Environment Health Safety Specialist

#CA-SS

THIS IS A CAREER POSITION WITH A FUNDING RENEWAL DATE OF December 31, 2028. THIS POSITION IS SPONSORED AND LOCATED within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)1500 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814.

The EH&S 4 position reports to State Contract Services within the Department of Public Health Sciences. The EHS 4 works to achieve CDPH's Center for Environmental Health (CEH), departmental, and statewide emergency preparedness, response and recovery goals in conjunction with the environmental health, public health and emergency preparedness programs within CDPH. This includes, radiological and nuclear, biological, and hazardous material/chemical threats. The EHS 4 provides leadership for emergency management matters in a liaison role between CDPH and local environmental health programs. Also serves as a resource for the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, the CA Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) leading efforts to develop the statewide Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 Public Health and Medical mutual assistance system including mutual aid plans and processes.The EHS 4 directs, plans, oversees and manages the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program at CEH including workplans, budgets, and progress reporting. The incumbent ensures alignment of CEH activities of both federal- and state funded activities for emergency management. The EHS 4 directs emergency management program development, consultation, and services through CEH's Environmental Health Support Section staff. The incumbent works with CCDEH, CDC and FEMA to develop and deliver environmental health-focused training statewide. The EHS 4 develops plans, procedures and strategies with the CDPH CEH and Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR), and statewide committees that serve local environmental health programs to improve communication, coordination, identify resource needs, and enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery operations.

The EHS 4 serves in a lead role within the EHSS, Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 at the State Operations Center and the Medical and Health Coordination Center in a designated disaster. Provides appropriate emergency response expertise and, where applicable, a designated departmental role. Promotes and contributes to a successful team oriented work environment ensuring interdependence and cooperation, constructive and positive communications, and mutual support. Provides guidance to emergency preparedness (EP) staff by clarifying roles and responsibilities, regularly offering feedback on their performance and coaching to achieve their full potential. The EHS 4 works on professional committees and assignments, participates in professional training and attends relevant conferences, and provides mentoring to staff and outside environmental health professionals on a formal or informal basis.

Apply By Date February 20, 2026 at 11:59PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Certification in Incident Command System (ICS) at 100, 200, 700 and 800 levels is required.
• Certified as Trainer for Environmental Health Training in Emergency Response Operations (EHTER Ops) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Center for Domestic Preparedness. Completion of EHTER Ops is acceptable.
• Bachelor's level or higher in environmental health or related health science field or equivalent experience / training
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience at state and/or local level in environmental health programs.
• At least two (2) years of which are at a leadership level responsible and involve shaping and overseeing jurisdictional level policies and procedures in emergency management.
• Equivalent experience in complex, sensitive, multijurisdictional environmental public health projects will be considered in lieu of advanced qualifications.
• Broad knowledge of environmental health programs at local-state-federal levels and experience working with senior leadership in cross-sector environmental health work.
• Program management experience including budgeting, program evaluation, developing workplans, progress tracking and reporting and overseeing staff assignments to successful completion.
• Demonstrated experience in program development and technical training delivery along with experience in developing an outreach program and partner collaborations.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communication.
• Demonstrated experience developing jurisdictional plans, conducting program evaluations, and skill to identify needs, gaps and deficiencies.
• Skills to write analytical reports and proposals that are concise and logical.
• Proven skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution.
• Demonstrated skill to communicate issues and recommendations both verbally and in written form, including communicating complex ideas and data through use of text, graphs and tables.
• Demonstrated management and conflict resolution skills to effectively lead, oversee, provide direction and motivate staff.
• Public Speaking and experience developing and delivering technical training to diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and strategic communication skills to effectively lead, motivate and influence others and develop and maintain high standards of customer service.
• Excellent oral and written communication and persuasion skills to effectively interact with staff, colleagues, public officials, and supervisor, including the ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Self-learner and ability to multitask and balance heavy workloads.
• Must have willingness, flexibility and adaptability to shift priorities in rapidly changing situations if needed.
• Knowledge of common computer application programs.
• Proven ability to organize work functions in an efficient and effective manner

Preferred Qualifications

• Registration as a California Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is preferred.
• Certification in ICS 300, 400 and Standardized Emergency Management Systems (SEMS) is strongly preferred.
• Master's or higher degree in Environmental Health and / or Registered Environmental Health Specialist credential is highly desired.
• Proven knowledge and experience with grant/finance management policies, practices and systems, e.g. federal cooperative agreements is strongly preferred, such as PHEP.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Emergency Management Program Development and Lead
• 30% - Local Public Health and Environmental Health Program Training and Support
• 25% - PHEP Program Coordination
• 5% - Other Duties

Department Overview

The Department of Public Health Sciences is a large complex teaching, research and clinical department in the UC Davis School of Medicine. The mission of the Department of Public Health Sciences is to improve the health of people using approaches based in epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, and behavioral science through research, educational programs, clinical programs, public service, and policy development. The mission of the Emergency Preparedness contract is to develop and support statewide preparations and response to public health emergencies in partnership with the Emergency Preparedness Office in the California Department of Public Health (Department).

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $7,891.66 - $14,775.00, budgeted up to $10,166.67
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 24
• UC Job Title: EHS SPEC 4
• UC Job Code: 000358
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8 hours
• Location: No Physical Access (NOPHYSACC)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% remote

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Occasional travel for trainings and work meetings.
• Respond in the case of a statewide public health emergency.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks