Assistant Environmental Health Specialist

The Assistant Environmental Health Specialist (AEHS) is the trainee level in the Environmental Health Specialist series.

Satisfactory performance at this trainee level involves completion of a comprehensive training academy and on-the-job training in a broad range of skills, techniques, and procedures.  Essential job duties and functions include:

• Learn techniques and demonstrate knowledge of public health laws and regulations including enforcement of health codes, conducting food safety inspections and investigations, issuing permits, and all the core competencies required to take the California Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) exam 
• Interact daily with food facility operators, pool operators, business owners, and members of the public to explain violations, regulatory requirements, and provide education on laws and prevention strategies to ensure public health and safety
• Enforce public health laws and regulations, including driving to various locations to conduct inspections of restaurants, mobile food facilities, pools, and spas which involve:
  • entering kitchens, mechanical rooms, pool pump rooms, and other environments that may be noisy, wet, or physically restrictive 
  • conducting inspections both indoors and outdoors in hot, cold, rainy, or humid weather conditions  
  • carrying inspection equipment up to 30 pounds 
  • identifying violations and determining corrective actions to ensure compliance
  • communicating and documenting findings in detailed inspection reports provided to the public
• Handle challenging and complex situations in a professional manner with facility operators to address non-compliance and enforce regulations, including delivering corrective action plans that may be met with resistance or confrontation