Excellent Opportunity!
County of San Diego
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST TRAINEE
Interviews will take place the week of June 8, 2026. Job offers will be made the week of June 15, 2026.
Future Salary Increases
** June 2026 – 4.49% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + 1.49% Market Adjustment)
** June 2027 – 4.49% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the- Board + 1.49% Market Adjustment)
This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $63,814.40annually. County Employees are subject to the County promotional rule for step placement in accordance with comp Ord 1.3.5.
The Position
The Department of Environmental Health and Quality is seeking to fill an immediate vacancy within the Hazardous Materials Division (HMD) division. However, thelist may be used by other divisions within DEHQ, such as Community Health Division (CHD) as well as Land and Water Quality Program (LWQ) to fill future vacancies.
Environmental Health Specialist Trainees protect the environment, public health, and overall safety of San Diego County residents through permit review, inspection, consultation, planning, investigation and enforcement activities in a wide variety of program areas. Environmental Health Specialist Trainees receive on-the-job training to perform basic inspections and investigations for compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
See additional information on this position by visiting Environmental Health Specialist Trainee.
The Department
See additional information on the department by visiting Department of Environmental Health and Quality.
Hazardous Materials Division (HMD)
HMD is responsible for implementing several programs under the authority of CalEPA’s Unified Program. The Unified Program consolidates the administration, permitting, inspection and enforcement activities of several environmental and emergency management programs including Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventories, Underground Storage Tanks and Area Plans for Hazardous Materials Emergencies.
Community Health Division (CHD)
CHD is comprised of the Vector Control Program, which protects the public against vector-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus; the Radiological Health Program, which enforces radiation safety regulations; and the Occupational Health Program, which conducts occupational health services for County departments.
Land and Water Quality Program (LWQ)
LWQ is responsible for protecting public health and safeguarding environmental quality. LWQ oversees the proper operation and closure of solid waste facilities, the Beach and Bay Monitoring Program, and the Mobile Home Park Program. LWQ also handles permits for the installation of recycled water systems, Onsite Wastewater System Program (septic systems) – permit installations, permit installations/destructions, and protects groundwater and safe water supply. LWQ also inspects substandard housing and issues violations/condemnations, cleanup of contaminated properties, permits grey water systems for irrigation reuse, and handle permits for septic pumper trucks for the entire County.
Hiring Process and Timeline:The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum QualificationsA bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency with at least 30 semester units of core science coursework and laboratories as specified by California Department of Public Health.
Blind Applicant Screening
TheDepartment of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.Conditions of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on asix (6) month employment listbased upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference PolicyThe County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
Strategic Plan
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov)
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Diversity & Inclusion
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
