit applications for food facilities, manufacturing establishments, solid and liquid waste disposal, and water wells in conformance to state and local laws and regulations
• Assists with Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPA) related inspections, audits and complaint responses.
• Performs initial surveys and complaint investigations of water supplies, landfills and dump sites, gas stations, waste facilities, industrial and commercial facilities using or storing hazardous or toxic materials as well as private premises; identifies problems and recommends solutions.
• Assists or independently conducts environmental health surveys or inspections.
• Processes construction permit applications and conducts preliminary site reviews for underground tanks, in conformance to state and local regulations
• Performs pre plan check review of plans for food facilities and underground storage tanks.
• Performs initial and follow up field surveys on non-operating food facilities; verifies accurate labeling or advertising by field testing/measuring of food or beverage products. Collects water and sewage samples for submission to the laboratory; collects recalled products from businesses.
• Performs initial investigation of complaints of environmental nuisances and blight; investigates requests for non-conforming use business permits; issues notice to abate; performs surveys to verify compliance with permit requirements.
• Researches zoning maps, general and community plans, and planning regulations to determine and inform the public of requirements and restrictions relating to the use of property or the location of water wells.
• Records and maintains data on soil characteristics and percolation rates; reviews bacteriological and chemical analysis of public water wells and compares to standards. Monitors reports of waste haulers.
• Receives and screens complaints about a variety of public health and environmental control issues and refers as appropriate.
• Performs simple maintenance and calibration of equipment.
• Uses computers to establish and maintain permit data bases and research parcel information.
• Maintains logs and records, collects fees, writes reports and correspondence, and assists in preparation for court hearings.
• Assists the public and answers inquiries about department services, programs and records; explains rules, policies, and procedures, and researches database and files; refers matters requiring policy interpretation to supervisor for resolution.
• 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 work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
Fifteen (15) semester (23 quarter) units of completed college coursework in Environmental Health, Public Health, Health Science, Environmental Science/Studies, Water Treatment, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, and/or Ecology or a closely related field and six (6) months experience performing technical support work in a regulatory, public health or environmental service environment.

Knowledge of:

• 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
• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Customer service standards and protocols.
• Basic principles of application permitting.

• Entering information into a computer system with speed and accuracy, and maintaining electronic files.
• Providing effective customer service, and dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Maintaining accurate and interrelated technical records.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Effective verbal and written communication.