Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

#CA-SS

This position serves as an Environmental Health Specialist for state and local environmental health emergency preparedness programs in a liaison role between the CDPH Center for Environmental Health and local health and environmental health departments. This position works directly with staff in the CDPH Center for Environmental Health and the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) to develop and deliver environmental health-focused emergency preparedness plans, procedures, and training statewide. The incumbent uses an risk-based approach for improving preparedness and response capabilities for CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) incidents impacting health and safety. The incumbent serves as a resource for CCDEH leading efforts to develop the statewide Emergency Support Function (ESF 8) Public Health and Medical system and related mutual aid plans and processes. The incumbent works independently or under general guidance, to assist state and local agencies develop/update disaster plans, health and safety guidance, prepares/reviews plans and reports related to emergency preparedness programs, conducts outreach, trainings, delivers presentations, and provides other essential support to local environmental health programs, as needed.

THIS IS A FULLTIME CAREER POSITION WITH A FUNDING RENEWAL DATE OF DECEMBER 2028.

Apply By Date March 17, 2026 at 11:59PM

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

• 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 and eligibility for trainer certification is acceptable.
• Certification in Incident Command System (ICS) at 100, 200, 700 and 800 levels is required.
• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's level or higher in environmental health or related health science field.
• At least (5) years of experience at state or local environmental health program.
• Experience spanning a minimum of two years of emergency management including one or more of the following: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
• Experience with emergency planning, exercises and conducting outreach.
• Public Speaking and experience developing and delivering technical training to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management experience including organizational skills to work effectively to achieve timely progress on multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Broad knowledge of emergency management processes, protocols and procedures for Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF 8) in California critical.
• Broad knowledge of environmental health programs at local-state-federal levels and experience working with senior leadership in cross-sector environmental health work.
• Excellent written communication skills to prepare presentations, guidance documentation, and reports for a variety of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to effectively express ideas assertively, clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of general state/local government processes and policies related to Public Health, Environmental Health and Emergency Management.
• Ability to work independently or under general guidance.
• 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. Proficiency with internet and software tools including Microsoft Office applications (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access).
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others to secure necessary information and cooperation from a variety of people.
• Ability to employ sound judgment to solve complex, sensitive environmental public health problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Local Environmental Health Program Training Coordination/Support
• 40% - Emergency Preparedness Program Development
• 20% - Technical Assistance/Support

Department Overview

This position reports to the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) in the Department of Public Health Sciences. The core activities of COEH are to educate future leaders in occupational and environmental health, develop new knowledge, and bring the resources of the University of California to people affected by health hazards in their workplaces or communities. 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 California Department of Public Health.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $2,954.40 - $5,360.00 (budgeted up to $4,000)
• Salary Frequency: Biweekly
• Salary Grade: 114
• UC Job Title: EHS SPEC 3 RX
• UC Job Code: 005303
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8 hours
• Location: CDPH - Sacramento (OTH006)
• Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

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.
• CA Driver's License.
• Must participate in the DMV Pull Notification program.
• In the case of a declared public health emergency and the activation of the MHCC (Medical Health Coordination Center and/or State Operations Center), the incumbent may work extended hours and on weekends / holidays in support of the CDPH emergency operations and response.
• Occasional travel throughout California may be required.
• This may require driving and/or overnight stays.

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