Under administrative direction from the County Administrator, plans, directs and administers the programs and operations of the County’s Environmental Health Department; and does related or other work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Director of Environmental Health is a single position class that is exempt from the San Joaquin County Civil Service system and is an at-will position. The incumbent is responsible for leading, managing and administering the programs, functions, budgets, and activities of the Environmental Health Department and for ensuring that all department programs and operations comply with applicable laws and regulations, as well as with the policies established by the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors. The incumbent is expected to model a strong work ethic and leadership skills, including accountability for oneself and others.
TYPICAL DUTIES
This specification is a general guideline for the class. The statements below are not restrictive, and the responsibilities and duties assigned to a position in this class may expand beyond those identified in the specification.
Plans, organizes, and directs environmental health programs and activities; directs operations to maximize efficiency, improve service levels, reduce administrative and service provision costs, and ensure effective utilization of available resources; exercises good judgment and makes sound business decisions in managing department activities; provides strategic leadership within the department through communication, demonstration, and accomplishment of the organizational mission, vision and values.
Through subordinate managers and supervisors, manages the work activities and responsibilities of departmental staff; directs and administers department personnel matters, including employee selection, assignment, and evaluation; directs employee discipline as required; directs and oversees staff development and training.
Directs staff in conducting inspections and investigations, enforcing laws and regulations, gathering data, and interpreting information such as laboratory results and related findings, oversees the review of proposals for land use and development, the assessment of contaminated sites, and the implementation of clean up and mitigation activities; may directly handle the most sensitive issues in these areas.
Assesses overall community needs in the environmental health area and develops and implements appropriate programs and services; confers with a wide variety of public and private officials and the general public; interprets laws, regulations and policies.
Reviews and analyzes information and statistical data on departmental activities; uses the information and analysis to anticipate potential issues or trends; develops and delivers complex reports and correspondence; interprets laws, regulations and technical environmental health information; insures that required records are maintained.
Directs the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures; analyzes and interprets existing and proposed legislation as well as various regulations, policies, procedures and other directives to determine the impact on operations; establishes goals and objectives and evaluates conformance and attainment to determine the need for further development.
Directs the development and administration of department budget(s); monitors expenditures and develops control procedures; develops grant proposals and administers expenditure of funds; insures appropriate accounting of fees collected; analyzes services to determine appropriate levels of service and to ensure cost effectiveness and superior customer service.
Attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and provides recommendations on matters germane to areas of assignment; confers with management staff on policies, procedures and workload standards and directs changes as needed; attends public hearings and meetings; makes presentations to various interest groups.
Directs and manages the effective development and utilization of technology to improve systems and processes.
Develops and maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with State and County officials, other counties, community groups, and the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited university with a master’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, public health, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
Experience: Seven years of senior-level management experience overseeing a variety of comprehensive, environmental health-related programs and operations in a public agency setting that required possession of a Registered Environmental Health Specialist certificate (see below).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
License: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
Certificate: Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist issued by the California Department of Health Services.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of public administration, including effective organization, administration, fiscal management, and supervision; principles and practices, as well as federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards, associated with environmental health programs; agencies, officials and resources involved in the environmental health field; authority delegated to local law enforcement agencies; principles and practices of budgeting, program management, project management, long-range planning and customer service; methods of gathering, organizing and presenting data; principles of obtaining and managing grants; language mechanics; principles and practices of public relations; social, political and economic issues influencing program administration; modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to assigned operations.
ABILITY
Plan and direct the operations and programs associated with a large and complex environmental health agency; efficiently and effectively apply the principles, practices, and techniques of environmental health program administration in a cost effective manner while ensuring excellent customer service; provide appropriate and effective leadership and management over diverse staff teams, including subordinate managers and supervisors; exercise good judgment and make sound managerial decisions; exercise analytical and critical thinking to analyze complex problems and recommend appropriate solutions; formulate short and long-range plans; understand, interpret and apply legal codes, technical and legal material, regulations, and rules pertaining to assigned programs and operations; prepare and administer budgets, as well as fiscal and financial records; communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing; prepare and deliver thorough and comprehensive written reports and give oral presentations to small and large groups; direct the utilization of complex automated systems and manage automation efforts, including the direction of systems development, maintenance, and operation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including other County departments, external agencies, employees, and the general public; effectively represent the department in meetings, conferences, enforcement actions, and other official contacts.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility — frequent repetitive motion and operation of a data entry device; frequent sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time; occasional driving; occasional pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing; Lifting —frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual — constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; frequent distinguishing between various items, including pests and health conditions; frequent reading of computer screens; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity – frequent use of normal dexterity, including writing and repetitive motion; occasional reaching and grasping; Hearing/Talking — frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person; Emotional/Psychological—frequent decision making, concentration, and public contact; occasional public speaking, dealing with emergency situations, exposure to trauma, grief, death; occasional exposure to heights and potential exposure to hazardous materials; Special Requirements--some assignments may require working weekends or nights, and/or working alone; Environmental—frequent work in an indoor office environment; occasional exposure to varied weather conditions, poor ventilation.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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