This Classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026.
Butte County Public Health is recruiting for a full-time, Environmental Health Technician, TERM position.
THIS IS A TERM POSITION SET TO END December 31, 2026. The need for a term position can expire at any time between appointment date and expiration date. For terms and conditions concerning the appointment of a Term employee, see Section 6.12j of the Butte County Merit System and Personnel Rules.
Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.
FLSA: Non-Exempt
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, processes applications, permits, and related documentation for various environmental health programs, as needed; explains and applies a variety of regulations and policies regarding environmentally sensitive actions; performs routine field inspections to ensure compliance; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of environmental health programs. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
- Provides information to contractors, the public, property owners and others on laws and ordinances governing environmental health programs and ordinances including septic and water well permitting.
- Receives, reviews and accepts environmental health permit applications; reviews applications for completeness; determines and collects applicable fees; prepares and issues receipts; accepts supporting documents from applicants, contractors and others.
- Assists in the sample collection of water, waste, earther, plant, and animal matter according to established sampling procedures; reviews and maintains sample data to determine compliance with state and local laws and regulations.
- Assists professional staff by performing routine field surveys and inspections.
- Logs and maintains various data and records; prepares reports and routine notices; researches permit and code enforcement issues as necessary.
- Maintains accurate files and records.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Basic environmental health practices and terminology.
- Policies and procedures of the Division of Environmental Health.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
- Permitting and fee calculation processes for assigned program areas.
- Methods and techniques of conducting routine inspections in assigned areas.
- Methods and techniques of taking and preserving water and wastewater samples.
- Recordkeeping principles and practices.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability To:
- Process a variety of environmental health program applications.
- Interpret and apply state and federal regulations.
- Conductive effective site inspections.
- Prepare and submit data and findings from inspections.
- Research and compile statistical and narrative information.
- Prepare and maintain a variety of accurate written records and reports.
- Review site plans to ensure health and safety compliance.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and
Two (2) years of experience providing customer service and support to an environmental or public health program.
Certifications and Licenses:
- Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS When assigned to an office environment:
- Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
- Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
- Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
- Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
When assigned to field inspections:
- Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel and bend, to climb and descend ladders and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
- Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects averaging a weight 20, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
- Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
- Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.
WORKING CONDITIONS- Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
- Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
- Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED- Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.
Disaster Service WorkerAll Butte County 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.